Marriage: Court Rules In Favour Of Gay Couple

May 5, 2017

[Updating] The court ruling has just been handed down in the legal case brought by Winston Godwin and Greg DeRoche, following their marriage application being declined by Bermuda’s Registrar-General, with the court making an historic ruling in their favour, saying “the common law discriminates against same-sex couples by excluding them from marriage.”

The couple was represented by Mark Pettingill, and today Justice Charles-Etta Simmons ruled in favour of the couple.

The Court’s conclusion stated, “The common law definition of marriage, that marriage is the voluntary union for life of one man and one woman, and its reflection in the Marriage Act section 24 and the MCA section 15 (c) are inconsistent with the provisions of section 2 (2) (a) (ii) as read with section 5 of the HRA as they constitute deliberate different treatment on the basis of sexual orientation.

“In so doing the common law discriminates against same-sex couples by excluding them from marriage and more broadly speaking the institution of marriage.”

Winston Godwin: ‘Great Day For Bermuda & LGBT Community’

Speaking after the ruling, Winston Godwin told Bernews, “The judgement today was in our favour; I think the courts got it right. I cannot thank everyone enough for their support – it’s a great day for Bermuda and a great day for the LGBT community.

“We still have a long way to go. While it was in our favour, there is still lots to be done, but I cannot thank everyone enough again for their support,” Mr Godwin added.

“I’m overwhelmed with emotions right now; I wish my partner was here to enjoy this moment with me, but unfortunately he’s in Canada at the moment. Undoubtedly he’ll be here soon to help celebrate this.”

Rainbow Alliance: ‘History Has Been Made & Love Has Won’

The Rainbow Alliance of Bermuda said, “The Rainbow Alliance of Bermuda is overwhelmed with joy at the conclusion of today’s historic ruling. We applaud the landmark decision by Justice Charles Etta-Simmons. Today, history has been made and love has won.

“This ruling is not only a victory for a brave young couple willing to fight for their love, Winston Godwin and his fiance Greg DeRoche, this ruling is a victory for all same-gender loving people in Bermuda.

“In this decision, the courts have affirmed that the love between two consenting adults is worth protecting with law, regardless of gender. This outcome ensures that same-gender couples can enjoy the same legal protections as heterosexual spouses do. This outcome preserves the notion that love is the greatest force of all.

When asked about their reaction to the victory in the courts, Winston Godwin andGreg DeRoche shared, “We appreciate all the positive affirmations and support. This has been a long process, but well worth the fight. Hopefully this brings forward hope and courage for those who were/are afraid to speak up or come out. This is a moment we are proud of and will never forget.”

“This outcome could not be possible if it were not for the courageous decision of Winston to take on the government of his home and risk being ostracised by his community for the sake of love.

“We applaud Winston and Greg, the legal team that supported this challenge, and the many campaigners that have over the years fought for increased human rights, dignity, and respect of LGBTQ people. There is so much more work to be done, but today, we celebrate that love always wins.”

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The ruling has just been given, and we will continue to update with the full Court document and additional reactions able.

Update 12.21pm: We will update with the full court ruling as able [it's 48 pages long so we are trying to access an electronic version] and in the meantime a short excerpt is below.

The common law does not remain static. Its very essence is that it is able to grow to meet the expanding needs of society.”

On this basis, I think it is apt that the Court should develop the common law by giving effect to the will of Parliament as expressed in the HRA and specifically reflected in sections 29 and 30(b) of the HRA. As the Marriage Act and the MCA are informed by the common law definition of marriage, I believe that as a matter of internal and external cohesion and legal certainty, it would be appropriate for the Court to remedy those sections and grant appropriate declaratory relief along the lines of those drafted below subject to hearing counsel on the precise terms of the final Order to be drawn up to give effect to the present Judgment and as to costs.

i. The Applicants are entitled to an Order of Mandamus compelling the Registrar to act in accordance with the requirements of the Marriage Act; and

ii. A Declaration that same-sex couples are entitled to be married under the Marriage Act 1944.

I include below a draft regarding other Declarations and possible reformulations of relevant sections of the Marriage Act and Matrimonial Causes Act. But, as said above, I will hear from counsel on the precise terms of the final Order.

i. The definition of marriage to be inoperative to the extent that it contains the term “one man and one woman” and reformulated to read “the voluntary union for life of two persons to the exclusion of all others.

Update 2.14pm: The full court ruling is below [PDF here]

Update: OUTBermuda said they wish to “congratulate Winston Godwin and Greg Deroche on their landmark legal victory, and also on their upcoming marriage. We are reviewing the judgment to understand its effect on human rights in Bermuda generally, and its effect on LGBTQ equality in particular.”

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  1. Shouldn't Matter in 2017 says:

    Congrats. Maybe we can focus on real problems now

    • Daylily says:

      The truth is timeless and always matters. The truth is that there is only one relationship that is life giving and provides a strong social foundation. Nothing can duplicate the uniqueness of the relationship between a man and a woman joined in a union to raise a family.

      • blankman says:

        which has nothing to do with the topic.

        Besides, every legitimate study has shown that children of same sex couples do as well or better than those of opposite sex couples.

      • Shouldn't Matter in 2017 says:

        So infertile couples should not be allowed to wed?

        There are plenty of terrible “unions” raising children these days, give me a break. It has zero impact on anyone else.

      • Get with the times says:

        It’s time to open your eyes and get with the times like the rest of the world, an individual can have their own opinion but no need to discredit the love two SOULS have for another, we are all human, no need to be nasty to each other. The only “uniqueness” between a man and woman is they can reproduce, nothing more.

      • David Henry says:

        And what of the many men and women who procreate on this island, but no nothing about commitment to one another? Does that provide a “strong social foundation”?

        Have a look around, and let me know what “truth” you find.

        • David Henry says:

          *know nothing

          Seems I don’t “no nothing” about English on this Friday :)

        • swing voter says:

          hear

        • Modern xxx says:

          You are absolutely right David. The many men and women are making children just for the fun of it.

      • Iggrunce says:

        Agreed Daylily. Now lets let these people marry and the heteros can have their thing, too. All happy. See how easy? Easy as pie!

      • rich says:

        Nonsense.

      • be realistic says:

        Same sex marriage can and does give a strong social foundation. To say that only mixed sex marriage does this is very naive, especially in Bermuda given the ridiculously high rate of divorce and children born out of wedlock. Your argument is flawed.

        • PBanks says:

          And even if it was ‘about the children’ then the only obvious solution would be to totally regulate relationships, every union that creates a child should be immediately made to marry each other to guarantee that two-parent bond. Something very “Brave New World”ish about that, of course.

      • M.C. Beauchamp says:

        The truth is the Court has ruled.

        • Serious Though says:

          Disagree, Any court ruling does not always point to the truth, it function is to re/address or settle the arguable decent and ascend brought upon.

      • Frosty says:

        Oh ok..

      • Frosty says:

        Bye Felicia, the rest of us have moved on…catch up if you can.

      • bdaboy says:

        “The truth is that there is only one relationship that is life giving and provides a strong social foundation.”

        You mean like one momma and 8 baby daddies? The bermudian way.

      • bdaboy says:

        ” Nothing can duplicate the uniqueness of the relationship between a man and a woman joined in a union to raise a family.”

        Take your hate mongering somewhere else please…no one cares what your small mind thinks.

      • Know it All says:

        Correct that the truth is timeless…How many children are born out of wedlock? How many single parents are out there? What about when brothers and sisters have different dads?

        So your point is? What defines a strong social foundation? We have a prison population, that relative to the developed world, is only outpaced by Russia and USA…and out pace all of European countries by at least double. A couple years ago, our murder rate was double the worldwide average. So strong social foundation? I think we better look elsewhere first before blaming gay marriage as the pitfall to all of our society and culture.

        • Portia says:

          What defines a strong social foundation? Having a mother AND a father who are invested in their children enough to raise them right, in the way that only two such parents can. The breakdown of this structure is the main reason why we have problems today, like the prison population. This has been acknowledged by countless studies.

          There are many brave women out there who are raising their kids alone, being both Mom and Dad, financially and emotionally, but if you ask them, most of them would say they prefer to have the father there helping out, a partner who is with them and loves them and their children. There is no substitution for a male and female role model in the home, a child needs and deserves to have BOTH.

          • PBanks says:

            Which is better, two (committed parents), or one (parent who is unable to get the benefits from a married partner) or zero (a child who is not adopted or raised by any adult)?

          • Well actually... says:

            Well actually if we go in studies, how about we actually cite said studies, you will find that their findings role overwhelming in favor of same-sex families in terms of child upbringing. Here a just a few;

            “Child Well-Being in Same-Sex Parent Families: Review of Research Prepared for American Sociological Association Amicus Brief” :Manning, Wendy D.; Fettro, Marshal Neal; Lamidi, Esther. Population Research and Policy Review, August 2014, Vol. 33, Issue 4, 485-502.

            Which concluded the following; “We conclude that there is a clear consensus in the social science literature indicating that American children living within same-sex parent households fare just as well as those children residing within different-sex parent households over a wide array of well-being measures: academic performance, cognitive development, social development, psychological health, early sexual activity, and substance abuse.”

            “Promoting the Well-Being of Children Whose Parents Are Gay or Lesbian” : 2013 study from Tufts University, Boston Medical Center and the Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health published in Pediatrics.

            Which concludes: “Extensive data available from more than 30 years of research reveal that children raised by gay and lesbian parents have demonstrated resilience with regard to social, psychological, and sexual health despite economic and legal disparities and social stigma. Many studies have demonstrated that children’s well-being is affected much more by their relationships with their parents, their parents’ sense of competence and security, and the presence of social and economic support for the family than by the gender or the sexual orientation of their parents.”

            “U.S. National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study: Psychological Adjustment of 17-Year-Old Adolescents” :2010 study from the University of California-San Francisco, the University of California-Los Angeles and the University of Amsterdam published in Pediatrics.

            Findings: “The 17-year-old daughters and sons of lesbian mothers were rated significantly higher in social, school/academic, and total competence and significantly lower in social problems, rule-breaking, aggressive, and externalizing problem behavior than their age-matched counterparts… Within the lesbian family sample, no Child Behavior Checklist differences were found among adolescent offspring who were conceived by known, as-yet-unknown, and permanently unknown donors or between offspring whose mothers were still together and offspring whose mothers had separated… Adolescents who have been reared in lesbian-mother families since birth demonstrate healthy psychological adjustment.”

            With these studies in mind, I hope you can now see how outlandish your claims seem. The fact of the matter is, same-sex parenting just doesn’t have a negative affect on a child’s upbringing, and, as such, the common-place argument that same-sex marriage should be illegal due to it having a detrimental effect on Bermuda’s youth is invalid and unfounded.

          • blueman says:

            COUNTLESS STUDIES EVERYBODY… COUNTLESS

          • Zevon says:

            Two parents including a father? Kinda rare in Bermuda.

      • Mike Hind says:

        And this changes that… how?

        Oh, and has been explained to you many, many times: procreation isn’t a stipulation nor requirement for marriage.

        Your argument is, as always, wrong.

        • Torian says:

          What are you talking about? This win means that now everyone is suddenly gay and no more children will be made in Bermuda!!!!! /s

          • Mike Hind says:
          • just wondering says:

            I suggest you go and re read (assuming you read it at all) the judgment!!

            • PBanks says:

              I suspect Torian was being tongue in cheek with his prior response, and mocking the ol “What if everybody was gay” nonsense that some like to spout out.

              • PBanks says:

                (or her prior response, apologies)

            • Happy says:

              FYI the “/s” is a sarcasm tag.

          • bdaboy says:

            “This win means that now everyone is suddenly gay and no more children will be made in Bermuda!”

            No, making babies is bermudas national sport. Not caring for them, or having both parents present is also part of the sport.
            It’s just like when mixed marriages were allowed, everyone who was black turned white, and all white people turned black.

          • Love is love says:

            How narrow minded you are!

            Do you honestly believe that this win will turn people gay?!?!

            This win means that people like you can’t continue to spread your hatred under the guise of religion.

            It means that people who build lives together (often for longer than heterosexual couples) have legal protection to live their life as they see fit.

            They have won basic human rights! Rights that you have been afforded your entire life.

            Get your head out of your rear end.

      • I heart 441 says:

        Like

      • frank says:

        sad day for bermuda

        • bdaboy says:

          “sad day for bermuda”

          Sad day for the bigots. LOL

          • sage says:

            Dude you don’t have to put the comment in quotes in every reply, once in a while is ok, every comment, not so much.

            • bdaboy says:

              “Dude you don’t have to put the comment in quotes in every reply, once in a while is ok, every comment, not so much.”

              dude, you don’t have to respond to my posts at all.
              You never really have anything intelligent to say anyway.

          • Daylily says:

            bdaboy. Bigot – one who is intolerant of other people’s views. Seems like you also have a bone in that pot of stew. Many proponents of SSM are name calling, Christophobic and anti-Christian. You don’t intimidate me,

            • Mike Hind says:

              Here we go again with the victim game.
              You want to treat gay bermudians as second class citizens, unworthy of equal access to rights, but it’s the one’s fighting for equality because they call you some names and express their own beliefs.

              Ridiculous.

              And, as has been pointed out MANY times, it’s not your beliefs that people have a problem with. It’s the fact that you are fighting – and using really disgusting, dishonest tactics – to discriminate against Bermudians for absolutely no reason.
              You can believe whatever you want. But you want to hurt people and that’s what we have a problem with.

        • Mike Hind says:

          Why so sad? How does this affect you? In any way?

      • Thank you, daylily

    • Onion Juice says:

      F!@#ing Pathetic, now um gotta explain to the children why two men are holding hands and kissing.

  2. Ken says:

    Great news! Be happy guys! :-)

    • No children produced from this fake union. God did not make us like that!

      • bdaboy says:

        “No children produced from this fake union. God did not make us like that!”

        I know many gay couples who have children.
        God doesn’t exist, so your second point is moot.
        Keep hating, bigot, no one cares what you think.

        • Onion Juice says:

          Even though you are an athiest, places that are not contaminated by liberal thinkers that I see on National Geographic and we call primitive who have never heard of Jesus or the Bible, have sense enough to know the order of NATURE.

          • bdaboy says:

            “…., have sense enough to know the order of NATURE.”

            So, you agree that homosexuality occurs in nature, in all animal species.

            That’s the first intelligent thing I’ve ever seen you post, bravo!

            • Onion Juice says:

              I was talking about de humans FOOL.

            • Philip says:

              Cannibalism occurs in nature too. Dogs have sex with their offspring and female dogs and cats eat their babies. You do know that, don’t you?

              Are you suggesting we look to the animals for support of our urges? I believe you are too intelligent for that. Why be pretentious then and select one abnormalanimal behaviour and reject the others?

              • bdaboy says:

                “Are you suggesting we look to the animals for support of our urges?”

                Some already do that…..breeding like flies, as they say.

          • Mike Hind says:

            *sigh*

            Your “the order of NATURE” argument has been shown to be wrong as many times as you’ve tried to bring it up.

            YOU ARE WRONG.

      • Cedar berry says:

        So did So did God not make my faulty uterus then? What say you?

      • 32n64w says:

        So does your ‘logic’ explain your innate ability to be unencumbered by the thought process?

      • Mike Hind says:

        Your God has no place in anyone else’s life if they don’t want it.

        And procreation is not a stipulation for marriage. Your argument is false.

  3. Ade says:

    First comment. Yay!

  4. puzzled says:

    I am sure someone will appeal….

  5. St. David's says:

    Yes

  6. Community First says:

    Excellent news today – may this be the first step towards more inclusion in Bermuda. Inclusion is one way forward to healing our community.

  7. George Patton says:

    Great news! Bermuda joins the 21st century! Can’t wait to read the judgement.

  8. Hannah Collins says:

    I’m so so happy for you guys. Thank you for fighting. LOVE WINS!

  9. Bermudian says:

    I don’t know this couple, but am wishing them all the happiness in the world and congratulations!Love is the answer not hate.

  10. Stella Groove says:

    Wonderful news!

  11. Yas says:

    Great news!

  12. Myrtha R S says:

    It is great to listen to the good news on the Court’s decision in regards LGBTT’s rights. It’s definitely a significant political achievement on social and human rights. It is just a start, but it is a great start. Way to go!

  13. Sandy Amott says:

    Great day for Bermuda!!!

    • frank says:

      Bermuda is going to hell
      But the Oba wants to win the next election
      So they will do anything

      • PBanks says:

        Between the gun and knife violence, carnage on the roads, mayhem in politics, status quo for public education, unemployment issues unabating and prices for everything continuing to rise, you may be on to something. This topic here? not so much.

      • bdaboy says:

        “Bermuda is going to hell
        But the Oba wants to win the next election
        So they will do anything”

        The plp sent bermuda to hell…the oba is fixing that.

        The oba are not the courts…but you don’t understand that basic fact, therefore, you’re too stupid to explain this to, Keep your hate on, it’s all you’ve got :)

        • Daylily says:

          bdaboy. Always name calling, so much for “love wins”. Carrying so much bitterness and unforgiveness is toxic.

          • Mike Hind says:

            Yes. Name calling is bad. WAY worse than trying to refuse people equal access to rights!
            It’s the Christians that are the victim here. All they’re trying to do is make you see that theirs is the only way and everyone should just follow their rules and everything will be fine.
            Now, if some other religion were to do this, of course, it’d be bad… almost as bad as namecalling!… but when this dude, Daylily, does it, it’s ok.

            SMH

          • bdaboy says:

            Daylily, always discriminating against others. Why do you hate your fellow man so much? What bible are you reading?

      • Mike Hind says:

        What do the OBA have to do with this?

        And how does allowing equality to happen lead to your imaginary hell?

  14. hmmm says:

    very happy about this! Bermuda has finally began to make moves in the right direction.

  15. BermyCulture says:

    Absolutely thrilled, and feeling proud to be a Bermudian. Congrats guys, and THANK YOU!

  16. LongBay Trading Inc. says:

    I also do not know either of these two guys but I extend my sincere CONGRATULATIONS to them both. No doubt it has been a long and at times a very painful long haul but right wins! How can honest, sincere and true love, no matter the form, ever not be right?

  17. Joe Bloggs says:

    I hope the government accepts this judgment and does not appeal so as to further punish this couple.

  18. Mike Hind says:

    This is amazing news! Congratulations to Winston and Greg and congratulations to Bermuda for standing up for equality!

  19. San George says:

    Another Judge making law. Judges rule on the law; the legislator makes the law and the Governor executes the law people.

    • Mike Hind says:

      Yes. And the judge ruled on the law. This is how it works.

      • puzzled says:

        No they didn’t.
        Go away and play a fiddle

        • Mike Hind says:

          Is your hate so great that it’s blinded you to reality?
          The judge ruled on the law. It’s very clear and well put in the ruling. There’s no disputing that she did. Just because you disagree with that ruling doesn’t mean that they didn’t rule on the law.

          As for “go away and play a fiddle”?
          You don’t get to do that. You don’t get to expect me to go away on your say so.
          You bigots are so arrogant with this stuff. When things don’t go your way, you turn into children throwing a tantrum. Grow up and mind yer business.

          • Relax says:

            Bro why don’t you just come out the closet it’s over. Next topic you keep making stupid replies to people like a child. Some people like what you like some people don’t! Get over it.

            If you gay be happy if ya not be happy. Now have a good day everyone.

      • Hmmm says:

        Mike,

        Actually there are two types of law in play here Common Law, law that is derived from custom and judicial precedent. These laws should change with the times and can be modified by order of the courts.
        Statuary Law which are laws enacted by Parliamentary process. These the courts interpret but cannot change (although the courts can render them invalid if they contravene another Law)

        • Mike Hind says:

          Uh huh. So…?

          Am I wrong? Did the judge NOT rule on the law?
          If not, why post this?

    • The Judges do not make the law, they interpret it. A simple matter.

    • 32n64w says:

      Your comment shows a fundamental lack of understanding. The courts rule on existing law, they don’t create new laws as that role is reserved for the legislature.

  20. Torian says:

    Congrats for the win! Some might see this as insignificant but this is a monumental step in moving Bermuda into the modern age.

  21. Concerned says:

    The Bible speaks the truth and remember in time to come, that every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and He shall reign forever. He is the Creator of all but will not sit idly by while His instructions to his people are completely ignored. No argument, fact!

    • bdaboy says:

      “The Bible speaks the truth and remember in time to come,”

      BS, the bible is a storybook for the weak of mind, like yourself.
      Educate yourself, instead of embarrassing yourself with these silly little quotes from a silly little book.

      • Portia says:

        That “silly little book” predicted that you would say exactly what you said.

        And not one word of scripture has ever proven to be false.

        • Get with the times says:

          Science still hasn’t been able to prove that water can be turned into wine or that a personal can “come back to life” 3 days after death…. Science 2 Bible 0

        • bdaboy says:

          “That “silly little book” predicted that you would say exactly what you said.

          And not one word of scripture has ever proven to be false.”

          Wow, how gullible of you.

          Everything in that silly book has been proven false, time and time again.

        • Mike Hind says:

          Where? Where did it predict that?

          You’re making things up again!

        • Zevon says:

          It’s a work of fiction.

      • Daylily says:

        Why pretend to be for human rights when you are so Christophobic. Are you for human rights, because freedom of religion, and thought are in fact human rights. You make a mockery of your stance with the constant juvenile put downs of people of faith. You can disagree without being rude you know.

        • Mike Hind says:

          No one is “christophobic”. That’s just something you American agitators made up to try to play victim. Your religion isn’t under attack. Your freedoms are intact. Your life hasn’t changed in any way.

          As for “being rude”? Why is it only bad when your side is on the receiving end? Why do you NEVER speak out against your side when it attacks gays and calls them “nasty” and makes juvenile put downs? Oh, wait. Because you are a hypocrite.

    • Mike Hind says:

      Fine. And as Jesus said about gay marriage, “…”

      Your belief system is yours and shouldn’t have any effect on anyone else’s life.
      No one is stopping you from believing this.

    • M.C. Beauchamp says:

      Gobbledegook.

    • Anbu says:

      There is no instruction muppet. Your god gave EVERYONE free will. Understand what that means? Congrats guys ignore the hate. Welcome to the marraige club.

    • inkblot101 says:

      Dude Jesus said exactly nothing about gay people. I do remember something about “love your neighbour though.” I don’t remember there being any caveats on that one.

    • 32n64w says:

      Rightfully so, the rule of law trumps religious doctrine and related belief constructs. You can believe in anything you like, but your beliefs and my legally enshrined rights aren’t interchangeable.

    • bdaboy says:

      ” He is the Creator of all but will not sit idly by while His instructions to his people are completely ignored. ”

      …she spewed forth while lounging in her cotton/polyester blend robe and sucking on a shrimp.

  22. swing voter says:

    meanwhile the spineless crew on the upper-level of that same Supreme Court can’t even manage to tie their collective shoe laces…..MPs = wimps

    • just wondering says:

      ummmmmm Judges are different from MP’s – perhaps a civics lesson may assist? Oh yes and by the way a judge that has the guts to stand up and make a decision on an issue like this is hardly spineless!!!

      • I shall not be moved says:

        The so called judges minds and souls are in spiritual darkness and they have played a significant role in this Luciferian system.

        • just wondering says:

          Yes both the CJ and Mrs C Simmons are in “spiritual darkness”!!! What nonsense – Has it occurred to you for one second that you are in darkness as regards other peoples human rights?

        • bdaboy says:

          “The so called judges minds and souls are in spiritual darkness and they have played a significant role in this Luciferian system.”

          Man, you xtians are an angry, hateful bunch.

          • the truth will set you free says:

            Bdaboy there was nothing angry or hateful about my comment because I spoke my mind. Those of you who support this sexual issue are the ones who are angry and hateful because those of us who do not agree with you, you all are programmed to us the same words to label us because we do not accept sexual issue as being normal.

            • bdaboy says:

              I don’t accept your bigotry or hatred as being normal, however, I support your right to be a hate filled bigot.

              Happy now?

        • Mike Hind says:

          You should be ashamed of yourself.

      • swing voter says:

        smarty-pants please read my post again….The HOA chamber is on the upper level of the Supreme Court #1 and Judges Chambers….its the MPs that are spineless, not the Judge.
        Got it?

  23. BunOutTheChiChi says:

    Sigh…..

    • Mike Hind says:

      I know! I’m sighing with happiness, too!

  24. paperclip says:

    This has made my day. Great news. Congratulations to the happy couple.

  25. Serious Though says:

    “The common law does not remain static. Its very essence is that it is able to grow to meet the expanding needs of society.”

    Question: should monogamous common law change to polygamous too?

    • just wondering says:

      What has this to do with gay marriage – have you bothered to check where there are/were polygamous marriages such as with Mormons etc? and where do you get the idea that “gay” marriage somehow result in polygamy???? where does this come from???

    • bdaboy says:

      “Question: should monogamous common law change to polygamous too?”

      If you want it to, then challenge it in court, like these guys did.
      Don’t expect everyone else to do the work for you, don’t be so lazy.

      • sage says:

        The entire remainder of the LGBTQ community must be lazy using your logic since these two were the only ones with the drive to do their own work and challenge it in court.

        • bdaboy says:

          Logic? What do you know about logic?
          Read a paper sometime…you go up against the gay community, you lose big time.

    • Mike Hind says:

      Different topic altogether and those that want it will have to ask for it.
      But… why not?

      • Zevon says:

        There are great reasons why not. But it’s an irrelevant red herring anyway.

    • 32n64w says:

      Red herring. Irrelevant.

  26. Seriously says:

    I’m so happy! Congratulations and thanks for being so brave! Great news!

  27. Cow Polly says:

    What’s next? Can gay couples get married in Bermuda now? Can we start our Gay Tourism industry????? Can’t wait to witness the euphoria gay couples will experience when they are finally legalised as husband and husband or wife and wife!
    Congratulations to Winston and Greg and thank you for standing strong.

    • PBanks says:

      There could be positive impact with regard to the tourism industry, we’ll have to see what happens next in terms of legislation, etc., and if the BTA and other parties want to expand their marketing accordingly.

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      Why not? Bet it would do a whole lot better than that faith based tourism debacle.

  28. JAOS says:

    YESSSS! Gives me hope for a future where people are accepted as they are. Congratulations to you both and thank you for your courage and integrity.

  29. just wondering says:

    Its called basic human rights – so glad that those who may have a “different” sexual orientation can have the same rights here!!! Its incredible that the “god squad” are so against this!!

  30. Jorge says:

    “Gay community”…wellll let them have hawkins island.. build and entire community up there.

    • Mike Hind says:

      Why? Why should they be exiled? This is hate speech! This is exactly what they said about Japanese Americans during WWII.

    • Zevon says:

      You say this, and yet you pretend to be against bigotry.

  31. sigh says:

    FANTASTIC news! so pleased that love has won!

  32. Ginger says:

    I’m so thrilled for these two guys and for the whole LGBT community. Bermuda is finally moving forward.

  33. RS says:

    If you don’t like gay marriage. Don’t marry a gay person

  34. Cow Polly says:

    Will Preserve Marriage work hard to preserve gay marriages now? Marriage is marriage after all

  35. Sahima Choudhry-Thomas says:

    Fantastic news! Congratulations gents!

    #LoveWins

  36. karen says:

    GREAT DAY FOR BERMUDA

  37. Reality says:

    Wonderful!! Progress.

  38. Family Man says:

    I’d like to nominate Ian Kawaley, Charles-Etta Simmons and Mark Pettingill for recognition on Bermuda Heroes Day.

    They changed Bermuda for the better.

    • Zevon says:

      No a bad idea. Kawaley in particular is a man I admire. He seems to me to be completely trustworthy. Even when I disagree with him I like him.

    • Zevon says:

      Sorry, I meant “Not a bad idea”. Left out a very important t.

  39. carobbermuda says:

    Yes, it is a ‘Great Day For Bermuda & LGBT Community’! Congratulations!!

  40. Kenny foggo says:

    Gay pride parade will soon come n take over May 24 parade, etc. keep the children away. It’s the same weekend

    • Mike Hind says:

      Why keep the kids away?

    • Zevon says:

      Better that than the church people take it over.

  41. Janice says:

    Hooray hooray life is wonderful under the OBA the party that brings progression

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      No politician can take any credit on this one. A bunch of cowards most of them on both sides.

  42. bdaboy says:

    Pride is at the end of June, moron.
    Please keep your children away, if they’re anything like you, they’re not welcome.

  43. Upset voter says:

    The only Constant in this World is Change.

  44. Mike Hind says:

    Notice how none of the PMers respond to replies to their hateful posts.
    They don’t have an actual argument, so they just lash out where they can, then run away.
    This dishonesty is sad and it’s bad for Bermuda.

  45. Francis says:

    The only question I have is how Pettingill was not conflicted? He was the AG and gave advice – then brings a case on the same issues? Makes me wonder if he gave bad advice to government in the first place to then be a self styled hero. This duplicity would not surprise me.

  46. v smtih says:

    I say to each his own,but everybody is not the same, my daughter got

    her education, was able to get a good job, then brought her own home,

    then married a good man,then had her one and only daughter,you

    have to be there for them when they are young.

    • bluwater says:

      You believe you made your daughter straight? That if not for you she would be gay?

  47. puzzled says:

    So much for this town hall meeting.

    Hindsight………………..

  48. cpm says:

    Normal people will be not be at Pride Day

    • bdaboy says:

      “Normal people will be not be at Pride Day”

      Normal people? People who hate others because they’re gay…that’s normal to you?

  49. Disappointed... says:

    Leviticus 18:22 – Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it [is] abomination.

    Mark 10:6-9 – But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.  

    Jude 1:7 – Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

    P.S God’s Word is true and He does exist. He will judge you!

    • legalgal says:

      and prawns?

    • Zevon says:

      Luckily we are a democracy. That book of fiction you believe in is irrelevant.

    • Shawn says:

      I just love people like you “Disappointed”, calming to be religion without having a clue about the religion you claim to follow and only quote a few parts of the Bible. For starters, not everyone is a follower of you wacky concept of religion, so don’t try forcing others to follow your interpretation of the Bible, unless you want to form your own Bible based ISIS group or something.

      Secondly, as i recall, Leviticus is in the old testament, were god is happily kill people own his own and demanding secrafices (unless you go every week killing a live animal or person to please god to forgive your sins, then I’m guessing that know about Jesus being born and dying to cleanse everyone’s sins then a part of the Bible called the New Testament)

      But I you want to pick phases of the Bible to make people living by, how about these:

      Leviticus 11:7-8 reads: And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you. Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.
      (Eating ham or pork is a sin against god.)

      Leviticus 19:28 states: Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.
      (Having a tattoo is a sin against god)

      Leviticus 19:27 states: Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.

      Leviticus 19:27 states: Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.
      (Certain haircuts are a sin against god)

      * Being your first quote was from Leviticus, I figured you would have known all this already, maybe you should actually read the Bible instead had been a sheep and having it feed to you, just a tip.

      Deuteronomy 23:1 states: He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD.

      (Circumcision would bar you from heaven, so guess few few Bermudian males, doctors who perform it on children and the parents would allow or ask of the procedure will ever see heaven)

      Leviticus 19:16 states: Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour; I am the LORD.
      (Gossiping is a SIN, so means you, me and anyone who have ever posted online, called a talk show, written a letter to the editor or talking about anything else not directly related to them are sinners)

      Exodus 21:17 states: “And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.”
      (Specifically instructs you to kill fowl mouth children, are you a homicidal child killer in the name of god? Would be ackward as the Bible also commands, “Thou shall NOT KILL”

      Could go on, but will stop there, looking forward to your response.

      • the truth will set you free says:

        Shawn spiritual things are spiritually discerned, therefore the Bible can not be interpreted by individuals whose lives are led by the spirit of Satan

    • Union Juice says:

      Except that the Bible is a work of fiction. Just like Harry Potter.

      • the truth will set you free says:

        Union juice it can’t be fiction because as the Bible stated mankind will have a debased mind, and this ruling has proved it to be true and the unprecedented evil that is taking place is proving it to be true. Even though you do not it and others like you are proving the Bible to be true.

        • Mike Hind says:

          The Bible is your choice of religion’s book. It should have no bearing on anyone else’s life if they don’t want it to, just as you wouldn’t want someone else’s religion to have an affect on your life.

    • PBanks says:

      speaking of fornication, why is there no national movement to ban that nefarious activity on the island?

    • bdaboy says:

      “P.S God’s Word is true and He does exist. He will judge you!”

      careful, he’s going to judge you too :)

  50. bdaboy says:

    ” God’s Word is true and He does exist. He will judge you!”

    If…big if, your god exists….you should run scared. He said a hell of a lot more things about hate filled people like you than he did about homosexuality…but i noticed that you chose to leave that out of your hate speech.
    You’re nothing but a hate filled hypocrite who will burn in hell for your disgusting display of discrimination…..and all the gays will laugh at you, while we bask in the glory of heaven :)

    Stupid b!%@h

  51. Takbir Karriem Sharrieff says:

    A temporary victory for Satan,G-d,s will ,,,will be the last say.

    • Zevon says:

      Well we know that you lot want to impose sharia law under a worldwide caliphate. So when it comes to moral authority, you don’t have any.

    • Union Man says:

      There is no God and there is no Satan. They were created by man as a fear tactic to control people. It is superstitious nonsense.

    • bdaboy says:

      “A temporary victory for Satan,G-d,s will ,,,will be the last say.”

      you’re a disgusting waste of skin.

  52. Rhino says:

    It has to be said, and often is not when talking about the Christian response to homosexuality, there is a coming day of judgement and I think it would be very unloving not to oppose homosexuality with that in mind.

    We are all hopeless on that day without Christ!

    24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. Romans 1:24-25

    My message is not hate for gays it is turn to Christ

    • Mike Hind says:

      This is fine for you to believe, but you can’t expect ANYONE else to believe that or have their life affected by it, any more than you would expect to have your life affected by someone else’s religious rules that YOU don’t believe in.

      • Sara says:

        Exactly! Thank you. I am Christian but well aware that NOT EVERYONE has a Christian faith so we can’t expect politics to be guided by a book that some people don’t believe in! It’s not fair! This all said, why don’t all the religious people that are opposed to this try to help all the families with absent and or cheating spouses. So many families with children are being raised by one parent. Why don’t we focus on getting the people with children to be present and responsible for the children they created!!! It is such a major social ill in this community! Why does nobody want to address this one??? I guess its just easier to pick on and single out gays as our societal ill rather than the true issues.

  53. JUNK YARD DOG says:

    Don’t forgive them for they know not what they do.

  54. Oh its Real... says:

    Let the show begin.

  55. JUNK YARD DOG says:

    Who wants to join the independent party ?
    In some countries politicians don’t represent the people they represent them selves.

  56. Janice says:

    Well it’s all done now haters back to your cages and eat ur donuts move on and bigot your way through real issues that matter

    • Cedar berry says:

      This is not a comment showcasing love. It’s nasty. Be better. (and I’m one celebrating the success but I will call out those taking the low road.) Words like these make you no better.

  57. Oh its Real... says:

    Hey i was just thinking, can i catch gay? I mean i’m a man trapped in this lesbian body now. What if someone slips me the funny juice? Oh this is so confusing. This judge has just ruined my life, hey wait a minute. This has nothing to do with me…..hmmmm!!! Just thought about it, i’m still a man and i still like woman. Well if i wasn’t a man and if i didn’t like woman, i guess i would be gay. Or maybe i could be a monk or whatever persons that aren’t attracted to either. I know what i would be, whatever you call a man that is attracted to mermaids…

  58. SMH says:

    You all want to celebrate this stuff – fine, go for it. Just keep the disgusting photos of PDA’s off social media – it’s just nasty!

    • Mike Hind says:

      Ok, this one is serious. Someone is forcing SMH to look at pictures on social media!
      Are they holding loved ones hostage, SMH? Are they threatening you with violence if you don’t look?
      Blink once if you need us to call the cops!

  59. bdaboy says:

    “. Just keep the disgusting photos of PDA’s off social media – it’s just nasty!”

    Personal Digital Assistants? Are you telling me you look at pictures of palm pilots while aggressively touching yourself?

    And you think gays are disgusting?