HONOLULU -- The state Senate on Friday approved Senate Bill 232, relating to Civil Unions, at its regular daily session.

The bill says unmarried, unrelated couples may have a judge or clergy solemnize their civil union, which will provide the same responsibilities and benefits of marriage under state law.

The bill passed the full Senate 19-6. The six no votes were Sens. Donna Kim, Will Espero, Ron Kouchi, Mike Gabbard, Sam Slom and Donovan Delacruz.

The bill is nearly identical to HB 444, which passed last year in the last moments of the legislature, only to be vetoed by Gov. Linda Lingle. New Gov. Neil Abercrombie has promised to sign whatever civil unions legislation is approved. Abercrombie has said he it is a simple issue of civil rights.

"The stars are aligned from here to the fifth floor," Majority Leader Sen. Brickwood Galuteria said.

"This is not a civil right. This is an effort to blur and then erase the lines that defines marriage," Sen. Sam Slom said.

After Friday's vote, the measure moves to the state House, where, leaders said, it is also expected to pass with a wide margin after some technical amendments.

Sen. Clayton Hee said he hopes to consult with the House during the amendment process. If the amendments are agreeable to the Senate, the bill could win final approval without further Senate hearings, and go directly to the governor for his signature.

Supporters hope one amendment would move the effective date to July 1, 2011, and take effect without government rulemaking, which would mean civil unions could begin this summer.

Opponents argue that civil unions are the same thing as same-sex marriage, which they say would erode the institution of marriage, weaken the family unit and encourage what they believe is an unhealthy, immoral lifestyle choice.

Gay rights supporters said being homosexual is not a choice, and gay citizens deserve the same legal rights as everyone else when it comes to marriage. They say allowing gay unions will encourage stable families and give comfort to people struggling with the negative stereotypes of applied to homosexuality.