The One Bermuda Alliance was surprised by yesterday’s decision by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London. Here we are in 2022 and we are still lagging when it comes to protecting the rights of same sex couples.
The UK Court’s decision means the legality of same sex marriage is firmly a matter for the elected members of Parliament to decide upon. At present, Bermuda’s laws do not impose on our state an obligation to give legal recognition to same sex marriage.
Our constitution does not protect individuals against discrimination based on sexual orientation, even though they are protected against discrimination based on race, place of origin, political opinion, colour and creed.
The One Bermuda Alliance supports the comments previously made by Lord Pannick, QC that Bermuda is a multicultural country with people of different beliefs and it would be unconstitutional for the government to create a hierarchy of beliefs by showing preference.
We would like to express our empathy for the Appellants, Mr Ferguson, OUTBermuda, Mary Ellen Jackson and others, as surely they must feel that their desire for marriage equality has yet again been stymied. This needs to be addressed by the Government, and Parliament as we are one Bermuda.
There are those beyond our shores who will be undoubtedly paying close attention to this judicial outcome in London.
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