Supreme Court Rules On Same Sex Partners

November 27, 2015

[Updated with video] “The non-Bermudian same-sex partners of Bermudians, who are in committed relationships, are entitled to live and work in Bermuda without immigration restriction,” the Bermuda Bred Company said following a ruling by Bermuda’s Supreme Court this afternoon [Nov 27].

The case was the Bermuda Bred Company v The Minister of Home Affairs and The Attorney General, and in a statement to Bernews, the Bermuda Bred Company said they “welcomes the decision by Bermuda’s Chief Justice that sections 25 and 60 of the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956 must be read in a manner that does not discriminate against Gay and Lesbian Bermudians and their non-Bermudian partners. We firmly believe in equality in these areas and in leveling the playing field for same-sex families.

“The effect of the decision is very specific: the non-Bermudian same-sex partners of Bermudians, who are in committed relationships, are entitled to live and work in Bermuda without immigration restriction. The decision does not deal with the recognition of marriage equality.

“The judgment recognizes that not only is the Island’s immigration policy unlawfully discriminatory, but that it also places an unfair emotional and financial burden on Gay and Lesbian Bermudians in bi-national relationships. Such families will have the effective ability to make life plans that include Bermuda as a home.

“The Bermuda Bred Company was formed by a group of ‘born and bred’ Bermudians to challenge the manner in which their bi-national families were being unfavourably treated by Bermuda’s immigration laws.

“The decision makes absolutely clear that as a matter of local Bermuda law the private and family lives of Gay and Lesbian Bermudians are subject to human rights protection, and we applaud the Chief Justice for recognising how important families are to Bermudians, including us.

“Indeed, the right to protection on the basis of private and family life has been an integral part of the European Convention on Human Rights [which has been extended to Bermuda] since it was drafted in the 1950s, so the notion of protection of family life should not be seen as novel by anyone.

“The Government has asked the Court for time to consider the implications of the decision and importantly, in their words, to get their ducks in a row. We take this to mean that there will be no appeal of the decision, and that the Government is committed to giving full effect to the Order once it is finalized. We hope this can be done without delay.”

Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy is holding a press conference on this matter now, and we will update as able.

Update 4.45pm: Minister Fahy’s press conference has concluded, we will post the video/text shortly.

Update 4.26pm: Minister Fahy said, “The judgment states that such individuals who have formed stable relationships with Bermudians, have the same rights of residency and employment comparable to those conferred on spouses of Bermudians. The Chief Justice comes to this ruling by making a finding of indirect discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation under the Human Rights Act.”

Update: Audio of Minister Fahy’s comments:

The Minister said that due to “wide-ranging issues,” their “Counsel sought a suspension of the Chief Justice’s declaration of inoperability for a period of 12 months to allow Government sufficient time to consider what legislative changes, if any, it needs to bring as a result of this ruling. That matter will be addressed in a separate hearing on a date to be fixed by the Registrar.

“Individuals who feel they are affected by the Chief Justice’s ruling may consider submitting applications to the Department of Immigration for spousal letters, landing permits, and other such documentation. We ask for individuals to be patient because our administrative procedures may need to be amended to deal with any new applications.

Update: Video of Minister Fahy’s comments

“However, because this matter is not finalized, the Department will be unable to process any applications that may derive from this declaration at this time.

The Minister added, “Let me just say that the Government respects the rule of law and the rights of the court to determine the law. We will conduct ourselves accordingly.”

Minister Fahy’s full remarks are below:

Good afternoon – thank you for joining me today.

The Chief Justice has delivered a judgment this afternoon in the case of Bermuda Bred Company versus the Minister of Home Affairs and Attorney-General.

A number of Bermudians in same sex relationships formed the Bermuda Bred Company, which has sought the assistance of the courts in respect of the meaning of the Human Rights Act 1981 as it relates to the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956.

In particular they sought the court’s assistance as to whether Immigration policy was discriminatory on the basis of marital status and sexual orientation.

The Chief Justice has made declarations of law that certain provisions of our immigration legislation shall be inoperative to the extent that they authorize me, as Minister, to deny residential and employment rights to same-sex partners of persons who possess and enjoy Bermuda status who have formed a stable relationship.

The judgment states that such individuals who have formed stable relationships with Bermudians, have the same rights of residency and employment comparable to those conferred on spouses of Bermudians. The Chief Justice comes to this ruling by making a finding of indirect discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation under the Human Rights Act.

This judgment does not immediately concern the Marriage Act 1944 and the Matrimonial Causes Act 1974. Those statutes regulate the performance of marriage in Bermuda. Lest there be any confusion in the community, this means that the Chief Justice’s decision does not involve the definition of marriage in Bermuda.

I remind everyone that according to section 15 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1974, a marriage celebrated today is void if the parties are not male and female.

However, the effects of this judgment are profound. The Chief Justice’s decision could have wide-ranging effects on other pieces of legislation and the administrative practices of various Government Departments.

My Ministry, together with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, have read the judgment, and we are still trying to assess the full scope of those wide-ranging effects. This exercise will involve determining what legislation may need to be amended and what administrative practices need to be changed, if any.

By way of example, we must consider the impact of this ruling not just on our marriage legislation, but also the following:

  • Bankruptcy and the rights of people co-habiting as life partners
  • Estates, wills, succession rules generally, and the right to inherit or receive bequests
  • Health Insurance legislation
  • Pensions legislation dealing with survivor rights under public and private pensions
  • Social insurance
  • Mortgage and land transfer legislation among other legislation that may deal with the rights of spouses of Bermudians
  • Legislation relating to registration of, changes to, names
  • How to handle Permanent Residents in a similar position, who have formed stable relationships with members of the same sex.

The preceding list is not exhaustive.

Another example that is directly relevant is the Department of Immigration’s Work Permit policies relating to the existence of genuine and subsisting relationships between “partners”.

Under current immigration policy, if ‘partners’, whether same sex or not, are in a genuine and subsisting relationship as between a Bermudian and a non-Bermudian, the non-Bermudian is able to seek employment but would require a work permit in the event of finding employment. The Chief Justice has spoken of “stable partnerships”. As such, this policy will too need to be revisited.

The Ministry must also now address the differential treatment that arises by way of this declaration as between same sex couples who are unmarried and opposite-sex couples who are unmarried.

In other words, the declaration appears to suggest that an opposite-sex couple that are in a stable relationship would potentially still require a work permit. That is an issue which is still under active review.

As a result of these wide-ranging issues, our Counsel sought a suspension of the Chief Justice’s declaration of inoperability for a period of 12 months to allow Government sufficient time to consider what legislative changes, if any, it needs to bring as a result of this ruling. That matter will be addressed in a separate hearing on a date to be fixed by the Registrar.

Individuals who feel they are affected by the Chief Justice’s ruling may consider submitting applications to the Department of Immigration for spousal letters, landing permits, and other such documentation. We ask for individuals to be patient because our administrative procedures may need to be amended to deal with any new applications.

However, because this matter is not finalized, the Department will be unable to process any applications that may derive from this declaration at this time.

Before I conclude, let me just say that the Government respects the rule of law and the rights of the court to determine the law. We will conduct ourselves accordingly.

Thank you.

Update 8.06pm: The full court ruling is below [PDF]:

The exact ruling of the wording of part of the conclusion said, ““Sections 25 [, 27, 27A] and 60 of the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956 shall be inoperative to the extent that they authorise the Minister to deny the same-sex partners of persons who possess and enjoy Bermuda status, and who have formed stable relationships with such Bermudians, residential and employment rights comparable to those conferred on spouses by the said sections 25 and 60 respectively.”

The ruling also said, “Because same sex marriage was neither possible nor recognised under existing Bermudian law, the relevant statutory provisions discriminated against Bermudians in stable same-sex relationships in an indirect way.

“Because while a heterosexual Bermudian at least had the option of marrying his or her partner with a view to receiving the benefit of spousal rights, this option was not available to homosexual Bermudians in that foreign same-sex marriages were not recognised and local same sex marriage was not legally possible.”

Read More About

Category: All, News

Comments (205)

Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed

  1. Spilt milk says:

    So that means same sex marriage is legal. If you get married abroad and come back with same rights as everyone else then Bermuda now recognizes that union as legitimate. Pretty clever. Cant go through the front go round the back….(no pun intended). Just give me polygamy im fine. Is Bermuda tryna say we are liberal or preferential?

    • Confused :( says:

      What is the meaning of a committed relationship? Do John and Tom have to be married or not?

      Because I’m in a committed relationship with my girlfriend in the USA, but were not married!!! Last I checked you had to be married to a Bermudian to live and work in Bermuda without Immigration restrictions.

      • Zevon says:

        Last I checked you have the option of marrying your girlfriend and having the marriage recognised in Bermuda.

        • Wilson says:

          They have the option of marrying to but only in some parts of the states. Do they have to be married yes or no is a good question to ask.

          • Mike Hind says:

            It IS a good question…

            but is here the best place to ask it and expect an answer?

            (And it’s all over the states… and Canada… and a bunch of other places.)

          • Zevon says:

            But a same sex marriage is not recognised in Bermuda.

        • Build a Better Bermuda says:

          Other than marriage, there is the option usually referred to as common law relationships. A number of juristictions recognize these as couples who have been living together for a number of years before this technical term can be applied. The critical point to being valid for this option is being able to prove it is committed relationship by living together, however once qualified for this… certification for lack of a better term, in those juristictions, they carry much of the same rights a arraign in the laws. And as it is a legal ‘certification’ much like marriage, it come with the ability to take that paperwork to other juristictions to have those right s recognized as their laws apply, in much the same way as a marriage licence would. This ruling confirms that those rights, whether through marriage licence or common law ‘certificate’ shall be considered valid here for same sex couples as if they were for a heterosexual couple.

          • Build a Better Bermuda says:

            Odd auto correct error ‘a arraign’ should be ‘as marriage’

      • Hope says:

        You can now have a spouse on your permit if you have lived together for two years. You do not have to be married.

      • Longtail says:

        It seems that a ‘committed relationship’ is just what it says it is. A civil union or marriage in another jurisdiction (same sex or opposite sex) provides sufficient legal evidence of ‘committal’ to warrant human rights protection under Bermuda’s laws.

      • Legalgal says:

        Indeed, much as I applaud the decision it is bad law. These groups must challenge the marriage regime, then get married and assume these rights.

        What we now have is discrimination against heterosexual partners in a long term relationship. Will they also be entitled to work here?

        The test for what is defined as a qualifying relationship is too uncertain.

        Bad law. Come on grow a pair and make the correct legal challenge – not allowing same sex marriages is unconstitutional. The court can assist you with this in the same way.

    • Think says:

      While I think that you may be jumping the gun by saying same-sex marriage is legal, this ruling does open the door for the courts to rule in favor of same-sex marriage. This ruling only applies to the immigration status of non-Bermudian same-sex spouses (or in their words, partners) and their ability to work. This is something Bermudian same-sex couples don’t have to deal with. However, it would be discriminatory to recognize the marital status of non-Bermudians, but not Bermudians. Even if it’s only in regard to immigration restrictions. It is a big victory for the proponents of same-sex marriage, and it appears that it’s just a matter of time before a definitive ruling is made on the issue.

      • Think says:

        I posted before seeing Minister Fahy’s remarks, but they seem to confirm what I was alluding to. To recognize same-sex marriage in any regard, can open the door for having to recognize it in every regard.

        Ultimately, it looks like the Government is attempting to delay a decision on this. Anybody wanna take odds that this decision won’t occur until after the next election?

    • Zario says:

      This is in effect, a civil union?

      • Mike Hind says:

        I don’t think so. This is only my opinion (i think I have to say that, so as not to appear like I’m acting like I “know so much”), but I think this only affects this specific issue.
        It doesn’t cover all the other rights and privileges that legal marriage affords.

        I could be wrong, but I think that’s the case.

    • They Call me Payback says:

      no bro you got it wrong, it says and quote ““The effect of the decision is very specific: the non-Bermudian same-sex partners of Bermudians, who are in committed relationships, are entitled to live and work in Bermuda without immigration restriction. The decision does not deal with the recognition of marriage equality.” they dont have too be married, yo this is gonna be abused too the max! I acknowledge the right too freedom of love but don’t over extend benefits.

    • Wtf?!? says:

      Why the f@#$ do you want/need polygamy?!?

      • Common Sense says:

        To the best of my knowledge bigamy is still a criminal offence in Bermuda so polygamy would be against the laws of the land, but entering into a same sex partnership, or being legally married in any one of more than 20 countries is legal. The Chief Justice has made a ruling based on our own Human Rights Act – plain and simple.

      • smith says:

        the same way u want/need homosexuality

    • Don’t be fooled, the O.B.A is pulling a smoke screen, they are allowing this to happen and opening the flood gates for thing’s of this nature, so that the majority will be caught of guard, and pre-occupied b this and not pay attention to the more serious issues that the country is facing.

      The back door approach is the issue of the airport that they are feverishly pushing through, with men already at work on the propose area, then things like the America’s Cup and the silver platter deals, with gold trimmings

      As I stated long ago before they came into power, if you let them back in, it would be our greatest night mare, and I would think the cat of nine tails is more tolerable, then the level of crap already shoved down our throats, and the crap that is on it’s way down the pipe line.

      Same sex marriage is not a issue to me, it is abnormal and it always will be,those folk will have to answer for their own deeds. I have enough hell try to deal with my own demons, and could careless about those who want to play god. All I can say to the O.B.A, is that a circle has no beginning and no ending, be prepared when what you are dishing out comes round full circle, and double barreled and knock’s you clean in the ox.

      • Build a Better Bermuda says:

        Please stop trying to say your issue with the OBA is one over their policies and the threat they pose to the country… if you are fooling anyone, it is only yourself. The steal a little from the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, “it’s 2015″… time to stop thinking it is the 1950′s or 60′s or 70′s or 80′s or 90′s, we have socially evolved and we still have further to go forward. Try to keep up, but stop blaming others because you’ve chosen to stay behind.

      • Longtail says:

        No Duane…. it is not the OBA that is allowing this to happen. That is just the point here – it is the LAW that is allowing this to happen. This is not a political agenda, it is a human rights agenda that the politicians on both sides of the house have shamefully done their utmost to absent themselves from.

      • Standing up for GOD says:

        i really agree with you on that !!!1

        • Luis Suarez says:

          Believe in the power of people, love of any couple, whatever their sex.

          Not some fictional god used to promote hate.

        • GOD says:

          Stop standing up for me.

      • Permanently blinded says:

        We now have $2 Billion in debt and theres it seems theres not a day that goes by without a report of someone in the previous Government being involved in some sort of malfeasance, fraud or corruption and your concern is with the OBA???????????? REALLY???????
        .

    • Daylilly says:

      How strategic. The government brings forth the “Human” Rights Act which magically sets the stage for the SSM agenda to further its cause…What a coincidence, how convenient. I’m sure there have been plenty of meetings behind closed or maybe open doors to pull all this off.

      There is an agenda afoot, most likely to redefine the family and the personal right to religious freedom. The SSM agenda’s win only confirms more than ever the relevance and accuracy of biblical prophecy.

      • Build a Better Bermuda says:

        “There is an agenda afoot, most likely to redefine the family and the personal right to religious freedom.”

        Democracy garauntees the right to personal religion, but to sure that it is personal, it also protects from religious persecution. You have can worship who or what you want, so long as it doesn’t infringe on the rights and liberties of others, don’t like that, tough, you live in a democracy, we just need to get it up to modern standards

        • Daylilly says:

          There is nothing modern about this.. The proponents of this agenda are just louder.

    • NO MORE WAR says:

      OMG Bermuda is no longer another world.

    • Onion Juice says:

      From a Tranquil, Moral Island to a Debaucherous, Pathetic Island.
      This Island is gone to the F!@#ing dogs.
      Damn Europeans.

      • Mike Hind says:

        Bigot.

      • Build a Better Bermuda says:

        I would almost laugh, except that your statement is a sad reflect that someone would actually let their mind be so warped, just so as to justify their weakness for failing to overcome.

  2. Truth is killin' me... says:

    “The effect of the decision is very specific: the non-Bermudian same-sex partners of Bermudians, who are in committed relationships, are entitled to live and work in Bermuda without immigration restriction. The decision does not deal with the recognition of marriage equality.”

    Soooooo…if I’m a Bermudian and have an OPPOSITE sex partner in a committed relationship…does that mean they are entitled to live and work in Bermuda without immigration restriction as well? What is the meaning of committed relationship? What’s good for the goose…

    • Toodle-oo says:

      I have to agree with you here on the point of the meaning of ‘committed relationship .

      Now , I’m all for the recognition of same sex ‘marriage’ or ‘unions’ , call it what you want , but what is the exact legal meaning of ‘committed relationship’ as it applies to immigration rules concerning the partner’s rights to abode and employment ?

      I was always under the assumption that only married couples could bring their spouses here for residency , and only if they were Bermudians status holders could their significant (married ) other seek employment.

      Does this ruling mean that anyone simply in any relationship , gay or otherwise , will be allowed to bring their boyfriend or girlfriend here and they can seek employment ?

      There really need to be more clarity on this before the masses can start making off , rightfully or otherwise .

      • joe says:

        It’s called “Common Law Marriage” elsewhere. Bermuda has never recognized it, but maybe this is the start.

    • OMG says:

      This is crazy. If read correctly non Bermudian same sex partners of Bermudians do not need Immigration permission to live and work in Bermuda even if not married.
      Does this also mean that opposite-sex couples who are unmarried to Bermudians in a stable relationship get the same rights with out being married?

      If this is the case wouldn’t more Bermudians loss their jobs. I can bring my sweety from Atlanta and we don’t even need to get married for her to work. Hey this is a committed relationship.

    • Think says:

      Committed relationship is used in place of marriage.

      And partner is used in place of spouse.

      What’s being said is that Bermuda doesn’t technically recognize same-sex marriage, but will recognize the union when it originates off-island in regard to immigration. If same-sex marriage was used in place of committed relationship, then there could be an appeal using the Marriage Act 1944 and the Matrimonial Causes Act 1974, which clearing state that in Bermuda a marriage is between a male and female.

      • Mike Hind says:

        This…

      • Come Correct says:

        Just curious. Since it is now illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation could opposite sex couples in committed relationships now claim discrimination? Does using the phrase committed relationship in place of marriage now open a loophole?

        • Think says:

          To answer your first question, I think they could, but the argument against discrimination would be that hetero-couples have the option to get married in Bermuda.

          To your second, I say maybe. I think that it was purposely made ambiguous to omit any reference to same-sex marriage from the ruling since it’s not recognized in Bermuda. Possibly even to force the outcome as it is now.

          Still the assumption that “committed relationship” includes long-term or monogamous relationships may not be correct. To me it seems that “committed” is being used in the context that you have made a legal commitment (marriage). I don’t think that any couple, hetero or same-sex, could convince the law that they are in a committed relationship without providing a legal document (marriage certificate) proving so.

          • Come Correct says:

            Thank you, I figured, but wasn’t sure. I personally still don’t think this is the right move. Too vague with room for abuse. Some say it’s a step in the right direction but I don’t see what is so difficult about equality. Why does equality involve steps? The only steps that should be involved is proof reading, so you don’t have to re – write legislation like this island enjoys doing.

            • Standing up for GOD says:

              not the right move is right i agree with yo on that

              • Come Correct says:

                Well I think gay marriage should be legal so that same sex couples can enjoy the legal rights any married person has. What does your imaginary friend think of that?

        • Jim says:

          Yes, it is discrimination!

          This appears to give same-sex non-Bermudian partners MORE rights than opposite-sex non-Bermudian partners??? WTF..

          • Zevon says:

            Ok genius. List these “extra” rights that you think this gives.

            • Come Correct says:

              The right to live and work. Did you read the article? Committed relationship in legal terms is so vague it opens a loophole for anyone who claims to be in a “committed relationship”. With the law now you can’t discriminate based on sexual orientation… Genius.

              • Zevon says:

                Um, you apparenly did not read the Chief Justice’s full comments. He covered the point you’re trying to make. Genius.

          • Mike Hind says:

            It’s weird how discrimination seems to only be bad when it affects heterosexuals…

    • @ Truth is killing me, your point is well stated and deserves a answer from the immigration dept, let’s take it a step further, what about Bermudians that have foreign children, from relationships of non Bermudians and born outside Bermuda, why the heck do we have to go through so much red tape to get them the right to have dual citizenship in the country of one of their parents birth.

      You see how this crap they just allowed has open the flood gates, to more then they bargain for, Mr. Fahy needs to answer and more importantly were the heck is the Premier on all this.

  3. here we go says:

    Bermuda must want people to start rioting!!! Here we go! #packingmybagstonight #islandiseffed

    • Mike says:

      Need help packing?

    • Mike Hind says:

      Why on earth would you start rioting?

      And… where are you going to move to, since you’re packing your bags?

      • Wilson says:

        Since you act like you know so much Mike. Do they have to be married or not?

        If they don’t need to be married Bermudians dating the opposite sex can do the same thing. Did you consider the job lost for your Bermudians or do you not care. Your so happy about Thomas and Mike you didn’t consider that Bobby and Whitney will come under the same rules of COMMITTED RELATIONSHIPS.

        • Mike Hind says:

          How is me asking a couple of simple questions “acting like I know so much”?
          I never claimed knowledge of this and will quite happily acknowledge that I don’t know the answer to your question. You, however, ignorant of the topic, are making statements that may or may not be true. I never did that. So who is acting “like they know so much”?

          Someone legally being able to live and work here is only a job lost for a Bermudian in the most xenophobic of minds.

          • Ian says:

            you hop on any opportunity to call a Bermudian a xenophobe huh. Perhaps you’d respect us more if we just put up zero resistance to the clear intent of this government and those who collude with it to empower foreigners here and endorse/import foreign values. Historically things tend not to work out so well for societies that have fully embraced that and those not of their land. Especially when it is of North American and European origin, which are the interests that have been primarily served under the OBAs watch. We should just shut up, sit back and go for the ride huh Mike?

            • Mike Hind says:

              Nope. This is not true. This is the first time I’ve used that word on Bernews.

              It’s about as false as the rest of your bizarre fantasy of a post.

              I know you have a political agenda to push, but wouldn’t your cause be better served by using honesty and integrity and actual reality to do so?

            • Mike Hind says:

              It’s insane to me that you two have a problem with what I said, but have said NOTHING about someone making a call to violence!

              That’s incredible.

            • Come Correct says:

              Ian:
              “the clear intent of this government ”

              Article:
              “The case was the Bermuda Bred Company v The Minister of Home Affairs and The Attorney General”

              Clearly, you didn’t make it past the first paragraph.

              • Ian says:

                oh yeah, same way government was soooo up arms over the decision on PRC holders being granted access to status. To this day government and its supporters have the audacity to pass this off as something the PLP caused, as if they’re not loving it

                • Come Correct says:

                  But they did…I don’t think you need audacity for that. Tell me another joke.

                • A few queries says:

                  Who wrote, voted on and passed the piece of legislation that allowed that to occur?

                • Mike Hind says:

                  So.. no comment on the lies you were trying to push about me?

              • Strike fund says:

                He was too busy foaming at the mouth and bashing his keyboard.

            • bluwater says:

              Endorsing and importing foreign workers and values has worked out very well for Bermuda.

        • John says:

          It’s not a problem for you just get married

      • Mike Hind says:

        And what does this have to do with what I said?

      • Onion Juice says:

        F!@#ing Nasty European Habits !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • Zevon says:

      Yeah pack your bags. Let us know where you’re going. A place with no gay people. Where is that, exactly?

    • Rednecks abound says:

      Wish I could say that you would be missed. Need a ride to the airport? How about we buy you a one way ticket?

      • here we go says:

        I’ll pass Redneck i wouldn’t want to “catch” anything in your trailer. MANY MANY THANKS THOUGH :)

        • Show us the money says:

          Here we go….i believe YOU were the redneck being referred to not other way around. Can’t say I disagree and I definitely heard banjo music when I read your post…..so how about that ride the airport now because we woulnd’t want you to miss your plane

    • Jess83 says:

      Happy to help you pack as well!
      #byefelicia

  4. James says:

    There goes Bermuda!!!!!!

    • Mike Hind says:

      Yep! There we go, moving towards a more open and inclusive society! YAY!

      • smith says:

        till u come home one day and ur son is Legally being ****************

        • Standing up for GOD says:

          thats right I understand what your saying this affects everbody

          • Family Man says:

            Grammar; the difference between knowing your s$!t and knowing you’re s$!t.

          • Mike Hind says:

            How? How does this affect anyone besides the folks that will be allowed to get married?

            If your son is gay, as proposed here, then he’s gay. Continuing to deny equal rights for no valid reason isn’t going to stop that.

            Acceptance for gay folks isn’t going to turn people gay. That’s not how it works.
            Treating gay folks decently, like regular human beings, isn’t going to turn people gay.

            I’m honestly not sure if you get that.

        • Mike Hind says:

          Pssst! Your son can legally be ****** now. This isn’t going to change that.

        • Build a Better Bermuda says:

          Actually, statistics show that most sexual assaults on children are committed by close friends or family members of the victims, people in a position of trust. Additionally, there is no real evidence to show that homosexuality has anything more to do with the being an offender, not all those who abuse male children even homosexual desires in adult preferences. Your statement is nothing more than the repetition of the age old psychology of negative stereotyping communities that you oppose… just like Christians in the Middle Ages claimed Jews would sacrifice Christian children, or when pro slaver and segregationists would claim that black men would rape white women… unfounded ignorance in the name of anti-equality agendas.

  5. bluwater says:

    Kudos to the Court for recognizing that Bermudians believe in equality.

  6. Alittle unfair says:

    I’m heterosexual in a committed relationship with an American…. I feel like if it’s okay for homosexuals it should be okay for him. He should be able to live and work in Bermuda too without issues from immigration.

    • Mike Hind says:

      Then why don’t you do what these folks did and push for it?

    • Jo Co says:

      It’s not unfair, it is merely extending a right that already exists for bi-national heterosexual couples to bi-national gay and lesbian couples.

      As a heterosexual you have the ability to get married, which would allow your partner to enter Bermuda and seek employment. The definition of marriage does not extend to same-sex couples in Bermuda. Even if a same-sex couple were married in a location where it is legally recognized, that recognition prior to this ruling wouldn’t extend to Bermuda. Therefore it would not allow the non-Bermudian partner the ability to enter Bermuda and seek employment even though they are legally married.

      The ruling is merely creating a more even (although not yet equal) playing field if you will.

    • Ryan says:

      Read the above. The ruling allows for exactly that. If you are a Bermudian in a committed relationship with a non-Bermudian, then your non-Bermudian partner, regardless of his or her sexual orientation (or, for that matter, your own sexual orientation) is entitled to reside and work in Bermuda free of immigration restrictions.

  7. Zevon says:

    Slowly, Bermuda is entering the 21st century.

  8. Rhonda says:

    This is legislating from the bench….not that I disagree with the ruling….. laws are made by legislators….not Judges…

    We now have legislators preparing to write a law to match the finding of a Judge…… one Judge decided for the entire voting population……..

    • Sandgrownan says:

      Er no. He interpereted the law as written

    • Think says:

      I don’t think so. A ruling was made that will impact legislation, but no law was changed by this. The judge interpreted the law as it stands now, demonstrating that the legislators will have to modify the established law to make it less ambiguous or expect continued rulings like this in the future.

  9. Ian says:

    Gotta love how certain things, which in typical fashion work to the benefit of non-bermudians, are bound to happen on the OBA’s watch. This will be another instance were they play the role of “sorry… hands are tied on this one”. And between the cocktail parties and other back patting soires, one has to consider collusion between the likes of decision makers and certain OBA-friendly interest that precede these types of decisions. And before the regular ankle biters get their panties in a bunch, be real… this is Bermuda. That’s what goes down here. Since the OBA came on to the scene we’ve seen foreigners get easier access to status, foreigners get easier access to our voting right (while retaining their own), foreigners get easier access to our land, foreigners get easier access to commercial interests, foreign interests get EASY access to our sovereign “wealth” (like 77m of it for starters), foreign interests get EXCLUSIVE access to the revenues of our airport, and gay SIGNIFICANT OTHERS (which is laughable in itself) get access to the right to come here and compete with Bermudians and lawful spouses of Bermudians for jobs and resources. Please forward a list of things they have done to directly benefit real Bermudians, those outside of the small circle of usual suspects anyway…

    • Mike Hind says:

      Hate much?

      • Ian says:

        what have I said that implies hate?

        • Show us the money says:

          What a sick twisted xenophone/homophobe. Why not hitch a rode on a one way ticket out of here to somewhere more suited to your mindset…how about Syria? I hear its nice there this time of the year

          • Ian says:

            Yawn.. I’m in MY country.

            • Show us the money says:

              How sad for the rest of us. You’d be a perfect candidate for ISIS and have more in common with them than with your fellow Bermudians

            • Come Correct says:

              So you’re a Cahow? I haven’t seen any hogs running around lately…well that’s debatable.

              • Ian says:

                Im sorry… what are you going on about?? Are you a single celled carbon based organism swimming around in a fresh water pool in prehistoric Bermy?? You really think the stupid comments people like you make in an attempt to trivialize my and others REAL Bermudian status has any effect in doing so… save that stuff and the other snide remarks you have for the get togethers with your fellow expats, 1st generational “Bermudians” and status-holding Brits/Canadians/Americans who grew up in cush corporate subsidized households LIKE ALL REAL BERMUDIANS DO (NOT)…

            • Hmmm says:

              Ian, there are less non Bermudians under the OBA than the PLP. There are 6000 less work permits out there than under the peak number with the PLP.

              So the PLP are for the non-bermudian more than the OBA by your definition.

              • Ian says:

                Another daft comment to make a point that lacks any substance… If thats your take on things Hmmmm, does that mean you suddenly DO NOT direct blame for the “great expat exodus” on the PLP?? So now that you realize that was daft on your part please tell us where exactly you were trying to go with that…

            • Luis Suarez says:

              Ian, YOUR country is full of same sex couples kissing, hugging, cooking, living, smiling and sleeping together.

              How do ya like that?

              Get used to it, or move somewhere else.

        • A few queries says:

          Just about everything you have written is designed to stir up negativity against certain peoples.

          I know you’re smart enough mot recognize it as well.

          Do you also hate the fact that spouses of heterosexual couples also can move to Bermuda as well? And I’m nit arguing from a pro-gay stance but from an immigration one instead.

          For instance in your very first sentence you claim this ruling favors non-Bermudians (despite the fact that they are partners with a Bermudian) and it disadvantages Bermudians somehow. Do you feel the same way about Bermudians who have foreign spouses of the different sex?

          • Ian says:

            Bit more to what I wrote than the first sentence isnt there… Whens the last time your found yourself in an english lit class being asked what the moral of a story is after getting throught first sentence.. I know youre smart enough to see how that makes not sense…

            • Standing up for GOD says:

              why are you being rude who cares about that just stick to the discussion at hand

        • Mike Hind says:

          The bit between “Gotta…” and “anyway…”

    • Causal Observer says:

      So you think the OBA influenced the decision of the Chief Justice.

      As usual your are nothing but a hateful mental midget.

      And this coming from a REAL Bermudian as per your narrow and ignorant definition.

      • Ian says:

        I think collusion is real in small town Bermuda, as well as a disturbing lack of impartiality on the part of folks who wield the power to make decisions that override the will of the majority. To the latter, we have seen two significant, unprecedented cases of which that have occurred under the OBAs watch. See a pattern much?? Feel free to response with name calling as per typically angry OBAer fashion…

    • Strike fund says:

      What’s laughable about gay significant others?

    • bluwater says:

      Without foreigners Bermuda would have no wealth.

      • Daylilly says:

        That’s quite arrogant. Are you saying Bermudians aren’t savvy enough to successfully run their own country. Quite arrogant indeed.

        That’s like coming to someone else’s home and moving the furniture around to suit your needs & taste…. And then saying their home would be nothing without you.

        • Mike Hind says:

          Not even remotely true.

          Can you please, PLEASE try to be honest?

  10. Mike Hind says:

    Why don’t we just ask questions about what they mean by “Committed Relationship” before we start projecting our own meaning onto it?

    Find out what they mean, THEN complain about that, not something you’re making up.

    • Longtail says:

      I think it is clear that by ‘committed relationship’ the Chief Justice is meaning couples who are married in the eyes of other jurisdictions, but as Bermuda law falls short of recognising marriage for same-sex partners he has had to come up with some other wording that recognises the commitment contained in those marriage vows while stopping short of using the’M’ word.
      Bravo to the Chief Justice…. he is showing for more leadership than 90% of our elected ‘leaders’

      • Mike Hind says:

        Sounds good to me.

      • Legalgal says:

        Now that touches on why the decision is legally flawed and open to claims it now discriminates against heterosexuals in a “committed rlationship”. If that is what the CJ intended he ought to have set out the requirement that they be married or in some for of “civil union” conferring equal rights to marriage.

        This piecemeal approach via adoption and immigration laws needs to stop. The correct procedure is to challenge the right to marry being restricted to heterosexual couples as unconstitutional and thereby require the state to amend the law. Then all rights follow. It should be possible and quicker than leaving it to parliamentarians dependet on conservative votes!

    • Come Correct says:

      It would be interesting to see what THEY consider a committed relationship. In my opinion I’m in a committed relationship (to a Bermudian), I’m committed to her, faithful. My interpretation of course. Here we have same sex couples, if the relationship is long distance how committed is it? Who decides? If I get a dog from SPCA they periodically come around to see if the dog is in decent conditions. Who the hell wants someone coming around policing their relationship? As for now I’m sort of on the fence with this ruling, some say it’s a step forward, but is it really? I’d rather the issue with same sex marriage had all its i’s dotted and T’s crossed. Using committed relationship could leave alot of room for abuse.

      • Come Correct says:

        Relating this to a dog from the SPCA probably wasn’t the best lol but still, who wants someone policing their relationship. If it isn’t proven committed then how do they know it isn’t a relationship of convenience? I just the think the term committed relationship is pretty vague in legal terms.

        • Longtail says:

          A ‘committed relationship’ is exactly what it says it is. A civil union or marriage in another jurisdiction (same sex or opposite sex) provides sufficient legal evidence of ‘committal’ to warrant human rights protection in Bermuda.

          • Come Correct says:

            “A committed relationship is an interpersonal relationship based upon a mutually agreed-upon commitmentto one another involving exclusivity, love, trust, honesty, openness, or some other agreed-upon behavior.”

            I don’t see civil union or marriage even mentioned. So legally, you’re wrong. Legally this opens another loophole.

      • Standing up for GOD says:

        Good point

  11. Cow Polly says:

    So according to the religious nut jobs we’re all going to hell in a hand basket…… I won’t be holding my breath

    • Come Correct says:

      Check weather.bm…Forcasts of fire and brimstone lol.

      • Daylilly says:

        Everyone keeps saying there will be no religious persecution.. There already is.. And people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones

  12. bdaboy says:

    This is great, the churchies must be s#|**ing themselves :)

  13. Oh,I see now says:

    The war between good and evil rages on and the battle just got hotta.

    • Mike Hind says:

      I know! But we’re working our way towards more and more good and less the evil of hatred and intolerance and refusal of rights for no valid reason.

      This is a good thing!

      • happy girl says:

        Mike Hind why don’t you shut up. You just put your 2 cents into anything AND everything. Just like these gays have a “say” so does everybody friggin else

        • Mike Hind says:

          So… wait.

          Everyone else has a say… but I should shut up?
          So… I don’t have a say?

          How is that fair?

          And, if you look, I’ve stopped doing as you described a long, long time ago and currently only post on this issue, which I think is too important to remain silent on.

          So… what would you like your “say” to be about?
          Would you like to have a conversation about this topic, or are you just going to use your “say” to tell me to shut up?

          • here we go says:

            You do go on don’t you…

            • Mike Hind says:

              When I think it’s important, yes.

              Thanks for adding so much to the conversation!

          • Standing up for GOD says:

            everbody has a say just be respectful about it and try to understand were the next person is coming from be nice to each other

        • bdaboy says:

          Happy girl, Shut up!

        • Come Correct says:

          Happy girl seems a little bitter. To be fair he may seem like a bit of a d!@k sometimes but I don’t see him comment on much else. Also “these gays” don’t have much of a say at all. They’re just patiently waiting for the same rights you and I would take for granted every day.

          • Mike Hind says:

            I’ll cop to that.

            With a healthy dose of “back atcha”!

            :D

            • Come Correct says:

              Lol I’ll take that. I did say “seem”. You have good intentions unlike some.

            • Come Correct says:

              I’ll take that lol. I did say “seem”. You at least have good intentions unlike others.

          • Standing up for GOD says:

            so true!!!!!

  14. Rhonnie aka Blue Familiar says:

    Step one.

  15. Tony Brannon says:

    The shoe horn is in the shoe – I rest my case

    • RE Word says:

      No more like you change from a caterpillar into a butterfly :)

  16. Keepin' it Real!...4Real! says:

    Go ahead keep opening doors for me…lots of girls can come here to live and work now as long as they are in a committed relationship…So I shouldn’t have a problem bringing my iraqi girlfriend of 5 years here to live and work correct..?

    Oh I made a comment last night about this agenda being pushed by the homo sexual brigade and how this fight for the right to marriage was not the endgame…and look at what transpires today…lots more transpiring to come bruh.

    Now comes the education of kindergartens…so while your at it be sure to include “gendercide”(gender genocide)into those little sponges, or will you..?

    • Mike Hind says:

      You’re talking rubbish. Again.

    • Come Correct says:

      Well assuming you’re heterosexual, after 5 years, why haven’t you married her since you actually have the legal option? Giving you the benefit of the doubt I’m assuming you’re still aquiring a camel since it isnt hard to get 2 goats here.

      I, like you, could be considered a conspiracy theorist, but before I believe something I like to make sure it has facts behind it.

      You seriously believe the whole gay agenda deal? Let’s turn people gay through subliminal messaging to decrease the world population. Like I’m gonna wake up one morning and be like “hey, maybe I should go Richard a butt right now”? You really think the people controlling the world are that functionally stupid? They pulled off 9/11, Boston bombing, sandy hook, Paris now among so many other tragedies but you think their newest diabolical plan is to turn the world gay… F*** me…not literally I mean.

  17. A few queries says:

    Does this ruling cover long term partners of the same sex as well?

    Will common law marriages be recognized then?

    • Onion says:

      No, but if you bother to read the article you’ll note that the Minister did address this.

  18. aceboy says:

    What a bizzare ruling. Totally and utterly bizzare.

    I am at a loss to understand it.

    • Mike Hind says:

      What’s to understand?
      People that previously weren’t allowed to live together with their partners and/or spouses are now allowed to. Why is this difficult to understand?

      • Hmmmm says:

        Mike… I could be wrong but, in reading the ruling the CJ has said that a same sex couple who are in a partnership (meaning a legal partnership from another jurisdiction) who would if they were same sex be protected under Section 25,27,27a and 60 of the Marrage Act should receive the same rights.

        Meaning the same sex couple need to be married (or in a civil union) be living together as a couple. These are the same requirements for s spruce of Bermudian to remain and work on island.

        (About time!!!!)

  19. BornB says:

    Un-f’n believable !!!!!!

  20. Takbir Karriem Sharrieff says:

    Another way of sneaking foreigners into the Island……no pun intended….by the back door.!Same sex marriage is immoral,illegal, and an abomination to human behaviour.Polygamy is as old as man himself.Bigamy is a late invention.!Al-Islam permits Polygamy and rejects the Idea of Bigamy.!, Allah-subhana-wa-ta-Allah recommends Polygamy.!Bigamy is a newly invented matter.Bermuda will go the way of Sodom and Gommorrah.The angels that are protecting this Island will withdraw their protection and mighty blast will come.!Al-hamdullilah.Allah-u-Akbar………..

  21. Robert says:

    To all those who have questions about the ruling. Read it. It’s right there in front of you and is fairly clear.

  22. nok says:

    Disgusted!

  23. Daylilly says:

    It’s easy to twist the world to suit ones own personal desires when not considering the children you will leave behind to clean up the mess. Children are so confused, nothing matters and anything goes.

    • Legalgal says:

      My daughter was not confused until she came here and was told that homosexual people didn’t have equal rights. She has a perfectly healthy attitude to her Aunties 30 year “marriage” (first couple to marry under new laws elsewhere) and her godparents marriage. She is Christian and does not discriminate. A new generation. New laws. Leave the hate in the past.

      • Ian says:

        Your daughter was confused the second a morally void, “Godless” society she was raised in conditioned her to believe that homosexuality is a normal, healthy, procreative lifestyle. That society that teaches young minds to effectively question natural sexual behviour and express “tolerance”, which is often synonomous with “curiosity”, of unnatural sexual behaviour. Heck the western music industry alone is largely responsible for the surge in homosexual “experimentation” we have seen practiced on this island since the 90′s, especially amongst young females. You people give no consideration whatsoever to the notion of campaigns that are meticulously designed to alter perception amongst the masses. People arent THAT smart. Christ, look how easily Hitler influenced the good folks of Nazi Germany. Ironically its the self-proclaimed “modern thinkers” that are most susceptible to any message wrapped in the guise of “progress’. As for new generations and laws, there is actually NOTHING new about accomodations being made to the gay community as of late. Just look at ancient Rome, one of history’s most perverse, immoral, corrupt societies known to man. Gays thrived there while it lasted.

        • Mike Hind says:

          Hate filled lies. Disgusting.

        • Robert says:

          So was it the “western music indusry”, the Nazis or “modern thinkers” that perverted ancient Rome? You are all over the map and the ages. It makes your bizarre diatribe hard to follow.

        • Come Correct says:

          …and I thought I wasn’t wrapped to tight.

      • Daylilly says:

        Children are encouraged to be homosexual, heterosexual, pansexual and every other kind of sexual… Long before they ever learn to be male or female… Or just be a child.

        Only since you brought up being Christ-(like) ian.. How is it that you contend with Jesus’ words in 1 Cor 6:9-11 and Matt 19:4-6. Where Jesus discusses marriage and male and female identities.

        And The marriage covenant symbolizes the very existence of God. A trinity. The marriage covenant also being a trinity between a man a woman and God. Other than salvation, marriage is the only covenant between God and man.

        And if disagreement is the criteria for hate then Christians are the most hated people on this web, there are plenty of Christophobic slurs to prove that.

        • Mike Hind says:

          Nonsense.

          Your personal beliefs are exactly that. Your personal beliefs.

          Unless you can back them up with evidence, they’re not true.

          Please stop spreading lies.

        • Mike Hind says:

          And the last bit?

          Sheer, unadulterated gibberish!

          People speaking out against discrimination and persecution of gays CANNOT be sanely likened to “the most hated people on the web”

          This is an example of Christian Privilege at its worst, playing the victim because people dare to call them on their lies and oppression.

          It’s sickening.

        • Mike Hind says:

          AND marriage can be a trinity for you, but it is not, nor does it have to be, the same thing for everyone. And gay folks getting married isn’t going to change what a marriage means to you personally any more than my childless, atheist marriage does.

          This is the entire point. No one is trying to define what marriage means to you. In fact, most of us have said “whatever you believe is fine, just don’t expect us to believe it”
          However, your side is trying to define what marriage means for other people and that’s what is not fair.

    • Standing up for GOD says:

      I agree with that my words got twisted also when I said something similar thats why I dont say nothing nomore but I strongly agree with you some things people just refuse to understand like the children they are confuse dont know if they want to bea a man or woman sad

  24. Daylilly says:

    Is this a back door attempt to gain a new voting pool. More people who may eventually gain the right to vote and direct Bermuda’s fate.

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      How would anyone know how the vote is cast? Are you saying that gay people are more likely to vote one way or another? Is this this all part of a grand evil scheme orchestrated by unkown shady people in secret places?

      • Toodle-oo says:

        Oooh , careful now . You don’t want to awaken all those mystical , fantastical ‘Illuminati believers’ out of their slumber and have them jump on the bandwagon. lol

  25. Faulk says:

    I think the Chief Justice has erred by not going far enough – if his opinion applies only to gay unmarried couples, then straight ones are by definition then discriminated against. One obvious solution is of course to legalize gay marriage thereby making rulings such as this redundant for the reason it was brought.

  26. young leader in training says:

    This is a back door approach that is flaming with discrimination. Expats with SSM from other jurisdictions and locals in common law marriages that are recognised and live in other jurisdictions will have a much easier time to get the courts to rule in their favor. The family unit of mother and father is eroding before our eyes and, the science showing the greater benefits of the traditional family is being ignored. The media powers of the alternative lifestyle have successfully pushed their agenda even though the US census shows LGBT are less than 2% of the US population. If only race discrimination was as successful.

    • bdaboy says:

      “The family unit of mother and father is eroding before our eyes and, the science showing the greater benefits of the traditional family is being ignored. ”

      Yes indeed, all of those babies by different daddies, out of wedlock, divorce, adultry have certainly eroded the “traditional family”

    • Walk in their shoes says:

      The ‘traditional family’ isn’t being eroded by gay couples, that’s for sure. Blame that on singles who aren’t getting married, if you must.

    • Rich says:

      ” the science showing the greater benefits of the traditional family is being ignored”

      For what it’s worth, research has shown that, when controlled for other variables, there is no appreciable difference on the long-term well being of children raised in a same-sex household versus those raised in an opposite-sex household. There is also no appreciable difference between families where two adults live as spouses and where they live in a genuine and subsisting relationship but not as spouses (regardless of gender makeup)

      A number of studies trotted out against marriage equality have often ignored the more important correlation between long-term harm of children and relationship breakdown. However, gay people certainly do not have a monopoly on relationship breakdown.

  27. Standing up for GOD says:

    LET HIM WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE NOT HERE TO JUDGE JUST STANDING UP FOR MY GOD. I don’t agree with whats going on in this island concerning this gay stuff you are letting in all these spirits into Bermuda that has nothing to do with the CREATOR GOD. Its an OBOMINATION to our Lord dont anybody care how your making our GOD FEEL. Now God WORD is truth and it will never be change no matter how you try to justisfy it he made MAN than created WOMAN THAT’S IT. God is love but he don’t love that sinful nature that people are choosing to live by the mark of the beast is out and once you relize the devils works you would understand the seal of God. Satan is out to STEAL KILL AND DESTROY and he is deciving the world he hates us and he is going to distroy you and you just letting it happen thinking that its ok its not.

    Also your not thinking of the children, your confusing them because your making them think its ok to be with the same sex and its not again GODS WORD states he will give Adam a helpmate which is WOMAN GOD took a rib from Adam and gave it WOMAN EVE so please tell me why you think that this gay stuff is ok, it never ever stated in the bible that its right NEVER!!!!CHOOSE ON THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE the choose is your peolpe take a stand for our GOD flee from the devil he hates us just as much as he hates GOD.

    Satan will do anything to convience you that the way your living is good SIN leads to death wake up people. Marriage is between MAN & WOMAN you can’t create nothing out of being with the same sex than you wonder why these children grow up mess up in their heads they are confuse and your just adding more confusing to them. and now you have the gay lover killin BERMUDA was never in this state if your in a gay relationship i think it should stay between the two dont go around just flashing it around in people faces because not everbody agree to that lifestyle GOD loves us he just dont like the sin your living in and the state your putting this island in stand up for GOD and the people of Bermuda we need Godly Holy people representing Bermuda because all I see is destructuion on this beautiful island.GOD BLESS BERMUDA AND PROTECT US WITH YOUR HOLY ANGELS LORD THIS ISLAND NEEDS YOU!!!!!!!!! Sorry if i have offened anyone but GOD word is truth and im just telling you like it is.I’m standing up for GOD simple and if you have a problem talk with my GOD!!!!

    • Hmmmm says:

      @Standing up For God….. Can you please explain why i dont see or hear you calling for people to stop eating shellfish? Getting divorced? Do you approve of stoning?.. Why is one “abomination” in the bible, remember this is a book written by men and later translated (interpreted) by men.

      • Daylilly says:

        The shellfish, stoning and pig skin lines are an old and very broken record. In terms of books written by men, so are all the scientific books that say a big explosion of matter began intelligent design. Problem with that is where did the matter come from and chaos only yields more chaos not the intelligent design that governs our world.

        • Mike Hind says:

          Scientific books don’t teach intelligent design. Yet again you show just how ridiculous your position is.

          You have ability no idea what you are talking about.

    • dude says:

      it’s great you are passionate about your faith. but it’s just that – YOUR faith. Nobody else’s business so please keep your business to your own faith’s community. this issue has NOTHING TO DO WITH your faith, my faith, anybody’s faith. thank you.

      • Standing up for GOD says:

        I CAN SAY WHAT I LIKE WHO ARE YOU I ONLY ANSWER TO ONE PERSON AND IT SURELY AINT YOU. IF YOU DONT LIKE IT THAN DONT READ IT SIMPLE!!!!

        • GOD says:

          Stop standing up for me.

          You are making me look bad.

        • Walk in their shoes says:

          You must be new to the internet. If you post a comment, then surely you shouldn’t be surprised to find that other people will reply to those comments. The caps-lock thing is a whole other issue :)

    • Ed says:

      Copying and pasting your comment here won’t make God any more real. He is a figment of your imagination, and that is why it is called faith. Your beliefs are none of my business and guess what. Mine are none of yours. Believe in god if you want, but don’t thrust those beliefs on me. I prefer to live life rather than celebrate death as so many religions do. I feel sorry for you, because someone told you a bunch of lies about a magic fairy man in the sky.

      • STANDING UP FOR GOD says:

        why are you watching me and what I’m doing worry about yourself and leave me alone what’s your problem I told you I longer want to talk to you yet you still on my case please leave me alone I read what you say what more you want I’m not going to keep going on with you about this I’m done so you be done to. You stated what you felt and I stated what I felt what more you want. Your just looking for trouble and I’m not going to be part of it . I regret coming on this because of people like you who just don’t know how to let things go when it don’t agree with you. I haven’t said anything negative to you.Your jumping on my case because I believe in GOD who are you???? You will be talking to yourself from now on taking myself from this so I don’t have to see anymore of your negative comments to me have a nice day

        • Ed says:

          Your problem is that you came on here and said you were not here to judge, and then you did nothing but judge. Being religious does not give you any extra entitlement to judge although you and a whole bunch of so called Christians think it does. Don’t blame me for my reaction when you are the one who came on here with your guns blazing. Believe in fairies all you like, it does not give you some magic entitlement. You are a perfect example of what is wrong with religion. You think it somehow makes you better when in fact it makes you a lot worse. Religion poisons absolutely everything and you are a perfect example.

          No problem though, you’ll get another clean slate tomorrow.

        • GOD says:

          If you really believe in me, I suggest you take your meds now.

    • Permanently blinded says:

      This is truely a post from the medieval era a world where women are wenches and slavery exists. Time for satan to become enlightened.

  28. Mike Hind says:

    If you don’t know how to explain that some people are gay to your kids, then maybe you shouldn’t be having kids..

    Just saying. It’s not hard. “Sometimes people just like people. Sometimes they’real of the same sex. Sometimes boys like boys and girls like girls.”
    How hard was that? Heck, if you want to be hateful, you can even say, “we don’t believe that this is right because the bible says so.” Don’t though, ‘cuz that’s disgusting.

    It’s really not difficult.

  29. Takbir Karriem Sharrieff says:

    My comment is awaiting Moderation?????????????????????yuo will wait till hell freezes over……………..

  30. Crafty Butcher says:

    Awesome news.

  31. Yohanan says:

    I’m for neither sides. But y do Christians oppose this so much? Everyday you all pray for thy kingdom to come, well the scriptures says that “Because of this Elohim gave them over to degrading passions. For even their women exchanged natural relations for what is against nature, and likewise, the men also, having left natural relations with woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing indecency, and receiving back the reward which was due for their straying. ” so if these things must take place for your gods kingdom to come then u shld b welcoming these changes because it’s a step closer to harmagadon. AS FOR ME N MY BOYS WE WANT POLIGAMY! ITS OUR RIGHT TO LOVE AS MANY AS WE WANT. STOP DISCRIMATING AGAINST US. I’m out

    • Mike Hind says:

      Have you started a movement to try to have this changed, legally?
      Or is this just another “clever” ploy to derail the marriage equality conversation?

      If you’re serious about wanting to change the polygamy laws, let people know how they can help support your movement. You might be shocked by the amount of support you will get.

  32. Yohanan says:

    Thx for the positive push and info. This is not a ploy mike,gay marriages will take place in Bermuda no matter Wat. We Are largely influenced by the us n Britian. Look at weed. We are waiting till more states n Britian to legalize before moving fwd with weed as if we are uncapablle of self thought or afraid of Wat the international community says. If the u.s said animal sex is legal n Britian then Bermuda wld follow faithfully. It’s already legal in 13 states to ****** a sheep. Now I think that’s just sick n nasty lol

    • Mike Hind says:

      Consent. Animals cannot give consent.

      Bestiality has no place in this discussion and is disgusting to bring up.

      Hateful.

  33. Dennis Williams says:

    Cart before the horse anti Bermudian ruling…..like just about all his rulings

Sign Up For Our Free Email Newsletters

email-banners-good-news-370