Bermuda's Government Is Trying To Appeal Marriage Equality
When it comes to marriage equality in Bermuda, the law keeps getting switched up.
The Ministry of Appeals confirmed yesterday (Thursday, July 5) that it has started proceedings against the June 6 ruling that made marriage equality legal again.
“We have filed an appeal in this matter. We look forward to having this matter heard by the Court of Appeal,” said Home Affairs Minister Walton Brown.
Meanwhile, OutBermuda, Bermuda’s largest LGBTQ organization, said it would fight the appeal. The organization will appear alongside Rod Ferguson and Maryellen Jackson, the plaintiffs from last month's court case, as plaintiffs in the appeal.
“We have strength not only in justice, but in our numbers – including our respected faith leaders,” said Adrian Hartnett-Beasley, a OUTBermuda director.
“We’ve made outstanding progress with our business advocates, led by Carnival Corporation, and many encouraging Bermudian-owned/based businesses and employers.”
Ferguson also added that he will not stop until same-sex marriage is permanently legalized in the country.
“Just one month ago, LGBTQ Bermudans inched closer to our goal of restoring marriage equality,” he said.
“We regret this ill-advised and costly decision to appeal the Supreme Court’s finding, and we will summon our voices and resources again as a united community to prevail.”
The island nation of Bermuda has had a rocky time when it comes to the legalization of same-sex marriage.
Last year, Bermuda’s Supreme Court legalized marriage equality through a long-term case.
Justice Charles-Etta Simmons ruled that “same-sex couples are entitled to be married under the Marriage Act.”
Six months after that, lawmakers in Bermuda’s parliament decided that they wanted to revoke same-sex marriage and replace it with domestic partnerships. Though these partnerships would have equal rights to marriages, they wouldn’t be marriages.
Then last month, the Supreme Court voted against the Domestic Partnership Act (or DPA) and said it was unconstitutional.
Chief Justice Ian Kawaley said that sections in the Act were in conflict with provisions in the Constitution which give citizens the right to freedom of conscience and creed.
Hopefully, that ruling will remain after this appeal.
