Same-sex marriage in Bermuda explained

Same-sex marriage is currently not recognised nor performed in Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory, but it was legal between 2017 and 2022. However, marriages performed during that period remain valid.

Same-sex marriage first became legal on 5 May 2017, when the Supreme Court of Bermuda declared that same-sex couples had a legal right to marry in the territory after a couple filed suit against the government. However, a bill to ban same-sex marriage and establish domestic partnerships was passed by the Parliament in December 2017 and went into effect on 1 June 2018 though same-sex marriages performed before that day remained legally recognised.

In response to the renewed ban on same-sex marriage, two legal challenges were filed opposing the domestic partnership law. On 6 June 2018, the Supreme Court struck down the parts of the domestic partnership law that banned same-sex marriages but stayed the ruling while the government appealed to the Court of Appeal. The appeals court upheld the right of same-sex couples to marry when it handed down its ruling on 23 November 2018. The government challenged the Court of Appeal's ruling to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, which reversed the appeals court's finding on 14 March 2022, and banned same-sex marriage in Bermuda once again.[1] [2] [3]

Legal history

Background

The Bermudian Government first made clear in 2004 that it would not consider the recognition of civil unions or same-sex marriages.[4] In May 2006, MP Renee Webb tabled a private member's bill to add sexual orientation to the Human Rights Act 1981. The bill was squashed when the Parliament of Bermuda refused to discuss it. Socially, the situation was hard enough that some gay residents had chosen to emigrate, particularly to London, United Kingdom, where Bermudians and other British Overseas Territories citizens have a right to reside, to be able to live openly. One such emigrant noted that same-sex relationships had to essentially be secret, with partners introduced only as "friends" and relationships between two Bermudians as being very difficult.[5] In June 2013, Parliament passed legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation under the Human Rights Act 1981.[6]

On 18 June 2013, Premier Craig Cannonier ruled out same-sex marriage in Bermuda: "I can assure you that under my leadership this is not about same-sex marriage, and under my leadership that will not happen."[7] [8]

An amendment to Section 15 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1974, which required marriage to be between a man and a woman, was introduced to Parliament in 2016. The amendment would have overriden the Human Rights Act 1981s anti-discrimination provisions on the basis of sexual orientation and retain language stating that marriage is limited to a man and a woman. On 8 July 2016, the House of Assembly passed the bill by 20 votes to 10,[9] but on 21 July 2016 the Senate rejected the legislation by a 5–6 vote.[10] [11]

Referendum (2016)

See main article: 2016 Bermudian same-sex union and marriage referendum. On 11 February 2016, Attorney General Trevor Moniz announced that the government would introduce a bill to create civil unions for same-sex couples. He ruled out the legalisation of same-sex marriage.[12] On 29 February 2016, it was announced that a referendum on both same-sex marriage and civil unions was planned.[13] On 12 March, Premier Michael Dunkley announced that the referendum would take place mid-to-late June 2016.[14] The results of the referendum would not be binding and were described by Dunkley as "only a way to get some clarity on the issue". Voters were asked two questions: "Are you in favour of same-sex marriage in Bermuda?" and "Are you in favour of same-sex civil unions in Bermuda?"[15] Opposition Leader Marc Bean added that once the results of the referendum were announced the government would govern accordingly.

The non-binding referendum on same-sex unions was held in Bermuda on 23 June 2016.[16] [17] [18] Both proposals were rejected by 60–70% of voters though the referendum was legally invalid, as less than 50% of eligible voters turned out.[19]

Legal proceedings

A November 2015 ruling from the Supreme Court of Bermuda held that the same-sex partners of Bermuda residents should have the same rights to employment and benefits as all other spouses in Bermuda without restrictions from immigration requirements.[20] The government did not indicate that it would appeal the decision; but it asked for implementation of the judgment to be suspended for an evaluation of the full scope of the judgment on such laws affecting "bankruptcy, estates, wills, succession rules, the right to inherit or receive bequests, health insurance legislation, pensions and social insurance".[21] The ruling came into effect on 29 February 2016.[22] [23]

In June 2016, after the referendum, two same-sex couples indicated they would apply for marriage licenses and hope for a court ruling to settle the issue.[24] On 6 July 2016, a male same-sex couple filed notice of their intent to marry with an accompanying letter from their attorney requesting that the banns be posted within two days. The letter went on to state that unless the registrar notified the parties within two days, proceedings would be initiated in the Supreme Court.[25] On 8 July 2016, the Registrar General's office rejected the application to publish banns for the same-sex couple that had applied for a license earlier in the week,[26] which prompted their attorney to file a writ asking the Supreme Court to determine if the refusal contravened the provisions of the Human Rights Act.[27]

The case was heard by acting Chief Justice Charles-Etta Simmons of the Supreme Court on 1–3 February 2017.[28] [29] [30]

Supreme Court ruling (2017)

Judge Charles-Etta Simmons issued her ruling in favour of same-sex marriage on 5 May 2017.[31] Judge Simmons wrote that "on the facts, the applicants (Winston Godwin and his Canadian fiancé Greg DeRoche) were discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation when the Registrar refused to process their notice of intended marriage.... The applicants are entitled to an Order of Mandamus compelling the Registrar to act in accordance with the requirements of the Marriage Act 1944 and a declaration that same-sex couples are entitled to be married under the Marriage Act 1944."[31] [32]

The Rainbow Alliance issued a statement praising the ruling: "the ruling is a victory for all same-gender loving people in Bermuda [and] ensures that same-gender couples can enjoy the same legal protections as heterosexual spouses do". The group Preserve Marriage criticised the ruling as "an attack on traditional marriage [and] on Christian and other faith-based traditional values".[33] [34]

Judge Simmons' ruling included a draft order giving effect to the judgement, but she heard from counsel on precise terms of the final order before giving it effect.[35] [36] The final order, which included a requirement on the part of the government to pay the petitioners' legal costs, was published on 22 September 2017.[37] [38] On 9 May 2017, Minister of Home Affairs Patricia Gordon-Pamplin said that the government would not appeal the ruling.[39] The Registrar General posted the first wedding banns for a same-sex couple on 17 May,[40] and the first same-sex marriage ceremony in Bermuda was performed on 31 May 2017 for Julia Saltus and Judith Aidoo.[41]

The ruling was welcomed by the operators of several cruise lines with Bermuda-flagged ships on which marriage ceremonies are performed under Bermuda law.[42] The Preserve Marriage organisation, which intervened in the proceedings, and a separate group opposed to same-sex marriage sought to appeal the decision to the full bench of the Supreme Court, but leave to appeal was not granted.[43]

Domestic Partnership Act 2018

See main article: Domestic Partnership Act 2018. After the July 2017 elections, which resulted in the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) returning a comfortable majority of MPs in the House of Assembly, PLP MP Wayne Furbert stated he would reintroduce a bill banning same-sex marriage to the Parliament in September and that he expected the bill to pass. Furbert stated the bill would need to be passed by only the Senate if it was amended. If it passed in its current form it would not need the approval of the Senate before being sent to Governor John Rankin for royal assent.[44] The government stated that if Furbert's private member's bill passed the Parliament, it would draft a bill allowing same-sex couples rights equal to non-married heterosexual couples, akin to civil unions.[45] After Furbert's announcement, several experts doubted the capacity of the bill to avoid Senate scrutiny, particularly if it was amended to make arrangements for existing same-sex marriages.[46] [47] [48]

On 2 November 2017, the newly elected government introduced a bill to replace same-sex marriage with domestic partnerships.[49] Two weeks of public consultation on the bill was held in various locations.[50] The bill was strongly criticised by human rights groups, the Human Rights Commission and the Rainbow Alliance of Bermuda, which called it "an embarrassment" and "disappointing".[51] The law would provide domestic partners with many of the same rights as married couples, particularly in areas such as pensions, inheritance, health care, tax, and immigration.[52] [53] The bill was debated in the House of Assembly and passed by a 24–10 vote on 8 December 2017.[54] It then passed the Senate by an 8–3 vote on 13 December 2017.[55] The provision of royal assent, usually a formality, was debated in the British Parliament and the subject of a lengthy review by Her Majesty's Government and Governor Rankin.[56] Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received calls to withhold approval of the bill. Eventually, on 7 February 2018, Rankin provided assent to the bill, allowing the law to go into effect on a day to be appointed by the Minister of Home Affairs.[57] [58] A number of international politicians and human rights organisations criticised the change and argued that the move would ultimately damage the island's tourist industry.[59] Same-sex marriages performed before the law commenced would remain recognised under the new law.[60] The Bermudian Tourism Authority expressed fears and concerns that Bermuda would experience an economic fallout if the law went into effect.[61]

Bermuda's repeal of same-sex marriage received significant and considerable international media coverage.[62] The Guardian and The New York Times reported that "Bermuda had become the first country to repeal same-sex marriage".[63] The repeal was met with calls for a boycott. #BoycottBermuda quickly began trending on Twitter and other social media outlets.[64] LGBT groups proposed challenging the new law in court as it "removes an established fundamental human right". Lawyer Mark Pettingill, who successfully argued in the Supreme Court in 2017 that same-sex marriage was a human right, said that any further legal action would need to be heard in higher, namely European, courts.[65]

On 28 February 2018, the Minister of Home Affairs, Walter Roban, announced that the Domestic Partnership Act 2018 would take effect on 1 June 2018.[66] Same-sex couples who wished to marry before that date had to apply for a marriage licence by 12 May.[67] [68] The Commencement Notice was issued on 9 April 2018.[69]

Legal challenges

A challenge to the law was filed with the Supreme Court on 16 February 2018.[70] [71] A second lawsuit against the law was announced on 3 April 2018.[72] [73] A hearing was held on 21 and 22 May 2018 before the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.[74] [75]

The court ruled on the matter on 6 June 2018, revoking the parts of the law that prevented same-sex couples from marrying and held that "maintaining or restoring a definition of marriage that disadvantaged those who believe in same-sex marriage discriminated against them on the grounds of their creed contrary to section 12 of the Bermuda Constitution".[76] [77] The court agreed to an application by the Attorney General of Bermuda, Kathy Lynn Simmons, to stay the ruling by six weeks to allow the government to consider an appeal.[78] [79] On 5 July, Minister of Home Affairs Robanconfirmed that an appeal had been filed with the Court of Appeal.[80] [81] The court heard oral arguments on 7, 8 and 9 November 2018.[82] On 23 November, the court upheld the Supreme Court's ruling and refused to stay the decision.[83] [84] [85] On 13 December 2018, Roban announced that the government had applied to the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal the ruling to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.[86] [87] On 29 May 2019, Roban said that permission to appeal had been granted.[88] The government filed the notice of appeal on 12 July 2019.[89] The appeal was heard on 3 and 4 February 2021.[90] The Council handed down its decision on 14 March 2022. It held by a four-to-one margin that the Domestic Partnership Acts ban on the recognition of same-sex marriage was not unconstitutional, and reversed the Court of Appeal's ruling.[3] Lord Hodge, Lady Arden, Lord Reed and Dame Victoria Sharp held that there was no provision in the Bermuda Constitution that would "nullify a legislative provision enacted by the Legislature on the ground that it had been enacted for a religious purpose" and that Section 8 of the Constitution imposed no legal obligation on the government to recognise same-sex marriage.[3] Lord Sales dissented and wrote that a gay or lesbian person seeking to marry are "hindered in the exercise of their freedom of conscience, in violation of Section 8(1) of the Constitution".[3] British academic Nicola Barker responded that the supporters of same-sex marriage would stand a good chance of overturning the Council's ruling at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).[91] The plaintiffs lodged a case, Ferguson and Others v United Kingdom, with the ECHR in July 2022.[92]

A March 2019 estimate showed that the court cases surrounding same-sex marriage had cost between $120,000 and $150,000.[93] However, a May 2019 estimate by the association OutBermuda suggested that the court cases were likely to cost taxpayers as much as $3 million.[94]

Reaction and aftermath

In July 2022, the Parliament passed a law to legally recognise same-sex marriages performed prior to the March 2022 Privy Council ruling.[95]

During a parliamentary hearing in February 2023, Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle questioned the British Government's decision to block a cannabis decriminalisation bill while having not intervened to block the Domestic Partnership Act back in 2018.[96]

Statistics

Between May 2017 and June 2018, 20 same-sex couples married in Bermuda, of which 14 on the island itself and 6 on board Bermudian-registered ships. By May 2019, there had been two more same-sex marriages since the Court of Appeal's judgment in November 2018.

By May 2019, three couples had entered into domestic partnerships.[94]

Public opinion

An opinion poll conducted in July 2010 showed that 27% of respondents supported same-sex marriage and 51% were against.[97]

An October 2015 poll conducted by Global Research and commissioned by The Royal Gazette found that 48% of Bermudians supported same-sex marriage and 44% opposed it.[98]

On 23 June 2016 Bermudian same-sex union and marriage referendum was held, turn out was below the 50% required at 46.89% but both questions returned negative verdicts. On same-sex marriage: For 31.51% vs Against 68.49% and on same-sex civil unions: For 36.80% vs Against 62.55%

An August 2020 opinion poll conducted by Global Research showed that 53% of Bermudians supported same-sex marriage. Support was higher among 18–34-year-olds at 64%. 95% of respondents felt that the legalisation of same-sex marriage had not negatively affected them, and 75% opposed the government spending more money on the issue in court.[99]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bermuda top court reverses government's gay marriage ban. Reuters. 24 November 2018. Emma Farge.
  2. Web site: Bermuda appeals to London high court to enforce gay marriage ban. Reuters. 14 December 2018.
  3. Web site: Banning same-sex marriage not unconstitutional – Privy Council. The Royal Gazette. Fiona McWhirter. 15 March 2022.
  4. News: Island will not consider legalising gay unions, says Minors. Titterton. Sarah. February 28, 2004. May 3, 2009. The Royal Gazette.
  5. News: Huish. Sirkka. July 3, 2009. I could never be open about my sexuality at home and had to move to London.
  6. Web site: MPs approve historic Human Rights Act changes. The Royal Gazette. 15 June 2013.
  7. News: Hainey. Raymond. June 18, 2013. Cannonier: Gay marriage "will not happen".
  8. News: Premier Cannonier: No Same Sex Marriage . 2013-10-08 . 2013-06-19 . Bernews.
  9. News: Johnston-Barnes. Owain. Bill stops same-sex marriage. 9 July 2016. The Royal Gazette. 8 July 2016. Hamilton, Bermuda.
  10. http://www.washingtonblade.com/2016/07/14/bermuda-senate-narrowly-rejects-anti-marriage-bill/ Bermuda Senate narrowly rejects anti-marriage bill
  11. http://www.royalgazette.com/politics/article/20160715/human-rights-act-amendment-rejected Senate rejects Human Rights Act Amendment
  12. http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20160212/NEWS01/160219914 Civil union legislation plans unveiled
  13. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Bermuda-plans-referendum-on-same-sex-marriage Bermuda plans referendum on same-sex marriage
  14. Web site: Bermuda Plans Referendum on Marriage Equality and Civil Unions . https://web.archive.org/web/20160405221144/http://www.hrc.org/blog/bermuda-plans-referendum-on-marriage-equality-and-civil-unions . dead . 5 April 2016 . Jung Thapa, Saurav . Human Rights Campaign . 26 March 2016.
  15. Web site: House: same-sex referendum likely in June . The Royal Gazette . 12 March 2016.
  16. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Bermuda-same-sex-marriage-referendum-set-for-June-23 Bermuda same-sex marriage referendum set for June 23
  17. http://www.bermudalaws.bm/Laws/Consolidated%20Laws/Referendum%20(Same%20Sex%20Relationships)%20Act%202016.pdf Referendum (Same Sex Relationships) Act 2016
  18. http://www.bermudalaws.bm/Laws/Annual%20Laws/2016/Statutory%20Instruments/Referendum%20(Same%20Sex%20Relationships)%20Notice%202016.pdf Referendum (Same Sex Relationships) Notice 2016
  19. News: Jones. Simon. Voters roundly reject same-sex marriage. 29 June 2016. The Royal Gazette. 24 June 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160625122926/http://www.royalgazette.com/news/article/20160624/voters-roundly-reject-same-sex-marriage. 25 June 2016. Hamilton, Bermuda.
  20. Web site: Bda Bred Co v Min of Home Affairs et al [2015] SC (Bda) 82 Civ]. 27 November 2015. Supreme Court of Bermuda. https://web.archive.org/web/20170507040315/https://www.gov.bm/sites/default/files/SC1511-Bda-Bred-Co-v-Min-of-Home-Affairs-et-al-2015-SC-Bda-82-Civ-27-November-2015.pdf. 7 May 2017.
  21. Web site: Same-sex ruling: the likely implications. The Royal Gazette. 27 November 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20170507040934/http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20151128/NEWS/151129669. 7 May 2017.
  22. Web site: Same Sex Partner Rights Take Effect Today. Bernews. 29 February 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160302050117/http://bernews.com/2016/02/same-sex-partner-rights-to-take-effect/. 2 March 2016.
  23. Web site: Ministerial Statement by the Minister of Community, Culture and Sports. 29 February 2016. Parliament of Bermuda. Mr. Speaker, the Chief Justice's declaration in the "Bermuda Bred" case comes into effect today, 29 February 2016.. https://web.archive.org/web/20170507042705/http://www.parliament.bm/uploadedFiles/Content/Home/2016%20statement%20-%20Matrimonial%20Causes%20Amendment%20Act%202016%20and%20the%20Civil%20Union%20Bill%202016.pdf. 7 May 2017.
  24. News: Same-sex couples set for court fight. 29 June 2016. The Royal Gazette. 29 June 2016. Hamilton, Bermuda.
  25. News: Strangeways. Sam. Gay couple seek consent to marry. 6 July 2016. The Royal Gazette. 6 July 2016. Hamilton, Bermuda.
  26. News: Strangeways. Sam. Gay couple's marriage application rejected. 9 July 2016. The Royal Gazette. 8 July 2016. Hamilton, Bermuda.
  27. News: Strangeways. Sam. Gay couple fight to marry. 14 July 2016. The Royal Gazette. 13 July 2016. Hamilton, Bermuda.
  28. Web site: Gay marriage case returns to court. Royal Gazette. 30 January 2017.
  29. Web site: SSM: Government reiterates case for denying banns. Royal Gazette. 1 February 2017.
  30. Web site: Same-sex: Fear over multiple partner marriages. Royal Gazette. 2 February 2017.
  31. News: Landmark same-sex ruling. The Royal Gazette. 5 May 2017. 5 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170509033158/http://www.royalgazette.com/news/article/20170506/landmark-same-sex-ruling. 9 May 2017.
  32. Web site: W Godwin et al v Registrar General [2017] SC (Bda) 36 Civ]. 5 May 2017. Supreme Court of Bermuda. https://web.archive.org/web/20170506075021/https://www.gov.bm/sites/default/files/Godwin-Deroche.pdf. 6 May 2017.
  33. Web site: Rainbow Alliance: 'Love always wins'. 5 May 2017. The Royal Gazette. https://web.archive.org/web/20170505223003/http://www.royalgazette.com/news/article/20170505/rainbow-alliance-love-always-wins. 5 May 2017.
  34. Web site: Preserve Marriage: 'Ruling is attack on values'. The Royal Gazette. 5 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170505233509/http://www.royalgazette.com/news/article/20170505/preserve-marriage-ruling-is-attack-on-values. 5 May 2017.
  35. Web site: W Godwin et al v Registrar General [2017] SC (Bda) 36 Civ]. 5 May 2017. Supreme Court of Bermuda. https://web.archive.org/web/20170506075021/https://www.gov.bm/sites/default/files/Godwin-Deroche.pdf. 6 May 2017. Refer to pp.48–49 for the Judge's draft order to be reviewed by counsel.
  36. Web site: Judge sets out potential redraft of Acts. The Royal Gazette. 6 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170506184107/http://www.royalgazette.com/news/article/20170506/judge-sets-out-potential-redraft-of-acts. 6 May 2017.
  37. Web site: Government to pay same-sex legal costs. 28 September 2017. The Royal Gazette. https://web.archive.org/web/20170929064056/http://www.royalgazette.com/news/article/20170928/government-to-pay-same-sex-legal-bill. 29 September 2017.
  38. Web site: Order of the Supreme Court in the matter of; W Godwin et al v Registrar General [2017] SC (Bda) 36 Civ]. 22 September 2017. Supreme Court of Bermuda. https://web.archive.org/web/20170929064407/http://www.royalgazette.com/assets/pdf/RG373795928.pdf. 29 September 2017.
  39. News: Government will not appeal same-sex ruling. The Royal Gazette. Sam. Strangeways. 10 May 2017. 10 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170516173819/http://www.royalgazette.com/news/article/20170510/government-will-not-appeal-same-sex-ruling. 16 May 2017.
  40. Web site: First banns posted for same-sex couple. The Royal Gazette. 17 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170517162251/http://www.royalgazette.com/news/article/20170517/first-banns-posted-for-same-sex-couple. 17 May 2017.
  41. Web site: Bermuda has first gay marriage. The Royal Gazette. 2 June 2017. 3 June 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170603021541/http://www.royalgazette.com/news/article/20170601/bermuda-has-first-gay-marriage.
  42. News: Johnston-Barnes. Owain. Same-sex marriage ruling welcomed by liners. The Royal Gazette. 11 May 2017. 19 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170517005742/http://www.royalgazette.com/news/article/20170511/same-sex-marriage-ruling-welcomed-by-liners. 17 May 2017.
  43. Web site: Health minister represents gay marriage opponents. The Royal Gazette. 28 September 2017.
  44. Web site: Furbert: same-sex Bill looks hopeful. The Royal Gazette. 28 July 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170728121517/http://www.royalgazette.com/same-sex-referendum/article/20170728/furbert-same-sex-bill-looks-hopeful. 28 July 2017.
  45. Web site: Same-sex couples to have rights protected. The Royal Gazette. 28 August 2017.
  46. Web site: Senators may have power over Furbert's bill. 15 September 2017. The Royal Gazette.
  47. Web site: Pettingill: UK may prevent marriage Bill. The Royal Gazette. 8 September 2017.
  48. News: Furbert silent on same-sex Bill The Royal Gazette:Bermuda News. The Royal Gazette. 2017-10-22. en-US.
  49. Web site: Bill to replace gay marriages introduced by government. 2 November 2017. The Royal Gazette.
  50. Web site: Banning same-sex marriage an 'embarrassment'. The Royal Gazette. 8 November 2017.
  51. Web site: Group criticises domestic partnerships plan. The Royal Gazette. 23 November 2017.
  52. Web site: Transcription: UK Debate On SSM In Bermuda. Bernews.com. 29 January 2018. Refer to the statement made by Sir Alan Duncan, The Minister for Europe and the Americas.
  53. Web site: Domestic Partnerships Act Tabled In Parliament. Bermuda News. 24 November 2017.
  54. Web site: House: MPs approve domestic partnerships. The Royal Gazette. 9 December 2017.
  55. Web site: Bermuda to ban same-sex marriage months after it was legalised. The Guardian. 14 December 2017.
  56. Web site: Transcription: UK Debate On SSM In Bermuda. Bernews.com. 29 January 2018.
  57. Web site: Governor Gives Assent: Domestic Partnership Act. Bernews.com. 7 February 2018.
  58. http://www.bermudalaws.bm/laws/Annual%20Laws/2018/Acts/Domestic%20Partnership%20Act%202018.pdf Domestic Partnership Act 2018 (refer to p. 31 for note on commencement)
  59. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/gay-mp-says-bermuda-8217-s-ban-on-same-sex-marriage-will-damage-britain-8217-s-reputation_123629?profile=1373 Gay MP says Bermuda's ban on same-sex marriage will damage Britain's reputation
  60. http://www.whec.com/national/bermuda-trades-same-sex-marriage-for-domestic-partnerships/4777522/ Bermuda trades same-sex marriage for domestic partnerships
  61. https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2018/02/08/Bermuda-repeals-same-sex-marriage/5321518100438/ Bermuda repeals same-sex marriage
  62. http://bernews.com/2018/02/international-media-report-on-marriage-law/ International Media Report On Marriage Law
  63. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/bermuda-legalize-gay-marriage-repeal-article-1.3807478 Bermuda becomes first nation to legalize gay marriage, then repeal it
  64. http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/truly-evil-calls-boycott-bermuda-follow-unprecedented-repeal-same-sex-marriage-1659854 'Truly evil': Calls to boycott Bermuda for unprecedented repeal of same-sex marriage
  65. http://www.royalgazette.com/same-sex-marriage/article/20180208/pettingill-says-battle-may-be-far-from-over&template=mobileart Pettingill says battle may be far from over
  66. Web site: Bermuda's ban on same-sex weddings comes into effect. Jamaica Observer. 1 June 2018.
  67. Web site: House: Three more months of same-sex marriage. The Royal Gazette. Lisa. Simpson. 28 February 2018. 28 February 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180228221800/http://www.royalgazette.com/politics/article/20180228/house-three-more-months-of-same-sex-marriage. 28 February 2018.
  68. Web site: SSM/Partnerships Policy Takes Effect On June 1. Bernews. 28 February 2018. 28 February 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180228222114/http://bernews.com/2018/02/ssmpartnerships-policy-takes-effect-on-june-1/. 28 February 2018.
  69. Web site: Domestic Partnership Act 2018 Commencement Day Notice 2018. Bermuda Laws Online. 15 April 2018. 9 April 2018.
  70. Web site: Legal Challenge Filed: Same Sex Marriage. Bernews. Don. Burgess. 16 February 2018. 16 February 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180228221113/http://bernews.com/2018/02/legal-challenge-filed-same-sex-marriage/. 28 February 2018.
  71. Web site: Lawsuit launched over same-sex marriage. The Royal Gazette. Sam. Strangeways. 16 February 2018. 16 February 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180228221135/http://www.royalgazette.com/same-sex-marriage/article/20180216/lawsuit-launched-over-same-sex-marriage. 28 February 2018.
  72. Web site: Carnival Supporting New SSM Legal Action. Bernews. 3 April 2018. 3 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180403212208/http://bernews.com/2018/04/carnival-supporting-new-ssm-legal-action/. 3 April 2018.
  73. Web site: OutBermuda to challenge Domestic Partnership. The Royal Gazette. Sarah. Lagan. 3 April 2018. 3 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180403212548/http://www.royalgazette.com/news/article/20180403/outbermuda-to-challenge-domestic-partnership. 3 April 2018.
  74. Web site: May date for Domestic Partnership Act appeal. The Royal Gazette. Sam. Strangeways. 28 February 2018. 28 February 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180228221731/http://www.royalgazette.com/same-sex-marriage/article/20180227/may-date-for-domestic-partnership-act-appeal. 28 February 2018.
  75. Web site: Same Sex Marriage Legal Challenge Underway. Bernews. 21 May 2018. 14 December 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180825133358/http://bernews.com/2018/05/same-sex-marriage-legal-challenge-to-begin/. 25 August 2018.
  76. Web site: Summary Judgment: Ferguson et al v. Attorney-General. 6 June 2018. Supreme Court of Bermuda. 14 December 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140450/https://www.gov.bm/sites/default/files/Judgment%20Summary-Ferguson-v-A-G-OutBermuda%20and%20Jackson-v-A-G.pdf. 12 June 2018.
  77. Web site: Ruling: Ferguson et al v. Attorney-General. 6 June 2018. Supreme Court of Bermuda. 14 December 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140354/https://www.gov.bm/sites/default/files/Final%20Judgment-Ferguson-v-A-G-OutBermuda%20and%20Jackson-v-A-G.pdf. 12 June 2018.
  78. Web site: Court rules in favour of same-sex marriage. The Royal Gazette. Sam. Strangeways. Owain. Johnston-Barnes. 7 June 2018. 14 December 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181214153010/http://www.royalgazette.com/same-sex-marriage/article/20180606/court-rules-in-favour-of-same-sex-marriage. 14 December 2018.
  79. Web site: Court Rules In Favour Of SSM, Govt To Appeal. Bernews. 6 June 2018. 14 December 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140016/http://bernews.com/2018/06/same-sex-marriage-judgment-expected-today/. 12 June 2018.
  80. Web site: Government appeals same-sex ruling. The Royal Gazette. Jonathan. Bell. 5 July 2018. 5 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180705160143/http://www.royalgazette.com/news/article/20180705/government-appeals-same-sex-ruling. 5 July 2018.
  81. Web site: Govt Files Appeal In Same Sex Marriage Case. Bernews. 5 July 2018. 5 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180705160744/http://bernews.com/2018/07/govt-filed-appeal-same-sex-marriage/. 5 July 2018.
  82. Web site: SSM appeal to be heard in November. The Royal Gazette. Sarah. Lagan. 25 August 2018. 25 August 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180825135344/http://www.royalgazette.com/same-sex-marriage/article/20180825/ssm-appeal-to-be-heard-in-november. 25 August 2018.
  83. Web site: Government loses same-sex battle. The Royal Gazette. Owain. Johnston-Barnes. 23 November 2018. 23 November 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181125070902/http://www.royalgazette.com/same-sex-marriage/article/20181124/government-loses-same-sex-battle. 25 November 2018.
  84. Web site: Ruling: Ferguson et al v. Attorney-General. The Court of Appeal for Bermuda. 23 November 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181214152125/https://www.gov.bm/sites/default/files/The-Attorney-General-v-Roderick-Ferguson.pdf. 14 December 2018.
  85. Web site: Court Dismisses Government Appeal On SSM. Bernews. 23 November 2018. 23 November 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181123192313/http://bernews.com/2018/11/court-dismisses-government-appeal-on-ssm/. 23 November 2018.
  86. Web site: Government set for a run at the Privy Council. The Royal Gazette. Fiona. McWhirter. 14 December 2018. 14 December 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181214151421/http://www.royalgazette.com/same-sex-marriage/article/20181214/government-set-for-run-at-privy-council. 14 December 2018.
  87. Web site: SSM: Govt Applies To Appeal To Privy Council. Bernews. 13 December 2018. 14 December 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181214151439/http://bernews.com/2018/12/ssm-govt-applies-to-appeal-to-privy-council/. 14 December 2018.
  88. Web site: Same-sex case heading for London. The Royal Gazette. Sam. Strangeways. 29 May 2019. 29 May 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190529203126/http://www.royalgazette.com/politics/article/20190529/same-sex-case-heading-for-london. 29 May 2019.
  89. Web site: OutBermuda accuses Government of stalling. The Royal Gazette. Jonathan. Bell. 5 September 2019. 6 September 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190905224922/http://www.royalgazette.com/same-sex-marriage/article/20190905/outbermuda-accuses-government-of-stalling. 5 September 2019.
  90. Web site: Same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional, Privy Council told. The Royal Gazette. 5 February 2021. 22 February 2021.
  91. Web site: Same-sex marriage case could succeed in European Court of Human Rights, says UK law professor. The Royal Gazette. 19 March 2022. Fiona McWhirter.
  92. Web site: European Court of Human Rights Revists Same-Sex Marriage. 3 July 2023. matrix chambers.
  93. Web site: House: Same-sex battle cost grows. The Royal Gazette. 14 March 2019.
  94. Web site: Same-sex case heading for London. The Royal Gazette. 30 May 2019. Strangeways. Sam.
  95. Web site: Same-sex marriages validated . 18 July 2022 . The Royal Gazette .
  96. Web site: MP asks why UK does not strike down Bermuda same-sex marriage ban. Jonathan. Bell. 7 February 2023. The Royal Gazette.
  97. News: Gay cruise support twice as high as gay marriage support, survey shows . 2010-07-16 . 2010-07-16 . The Royal Gazette.
  98. http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20151026/NEWS/151029760 Poll: support for same-sex marriage
  99. Web site: OUTBermuda: 53% Favour Same-Sex Marriage. Bernews. 17 September 2020.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Same-sex marriage in Bermuda".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.