‘Love Wins’ Supporters Asked To Attend Cabinet

February 7, 2016

Following the announcement from “Preserve Marriage” that they will be hosting a public demonstration on Tuesday [Feb 9] at the Cabinet Grounds, the “Love Wins” movement is asking people who “support human rights for all” to also attend the Cabinet Grounds at the same time.

“Preserve Marriage” — the group behind the petition opposing same sex marriage — held a press conference recently where they asked “the public that is for marriage to remain between a man and a woman to come out to a peaceful demonstration” on the Cabinet Grounds on Tuesday, February 9 at 12.00pm.

love wins bermuda poster feb 16 (1)

The “Love Wins” event page on social media said, “The group Preserve Marriage in Bermuda is hosting a protest against civil unions at Cabinet grounds on Tuesday, Feb 9 at noon.

“This isn’t really a formal ‘hosted event’ but a general awareness for anyone in support of equal rights who may want to come and represent the other side of their protest.

“While we fundamentally do disagree with their stance on marriage, the intention is not to bring negativity or reaction with picket signs or arguments but rather to show that marriage equality is something that is supported in Bermuda.”

“It’s been asked how we will differentiate ourselves from PM [Preserve Marriage] – obviously we don’t want to get confused! The idea that’s been thrown around is for everyone to wear bright colours!”

click here same sex marriage

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Comments (121)

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  1. Preacha says:

    Hahahs Seaman is gonna have a fit with this one.

    • Daylilly says:

      I’m glad this movement has shown its true colors.

      No room for peace and tolerance of others rights and freedoms, just your own agenda.

      Nevertheless, it’s s public demonstration and ALL will be welcome with open arms…..see you there!

      • Mike Hind says:

        How will we know?

        Or are you lying about this, too…

        I love how organizing a counter-protest against intolerance is intolerant to you…

        So weird how your mind works…

        • Nightlilly says:

          Like all those people who counter-protest the Westboro Baptist Church: hate filled anti tolerance bigots!

          • hmmm says:

            Yep the Preserve Marriage group are definitely looking in the mirror at themselves when they see the Westboro Baptist church.

          • Daylilly says:

            ….but you’re the only one calling names..

            How is that you can claim to be an authority on tolerance while spewing hateful, Christophobic, anti-Christian & bigoted slurs.

            Being for SSM doesn’t automatically mean that you’re not a bigot. Bigots come from every walk of life, including yours.

            All people can equally be tolerant or hateful.

            • hmmm says:

              Yes they can, but when it impacts the human rights of others, then there is a problem.

              • Daylilly says:

                Many human rights are definitely being impacted.

                These comments are saying that people can’t publicly display their opinions & beliefs outside of a church, yet you demand to the right to display your beliefs and feelings publicly…… Where is the equity in that?

                • Build a Better Bermuda says:

                  It is saying they can’t publicly display their beliefs, it is saying they can’t enforce those beliefs on others who don’t subscribe to them. What is being asked jeopardizes no one, it has no impact on the beliefs of those who oppose it, however those that oppose it are trying impact on the rights of those who don’t.in a democracy, no religion has the right to impose their beliefs on others rights and freedoms, that is one of the guarantees of democracy. It wasn’t all that long ago that other religious organization tried to use their beliefs to prevent others from receiving equal right under the law and end segregation. It’s now 2016 and people are still using religion to oppress the rights of minorities, here I thought we were trying to evolve and better ourselves.

                • Mike Hind says:

                  Nope! AGAIN, not true.

                  You have been told over and over that people can display their opinions and do so openly.

                  No one is trying to stop that.

                  PLEASE stop lying.

                  I’m begging you. This is getting completely insane.

                • hmmm says:

                  Daylilly, Nobody said that, except YOU !

            • Mike Hind says:

              This is insane.

              You are so blindered by your agenda, you don’t even know what’s real any more.

              You keep accusing people of being “Christophobic” and “Anti-Christian”, yet don’t EVER explain how they are. Just disagreeing with you doesn’t make someone “Christophobic”.

              You really need to stop spreading lies like this. It’s not good for our country.

        • Daylilly says:

          Mike you consistently reinterpret the truth to suit your agenda…,,

          As I said…….. “It is a public demonstration and ALL are welcome with open arms…. See you there!”

          Do you really think people can’t read?

          It’s interesting to see how you convolute the truth and then accuse the other person of your own behavior.

          I do hope EVERYONE does come and we agree that we are all people worthy of kindness and respect even if we disagree on this very contentious issue.

          Mike, your off-handed quips, sarcasm, and constant accusations actually belittle your own cause.

          EVERYONE, EVERYONE….Please come, while this country still has freedom of speech and the right to opinions.

          • hmmm says:

            Yes people will come, and people will later leave, but once everyone has left, there will still be a group of people left with less human rights than you.

            Opinions are all fine and interesting, but a group of people are suffering an seen as unequals. Do you want that to continue?

            • Daylilly says:

              I personally don’t see anyone as being unequal, I do see different situations being treated differently because they are different.

              SSC relationships are different than marriage. SSC relationships don’t have sexual complimentarity, responsible procreation- giving kids a mom and a dad, and they don’t yield the same social benefits of reducing government and social burdens…..

              • Build a Better Bermuda says:

                Spoken like it is the 1950′s, do you actually understand that you are making a blanketed bigoted statement based solely on your narrow perspective, developed and enforced by centuries of deliberate negative stereotyping, with no real bearing to fact or reality.

              • Mike Hind says:

                My marriage doesn’t have responsible procreation that gives kids a mom and a dad. Is it different from a marriage?

                And… Wait WHAT?

                What social benefits of reducing governmental and social burdens are you talking about?

                You REALLY have to back that one up!

                It seems like you’ve made up this whole new reality in your head that you’re now talking about that has NOTHING to do with the one we live in.

                Where is this narrative coming from? Are you THAT desperate?

          • Mike Hind says:

            As usual, nothing in this post is true or even relate a little bit to reality.

            My favorite is this “It’s interesting to see how you convolute the truth and then accuse the other person of your own behavior.” Which is a twisting of truth so hard, I’m shocked you didn’t sprain something. This is EXACTLY what YOU do, not me. Not ever. Not once.
            You do this all the time. And now to accuse me of it? It’s pathetic.

            Not that you CAN do this, or would, but would you care to show where I’ve done this? Even once?

            Or is this just another puerile lashing out by you?
            I think so.

            Look, we get that you think that your religion should take precedence over other people’s rights. You’ve made that clear. You’ve also made it clear that, deep down, you understand that this is wrong. The cognitive dissonance you show with ALL of your posts is evidence of this.

            I’m just begging you for an ounce of honesty. At least accuse people of things they actually do when they do it. It’s not fair to anyone, the way you “debate” things.

            • Daylilly says:
              • Mike Hind says:

                Finally.
                You posted your actual argument against giving same sex couples the ability to marry!

                • Coffee says:

                  A heterosexual couple have been refused permission to register for a civil partnership.
                  Tom Freeman and Katherine Doyle said they want to challenge “discriminatory” UK laws which restrict civil partnerships to same-sex couples.
                  They plan legal action after their application was denied at Islington Register Office, north London.
                  A spokesman for Islington Council said the pair’s request was refused because “the council must follow the law”.

                  Hey , let’s fight for this as well !

                  True equality !

                  • Mike Hind says:

                    Here we go again.

                    • Coffee says:

                      The truth !
                      Let us fight the good fight for equality !
                      As soon as we win this , we can work on the marriage component .

                • Daylily says:

                  Actually, Mike I cut and pasted the merits of your 1000s of endless & aimless rants.

                  • Mike Hind says:

                    Weak.

                    Will you EVER post an actual argument, one based in reality, for denying same sex couples the ability to get legally married?

                    Or will it be more of the same?

      • Rich says:

        “No room for peace and tolerance of others rights and freedoms, just your own agenda.”

        Hmm. Love wins. Love and equality. Beauty diversity. Support human rights for all.

        How does that fail to meet the standard of “No room for peace and tolerance”.

        Also, when did expressing your opinion against someone you disagree with or advocating for a change in law become intolerance?

        This is like saying that when someone criticizes you for expressing your opinion, this infringes your freedom of speech. It’s nothing of the sort. It’s them exercising THEIR freedom of speech.

        Are they shutting down Preserve Marriage? Are they being prevented from advancing their agenda?

        Preserve Marriage is a well-oiled, well-financed campaign. They are lobbying Ministers and getting their message out.

        If we’re going to have a proper dialogue on the issue, then the LGTBQ community and their allies need to have an opportunity to air their views and advocate for their beliefs. It’s part of the healthy discourse necessary in a democracy. The free-exchanging, marketplace of ideas.

        Here we have Prserve Marriage and their supporters thinking they should have a monopoly on public discourse and they should dictate the terms of the conversation. The minute someone whats to put their hands up in the air and say ‘excuse me, but what about us’, that’s called intolerance.

        That’s the height of privileged hypocrisy.

        • Build a Better Bermuda says:

          Love…. let’s reflect on that. Anyone can love anyone, that love can come in multitude of expressions… proof that God’s love is indeed unconditional… it was man that wrote in the stipulations.

  2. Verly says:

    Wonderful news! Unfortunately, I will be off island but I’ll be with you all in spirit!!!

  3. Curious says:

    This is an earnest and potentially further polarising invitation to our community.

    A call to gather on Tuesday that sets us against each other in a very public way. It opens up more ground for our anger, misunderstanding, judgement, hurt and resentment on this sensitive and emotional subject.

    Is joining any gathering at Cabinet the most productive way to hold a community conversation about love and our institution of marriage in Bermuda?

    There other ways to engage, hear, understand and respect each other and I hope we pursue them.

    • hmmm says:

      Yes , I think it is……The mentally sick hate group that hides behind the name of preserve marriage needs to see that equal rights mean equal rights, not that they are better and more entitled and others are less than them.

      Community conversations have taken place.

    • Gom-bi says:

      The alternative is for the minority to say nothing and hope for the best. History has shown that this doesn’t work when the considerable resources of the Church are employed to protect its political power base.

      It is time that people who have been victimized their entire lives, and the friends of those people, stand up for their rights. It’s time to sit at the front of the bus; to remind ourselves that the right to fight for freedom is a universal right. It not a right that is limited to those of any one gender, or skin-colour, or religious background.

      When you begin to qualify who you think should be treated as an equal under the laws of your nation you become a bigot. It is that simple. When you allow others to dictate the terms of your freedom, you allow yourself to be a victim.

      But the days of victimhood for the LGBT community in Bermuda are over. We don’t need to appease those who threaten us. We will not cower any more. Instead, we will stand together with our lovers and our friends and say with pride and with love and with grace and with honour that we refuse to have our rights denied to us by bigots.

      I, for one, have had enough. I will be there tomorrow, not to be judged or ‘prayed for’, but to take my place alongside my friends and the rest of the LGBT community to say that we matter and that are ready to roar. If you don’t like that. Quite frankly, that’s just too bad.

  4. Daylilly says:

    Very disappointed. This proves that there is no tolerance from the SSM Agenda. True tolerance would be to allow the peaceful demonstration to preserve marriage in Bermuda and then present your own efforts to cabinet.

    • Mike Hind says:

      No one stopping the preserve marriage demonstration from happening.

      And speaking out against people promoting baseless, unfair and unjust discrimination, like you and this group do, isn’t intolerance.

      That’s solely on your side, who wants to continue denying rights to citizens of this country for absolutely no reason, using lies and misinformation to push your religious agenda.

      It is the height of privilege to think that only your side has the right to freely express their opinion.

      • Daylilly says:

        Mike take your own comments under advisement.

        • hmmm says:

          You speak of an Agenda…..there is no agenda…..equal human rights are what is being discussed. Your personal belief system is your own. When your beliefs impact the human rights if others by preventing them from having the same rights as you, then there is a problem of inequality.

          You like the inequality and would happily see people continue to suffer. I don’t.

        • Mike Hind says:

          This makes no sense at all.

          • LOL says:

            Mike,

            You seem to be the one who is always confused. So many things seem “insane” to you. Perhaps you should just take a break, seek professional help, and practice your Tiny Tim routines.

            • Mike Hind says:

              Oh! It’s a dig at what I do for a living! Very funny.
              Especially seeing as you’re hiding behind the hood of anonymity.

              I get it. You’re an internet tough guy, taking potshots while hiding under a rock.

              Very brave.

      • Jiminy Cricket says:

        This is a bit of an aside, but I actually wanted to know. Is the main basis for legalisation of SSM by Love Wins one of equal rights for all? (This at leats seems to be the main point used)
        Are there also any other reasons that to support SSM? I’m thinking from a cultural, naturalistic or even theological basis.

        Hoping you or someone can clarify.

        • Mike Hind says:

          Isn’t equal rights enough?
          There are citizens of Bermuda denied equal access to rights afforded the rest of us, for absolutely no reason. That’s enough reason for me.

          My culture is one that seeks equality, so there’s a reason, culturally.
          Naturalistic… I don’t know what to do with this one… Not sure what you mean.
          Theological… this refers to religion and, as such, is about a personal choice that should have absolutely no effect on anyone else’s relationships.

          So.. isn’t equal rights enough? What more is there?

          Are there any actual reasons that we SHOULDN’T legalize it?

    • blankman says:

      So you’re saying that organizing a counter demonstration is intolerant?

      I guess that means that you’re opposed to the people that come to soldiers’ funerals to shield the families from the Westboro Baptist Church?

      • Daylilly says:

        I said what I’m saying, no need to re-interpret my words.

      • HW says:

        The two situations are not even remotely comparable.

        • Mike Hind says:

          Are you serious? The two entities hold the exact same views!
          Are you THAT deep in denial?

    • hmmm says:

      This is bigger than SSM, this is about equal rights….Those on the one side are against equal rights and those on the other are for equal rights.

      • Daylilly says:

        Yes, Preserve Marriage is fighting for equal rights of all Bermudians to have the right to keep the definition of marriage that has been the foundation of this society for the past 400 years.

        The right to be raised & loved by a mom & dad.

        To educate our children the way we see fit. The right to free speech, freedom of opinion, etc for all.

        Yes Preserve Marriage is for equality, love, tolerance, & respect for all.

        • hmmm says:

          They are expressing their opinion, just as others who disagree are expressing their differing opinion.

          The big difference is that the Preserve marriage opinon results in a group of people being prevented from having tangible equal rights in this country and preventing equal rights is wrong.

        • Zevon says:

          There you go again. You pretend that “equality” means allowing the intolerant to continue to oppress people. Presumably you would also think that “equality” means allowing those who wNt to, te right to keep slaves.

        • Mike Hind says:

          Most of these aren’t actually rights that people have.
          And those that are, won’t be infringed upon should Same Sex Marriage be made legal.
          You keep trying to push these lies and they keep being debunked. That’s not name calling .
          The things you are posting here are lies. They are incorrect and you know they are, because people have shown you evidence that they are. Many times. So you are intentionally misleading people when you post these things.

          The thing that kills me is that you actually seem to think that you have a right to discriminate!

          And then the biggest lie! “Preserve Marriage is for equality” no, it’s not. It is AGAINST equal access to marriage rights and privileges for citizens of bermuda and has offered no defensible reason for it, “Love”, not true, either. In fact, some of your co-supporters, have argued AGAINST love, bizarrely. “Tolerance”, well, anyone looking at your posts knows that, based on your overreaction and misrepresentation of what people say, you are very, very intolerant of anyone that dares point out that you are wrong or when you post misinformation. “& respect for all”, unless they’re gay and want to get married. Then, they don’t deserve the respect of even being faced with an honest discussion. They don’t deserve the respect of being looked at as fellow citizens that deserve equal access to rights and privileges. They don’t even deserve the right to talk about why they should be allowed to be with the person they love.

          You are so completely on the wrong side of history with this it’s making you crazy.
          You claim to follow the bible, yet you ignore one of the basic tenets of your religion.

          Honesty.

        • Cup of tea anyone? says:

          Do you actually believe the crap u type? I mean c’mon. Seriously? Wow.
          I can’t….anyone else seeing this? Smh
          Wowsers
          Bonkers

        • Come Correct says:

          “Same sex marriage isn’t gay privaledge, it’s equal rights. Privaledge would be something like gay people not paying taxes. Like churches don’t.”

          Ricky Gervais

        • Build a Better Bermuda says:

          You completely argued against yourself, every part of your own statement demonstrates a complete disregard for what equality means. Equal rights has to be applied equally otherwise it isn’t equal, what PM is doing is demonstrating against equality, love and tolerance for all as they are effectively using outdated stereotyping with no real basis in reality to maintain a standard of discrimination in the law against other who’s only deference with PM is who they feel in love with and wish to commit their live to. The hypocrisy of PM stand in that the current devaluation of family values has nothing to do with SS couples and there desire to marry, and everything to do with the failure of heterosexual coupling without the intention to to provide a supporting family environment for the consequences.

  5. Hmmmmm says:

    LOL

  6. MPP says:

    A counter-demonstration at the same time, same place…

    I can’t see how the organizers are out for anything but open conflict. We’ll see.

    • Mike Hind says:

      Yes, because only your side should be allowed to show up.

      • Daylilly says:

        Again, all are welcome.

        It’s a PEACEFUL PUBLIC demonstration. Love Wins organizers are the only ones who mentioned the word “protest”.

        • Mike Hind says:

          Protest doesn’t equal “not peaceful”…

          Oh, wait. You don’t care about truth. Just what pushes your religious agenda.

          Sorry. I keep thinking you’re a reasonable human being.

          • Daylilly says:

            Mike, you keep denying the truth…, people can read….so keep typing….. You are your own worst enemy.

            The point is that Preserve Marriage didn’t use the word protest, the word
            “Protest” was used by “Love Wins”.

            Talking about what kind of human being I am, calling me a liar, berating me for having a belief & opinion is the epitome of hate speech.

            Your actions, whatever your excuse, recuse you from speaking on tolerance.

            • Mike Hind says:

              NO! AGAIN, nothing in here is true!

              Are you seriously THAT much in denial?

              I point out that you are a liar because you LIE! You do! You do it all the time!
              I and others have shown, time and again where you have!
              This is not an accusation, it’s a statement of fact. There is no denying that you have lied, repeatedly.

              For example, I have NEVER berated you for having a belief and opinion.
              Not once. Ever.
              What I HAVE done, is asked, and begged, for an honest, real discussion, based on facts and actual reality and things that have actually happened. You have repeatedly refused to engage and have kept on spreading lies and misinformation.

              And even if I had done the things you accuse me of, it STILL wouldn’t be hate speech. That is yet another falsehood.

              I know it’s hard to rationalize your position.
              You know that people’s religions shouldn’t be pushed onto others, but you’re SO SURE that yours is right, so it’s ok to do the things you do, ‘cuz you’re right. Your religion is the right one.
              It’s not ok for other people to do it, but you KNOW your faith is the right one and if only everyone believed what you do, your life would be so much better.

              Well, guess what.

              It’s not ok. All the good intentions don’t make it right to lie and mislead and spread falsehoods.

              • Daylily says:

                Mike I didn’t bother to read your ranting, you disrespect the merits of your cause when you personally attack people. It shows that you know that your arguments are baseless.

            • Come Correct says:

              Three words…Oxford dictionary, protest. You just defeated yourself, now Mike has more time to practice his act.

              • Mike Hind says:

                OHHHH! I’m supposed to PRACTICE!
                That’s what I’ve been doing wrong all this time! I’ve been winging it!

                • Come Correct says:

                  Did you take that as an attack? It wasn’t, seems like you’re doing pretty good to me.

                  • Mike Hind says:

                    Pssst
                    I was joking! My act is pretty loose and I probably should practice more.

                    I was kidding around!
                    :D

        • Cup of tea anyone? says:

          So why complain?
          You keep contradicting yourself while not actually saying anything
          Seek help
          Drink tea

          • Daylilly says:

            Didn’t complain, just made an observation.

            • Come Correct says:

              Protest: A statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something.

              Doesn’t matter whether you said the word or not, words have meaning and actions will always speak louder than words. PM is protesting equal rights to all and LW is protesting you protesting against equal right for all, silly Lilly.

              • Daylily says:

                Name calling???…what tolerance,… Word manipulation is what the opponents of Traditional Marriage have mastered. Using emotive language like equality, love, hate, etc., is a great ploy, however, it has not masked the truth.

  7. Rhonnda aka Blue Familiar says:

    There’s nothing wrong with having a counter-demonstration. It’s not an uncommon practice. It’s just a matter of hoping that everyone on both sides remains calm and respectful, and there’s no reason to think it would be anything but peaceful.

  8. Pro voice says:

    Smh why would you do this? It’s like ppl coming to a black lives matter demonstration with white lives matter tee shirts on…smh the pro male a female marriage group is being treated worse than the gay community claims they have! They have been banned from the Hamilton Princess twice! Called all these names, had their God name openly and viciously cursed and spat upon, and now their peaceful demonstration is being planned by the same sex ppl to be bum-rushed…pun intended..starting to look a lot like how this same group of ppl acted in Lot’s day, only they ended up picking on people. Bunch of bullies…and the ppl are getting tired of being intimidated by the gay communities agenda, so yea come out, you might get a rude awakening

    • Mike Hind says:

      Are you even remotely serious?

      “…worse than the gay community claims they have”?

      You can’t be serious with this?

      Have the Preserve Marriage people had equal access to rights and privileges denied? No.
      Have their rights been infringed upon in any way? No.

      And then “you might get a rude awakening”? What does THAT mean?

      This is one of the most ignorant, clueless, privileged posts I’ve seen in a long time!
      Do you have NO idea of the history of gay persecution? Or are you just ok with it?

      • Pro voice says:

        Yawn…yup because anyone that doesn’t agree with you MUST be ignorant and clueless because you MR.HIND are the pinnacle of what an intellectual mind should be? Anyone that doesn’t agree is “clueless”. And you’re calling me privileged? Oh and the rude awakening is the same thing that you are going realise some day soon, and that is that ppl are no longer going to be intimidated by you or anyone else. So whether you and your “crew” come out to disrupt and intimidate, the voice of the majority of ppl on this island will STILL be heard…on that note, may peace be on to you and your troubled soul, I have other things to do today, I’m not a professional Bernews troll like you dude..

        • hmmm says:

          Mike Hind referenced the post as clueless, not the person who posted it….

          Perhaps try to put a little more effort in comprehending posts properly before you comment on what you think you read.

        • Mike Hind says:

          No. It’s not that I don’t agree with you. It’s that you actually seem to think that being “banned from the Hamilton Princess twice! Called all these names, had their God name openly and viciously cursed and spat upon” is even REMOTELY comparable to what the gay community have been through! THAT is what makes you clueless. It’s not because I have “an intellectual mind”, it’s because I actually DID SOME RESEARCH before I posted!

          And then you followed up with a completely biased – and frankly, disgusting “joke” with “and now their peaceful demonstration is being planned by the same sex ppl to be bum-rushed…pun intended”! So, so funny. Gay people like bums! Ha! Brilliant!
          Come on. Grow up.

          And then “starting to look a lot like how this same group of ppl acted in Lot’s day, only they ended up picking on people. Bunch of bullies…and the ppl are getting tired of being intimidated by the gay communities agenda…”

          Do you really not get that none of this is even a little bit comparable to being denied access to being married to the person you love? Like not even a little?

          EVERYTHING you talk about is push back against people like YOU thinking that they have the right to push their religion into other people’s relationships.

          Not once has ANY of you offered a reason that we shouldn’t change the law and allow people to get married.

          Yet you come on here and try to insult ME for standing up for other people that bigots like you are oppressing?

          Please.

          • Pro voice says:

            Pls Mr Hind explain on behalf of the gay community the history and horrors that the gay community has gone through “in Bermuda” pls…tell us how badly through history they have been treated compared to heterosexual ppl “in Bermuda” tell us how they have been discriminated against and not allowed to enter establishments “in Bermuda”. Pls inform us on how they can’t find jobs and are being gunned down in the streets “in Bermuda”. Also what is disgusting about gay ppl and bums? Are you saying what homosexual men do is disgusting? I dont understand what you are talking about, perhaps the research that you supposedly done has nothing to do with the ppl in Bermuda because as a whole we do not act nasty towards our fellow homosexual etc community. Now the issue of gay marriage for many is a social and or religious CHOICE that many in Bermuda feel should stand as is, for various reasons WE feel that a pro male and female family structure is what’s best to move our society forward! And we don’t ask you to like it Mr Hiney but you will respect it. And with that you have the rest of a good day…but don’t you ever again insinuate that Bermudians don’t love and respect our lgbt family and friends, however, whether you like it or not we live in a society that is democratic, and again the majority of the Bermudian community is pro male and female, that may change in the future but today this is where WE stand…accept it or not Idc..no need to get all butt hurt because ppl the majority of us don’t agree with you tho..

            • Mike Hind says:

              I don’t speak for the gay community. I only speak for myself.

              As for the rest of your little tantrum?

              When you calm down, start talking sense and stop lashing out like a child, with pathetic little digs like “Mr Hiney”, maybe we can talk. I doubt it, but I’ll wait until you stop stamping your feet like a toddler.

              I mean “You may not like it.. but you will respect it”? Seriously?
              “don’t you ever again insinuate that Bermudians don’t love and respect our lgbt family and friends,” Really? Like I’m not a bermudian?

              What kills me is that you don’t respect your LGBT family and friends enough to allow them to get married, but get all butthurt – your word – when called on it!

              This is pathetic.

              Wake up. You have no business telling other people how their relationship should be. None whatsoever.

              Maybe when you grow up a little, you’ll see that.

              • Pro voice says:

                Mr Hind your argument is flawed by the love wins post. I was moved to comment because I saw the call by this pro SSM group to show up at the same time and place as the pro marriage group as being highly rude and disrespectful. As a Bermudian yourself Mr hinney I would think you would understand how fundamental the element of “respect” is to the Bermudian community. The element of “respect” Mr hind is the reason ppl world wide speak of how polite Bermudians are…you see mr hind we are taught respect from young…so when someone like myself reads a call to show up in bright color shirts etc to an event hosted by The group Preserve Marrage who has a petition with over 8 thousand signatures of BERMUDIAN men and women, both black and white I take offense…This mr hind is why I commented on this thread…because my Bermudian ROOTS told me that the energy behind this call is wrong and disrespectful…and the comments under the post reflect the divisive energy “behind” (pon intended) and spirit behind the love wins post. Mr hind this post is why I commented if you are Bermudian, you should understand…but who cares if you don’t…not US!

              • Pro voice says:

                Mr Hind your argument is flawed by the love wins post. I was moved to comment because I saw the call by this pro gay group to show up at the same, time and place as the pro marriage group as being highly rude and disrespectful. As a Bermudian yourself Mr hinney I would think you would understand how fundamental the element of “respect” is to the Bermudian community. The element of “respect” Mr hind is the reason ppl world wide speak of polite Bermudians are…you see mr hind we are taught respect from young…so when someone like myself reads a call to show up in bright color shirts etc to an event hosted by The group Preserve Marrage who has a petition with over 8 thousand signatures of men, women, black and white BERMUDIANS I take offense…This mr hind is why I commented on this thread…because my Bermudian ROOTS told me that the energy behind this call is wrong and disrespectful…and the comments under the post reflect the divisive energy “behind” (pon intended) and spirit behind the love wins post. Mr hind this post is why I commented if you are Bermudian, you should understand…but who cares if you don’t…not US!

                • Mike Hind says:

                  Wow…

                  This?

                  This is EXACTLY how privilege blinds people.

                  You claim you want respect, but can’t even see the disrespect that your position shows to our LGBT friends and family by denying them rights for absolutely no reason!

                  THAT is the problem people have with the Preserve Marriage group.
                  They want to deny rights to our fellow citizens.

                  That is why it is right and just and fair that people show up to show them that there are people that DON’T believe that religion should be forced into other people’s lives and, more importantly, to show our brothers and sisters and aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews and friends that there ARE people willing to stand up for them in the face of discrimination and injustice.

                  You want respect? Show some.

            • Mike Hind says:

              Oh, and here’s an example of how they’ve been discriminated against…

              PEOPLE OPPOSE GIVING THEM EQUAL RIGHTS!

              How’s that?

        • Cup of tea anyone? says:

          Well you certainly are not the pinnacle of what an intellectual mind should be.
          Bwahahaha
          Read, comprehend, think about your response, and, if it sounds like what you just wrote, think about it some more…then….keep thinking. Eventually something that makes sense might come out.

    • hmmm says:

      You’ll find many people who turn up aren’t gay, but believe that people are equals and should not be consider lesser or better.

      • Daylilly says:

        This “equality agenda” is misleading because it’s not for all people just SSM proponents. Everyone else and their opinions are irrelevant.

        Kids are people, why aren’t the “equality experts” fighting for kids to have a mom & a dad instead of saying moms & dads are inconsequential.

        • hmmm says:

          We already have equal rights. SSM people don’t….

          So there are not equal rights.

          Are you better or more than a same sex couple, are they less than you ? Should you have more than them, should they as a minority have less?

          • hmmm says:

            futher @ Daylilly….

            So now you want to ban divorce…wow that is another issue.

            Forced parents who don’t want to be there or those in a toxic relationship are not going to benefit a child.

            You are stripping away peoples rights if they marry, whilst forcing people to stay married in potentially dangerous marriages.

            Children need love and guidance, support, security and hope and a voice…

            SSM gives them all that just as well as Heterosexual marriage.

            Although as children are not a requirement of marriage, it seems a little desperate of you to bring it up. Were you using children to try and to score points on heart strings, because that is despicable.

          • Daylilly says:

            This is not about defining people.

            It’s about whether redefining the institution of marriage is in Bermuda’s best interests….. Today, tomorrow, ten years or more down the road.

            Being a minority doesn’t make someone marginalized. Rich people are in a minority, no one would say they are disenfranchised or marginalized.

            • Mike Hind says:

              And yet, you won’t show a single shred of verifiable, defensible, honest data or evidence that it ISN’T in our best interests.

              And being in a minority that is, in fact, being denied access to rights and privileges DOES make them marginalized. Come on. Don’t be silly.

        • Mike Hind says:

          Nonense. This whole post is false.

          As usual.

        • Cup of tea anyone? says:

          Wow. I mean…haha….cmon. really?
          Whoa. Smh

    • Mr Sparkle says:

      Wow – you have black/white, spitting on God, a bible character, bum rushing and a veiled threat all because some folks want to counter bigotry? How Christen of you….
      A big thank you to the brave folks who are marching in support of HUMAN RIGHTS FOR ALL!

      • No laughing matter says:

        Equal huh? Love wins huh? Let me see these same people you are referring to, turn up when sweet Sarah brings home Kijuon-Jamal to meet her parents who live in Fairylands. Let me see them turn up when Andrew brings Laquisha-Kishuante to the family’s Sunday brunch at Tuckers Point. Let me see them turn up when Connor brings Tyrone to the family dinner at the Yacht Club. SSM supporters want to talk about bigotry? Take a very good look in the mirror before you use that word at others!!!

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

    I won’t be attending either event and I suggest others to do the same. Be smart and lobby your own MP and let the fools bitch and fight with each other! I feel that egos are at play hear and both sides own agendas and not the people’s!!

    • Average Bermudian says:

      FOOLS !

      There is no valid reason to decide to demonstrate at the same place, at the same time and at the same event – other than to cause mayhem, chaos and to provoke and incite confrontation.

      I will not be surprised if this turns into violence.
      The second group should not be allowed.

      • hmmm says:

        First you want to ban equal rights, now you want to stop people peacefully expressing their view.

        You call them fools. That is not very nice.

      • Mike Hind says:

        Any violence will be coming from the side that’s trying to deny rights to our citizens, not from the ones standing up for them.

        This will be peaceful from the equality side.

    • hmmm says:

      One is a hate group and one is a love group….

      Not hard to see who is on the wrong side of humanity.

    • Daylilly says:

      That is exactly the purpose of this counter – demonstration. To cause confusion and to scare people into staying home.

      Don’t be afraid Bermuda, either way let your voice be heard in a peaceful & respectful manner

      • Mike Hind says:

        The purpose of this is to show support to a group of people that are currently being denied equal access to rights and privileges that your group wants to continue discriminating against for no reason.

        The purpose is to show them that not everyone in Bermuda is a privileged liar who will say anything to push their religious agenda onto other people.

        No one is being intimidated. No one is being scared to go home.
        We leave those tactics to you.

        • We the People (1st!!) says:

          Saying it discriminating it is not true.

          Marriage does already exists for everyone. Any one person can marry another one person of the opposite sex/gender. Many courts around the world agree with this.

          The European courts put it like this.

          In Article 12 of the Convention (dealing with marriage,) it says, “(marriage)…secures the fundamental right of a man and a woman to marry and to found a family (if wanted). Article 12 expressly provides for regulation of marriage by governments, is given as a right to people to marry someone of the opposite sex/gender by national law. That is the position and stated in the constitution and or legal documents in many democratic countries around the world.

          Again, this is not only Bermuda but most of the world reject the idea of society being forced to accept the union of same-sex couples. Out of all of the countries in the WORLD that has legalized same-sex, only one country has legalized same-sex by popular vote. All of the other countries have had it imposed on them by a few elected officials with their own agendas and a few judges in the case of the US. Which those judges overstepped their boundaries. This is why just last week two states have removed ‘rights’ to same-sex couples are starting the process to overturn the judges decision.

          I can make this claim with 100% certainty. The Bermudian people, those who can vote, overwhelming reject the legalization of same-sex marriage for whatever their valid reason on this island.

          Same-Sex Marriage is NOT a human right.

      • Cup of tea anyone? says:

        Scared? So you are homophobic?

  10. Hmm,, says:

    **gets popcorn**

  11. No laughing matter says:

    Typical SSM tactic; Bullying and trashing anyone who does not agree with them and purely looking for confrontation. If any violence arise out of this, it will be on YOUR hands SSM organizers. You could have chosen another day to have your march. That is why people don’t sympathize with your cause.

    • hmmm says:

      There will be no violence encouraged or supported. If anyone starts any violence it will not be any groups fault, but the individual who committed the violent act. This is a peaceful gathering.

      Equal rights mean equal, not you are better and others are lesser.

    • Mike Hind says:

      Nothing in here is true. This is just plain wrong.

      So much hate.

  12. Rhonnda aka Blue Familiar says:

    It’s sad to see how many people think there is hate involved in either side of this issue.

    It’s not about hate either way.
    It’s just two sides who have different values.

    One side wants to keep marriage between a man and a woman due to their traditional, religion-based values.

    The other side wants to broaden the definition so that every adult can marry the person they love.

    If anyone, on either side, believes there is hate involved in either side, then I suggest that they stay at home and allow more reasonable people to express themselves.

    • Zoab Yob says:

      Rhonda. Whilst agreeing with your sentiment and wishing that we could appreciate the opposing views so maturely, there is a pervasive dishonesty in the argument of the Preserve Marriage group. My neighbour who is among their members, just delivered me a printed note which boldly states that “Redefining Marriage in Bermuda will Reorder our Society”, as proof, it further states in bullet point;

      “Gender Redefinition” (Err, won’t men and women continue to be so?)

      “Fewer Jobs for Bermudians” (!!!!!!! HOW ????????)

      “Transgender Sex Educations in Schools” (Good, maybe it can replace pointless Religious Education)

      “Restructuring Families” (is the existing structure working?)

      “Optional Fathers and Mothers” (I can’t make head or tail of this)

      These are groundless points which don’t survive the slightest scrutiny and are designed only to whip up a frenzy in the religiously (and politically) blind supporters.

      Preserve Marriage should ‘Man-Up’ and just be honest about their discriminatory agenda,and allow Bermuda to join the rest of the world in inevitable evolution.

    • hmmm says:

      Fear and ignorance may be more applicable….generally intolerance of something through fear and ignorance manifests itself as hate.

    • Rich says:

      Do we really have such little regard for our fellow Bermudians that we automatically assume that there will be violence? Bermudian get passionate and arguments can be heated, but I don’t think there has ever been an instance of overt political violence in recent years.

      The preserve marriage will come out and will be courteous as they always have, even if I disagree with their views. The pro-marriage equality ppl will come out and offer a dissenting view. Once again, they will be courteous as well.

      The courts have long recognized that there is no hecklers veto, ie, a right to prevent someone from speaking or assembling for fear that someone else may be offended or that a public order incident can arise, unless we are dealing with particular incitement a to violence.

      The assumption that clashes will lead to violence is completely astounding. It seems like a passive aggressive way to stigmatize the pro marriage equality crowd.

    • We the People (1st!!) says:

      One side wants to keep marriage between a man and a woman due to their traditional, religion-based values.

      There are also non-religious people of no faith that want to keep marriage between a man and a woman.

      • Mike Hind says:

        One side wants to tell EVERYONE that their marriage has to be between one man and one woman, based on their traditional, religion-based values.

        Their traditional, religion-based values shouldn’t affect ANYONE else’s marriage.

        Giving same sex couples the ability to marry will not stop other people’s marriages from being between one man and one woman.

        THAT is the core difference between the two sides.

        One side wants to only affect the people that are currently being discriminated against.
        The other wants to impose their traditional, religion-based values on everyone else.

        • We the People (1st!!) says:

          Saying it discriminating it is not true.

          Marriage does already exists for everyone. Any one person can marry another one person of the opposite sex/gender. Many courts around the world agree with this.

          The European courts put it like this.

          In Article 12 of the Convention (dealing with marriage,) it says, “(marriage)…secures the fundamental right of a man and a woman to marry and to found a family (if wanted). Article 12 expressly provides for regulation of marriage by governments, is given as a right to people to marry someone of the opposite sex/gender by national law. That is the position and stated in the constitution and or legal documents in many democratic countries around the world.

          Again, this is not only Bermuda but most of the world reject the idea of society being forced to accept the union of same-sex couples. Out of all of the countries in the WORLD that has legalized same-sex, only one country has legalized same-sex by popular vote. All of the other countries have had it imposed on them by a few elected officials with their own agendas and a few judges in the case of the US. Which those judges overstepped their boundaries. This is why just last week two states have removed ‘rights’ to same-sex couples are starting the process to overturn the judges decision.

          Same-Sex Marriage is NOT a human right.

          • Mike Hind says:

            This is a specious argument at BEST. To say that the current law doesn’t discriminate is simply ludicrous. There is absolutely NO reason for the “opposite sex” clause.
            There is no reason whatsoever, in law, to continue denying marriage to same sex couples.
            This is what I keep asking for and you keep pretending I shouldn’t be.

            What, in your opinion, is a good reason we should keep the “opposite sex” clause?
            Why SHOULDN’T we get rid of it?
            Before you go pretending I haven’t given a reason for getting rid of it…
            We should get rid of it because Bermudian citizens want to enjoy the rights and privileges offered by marriage with the person of their choice and, currently, are not allowed to do so. This is unfair and needs to be changed.

            Now… will you give a reason we should keep it?

            As for the rest of it…
            Again with the ad populum “But everybody’s doing it” argument, which is ridiculous.

            And again with the misrepresentation of what I am saying.

            Never said it was a human right. You really have to stop doing that. It’s REALLY dishonest.

            • We the People (1st!!) says:

              I didn’t say that you said it was a human right. I added that at the end, making a statement. So please you stop.

              Again, you need to stop being dishonest. I’m not using the everybody is doing it argument.

              I simply pointed out a ruling in Europe that was not religious and talked about how most of the world feels on this issue. So I don’t know what you’re talking about.

              Out of all of the countries in the WORLD that has legalized same-sex, only one country has legalized same-sex by popular vote. All of the other countries have had it imposed on them by a few elected officials with their own agendas and a few judges in the case of the US.

              This is not an everybody is doing it argument, but proof the WORLD rejects the idea of Same-Sex. The World rejects the notion that not allowing SSM is discriminating because the World recognizes that it is not a human right.

              All countries, that have legalized SSM, with the exception of one, has done so going against the majority of the people.

              • Mike Hind says:

                I don’t know how to respond to this.
                You start by saying that it’s not an ad populum, then make the same ad populum argument.

                It makes no sense.

                • We the People (1st!!) says:

                  You can call it an ad populum all you want.

                  End the end of the day, it’s 100% true. 100% FACT!

          • Rich says:

            Your view of the law is simply not true. The Canadian, American and Mexican courts have all in the space of 10 years recognized it as a human rights. Many other countries have legislated for it.

            And your reference to European Convention on Human Rights is not the full story. Article 8 protects the right to private and family life, which the European Court in Oliari v Italy said imposed an obligation to have available a specific legal framework providing for the recognition and protection of same-sex unions.

        • DTG says:

          For all against same sex Marriage, can you tell me please how it affects you personally…. Same sex relationships are here and are living together… so are you also against Heterosexual couples that are living together.

          Please please please explain this to me… Curious minds need to know

  13. Mark says:

    I hope that the future generations of everyone photographed on Tuesday standing with preserve marriage are just ashamed as I would be if I saw my grandparents standing on the backs of slaves. Equality for all. There is no grey area.

  14. swing voter says:

    aaawwwwww u gotta love the valentine jpegs…..so cute