"We are urging the court to support Hawaii's families and not undermine them by radically redefining the institution of marriage," said Donald L. Hallstrom, a regional representative of the church in Hawaii. "If the lower court's ruling is not overturned, Hawaii could be the first state to legalize homosexual and lesbian marriages. Gay couples could then be married in Hawaii, and other states could be required to legally recognize those marriages," Elder Hallstrom said.