Bill To Block Same Sex Marriage Passes In House

July 9, 2016

[Updated] The Human Rights Amendment 2016 — which seeks to maintain marriage as being defined as between a man and a woman — passed last night [July 8] in the House of Assembly.

The Bill was originally brought to the House by Opposition MP Wayne Furbert back in February, and then voted on during last night’s debate after an Amendment by Attorney-General Trevor Moniz.

The first vote was held on the Amendment to the Bill, which passed with 21 votes for, 9 against, and 1 abstention, which was from Premier Michael Dunkley, who said he had arranged a meeting with the Human Rights Commission.

The second vote was then held on the amended Bill, with those speaking against the Bill prior to the vote including Mark Pettingill [OBA], Dr Grant Gibbons [OBA], Walton Brown [PLP], Glen Smith [OBA] and Shawn Crockwell [Independent], while those speaking in favour of the Bill included Wayne Furbert [PLP], Craig Cannonier [OBA], Wayne Scott [OBA] and Sylvan Richards [OBA].

The audio of the vote on both the Amendment and the amended Bill is below:

Update 3.28pm: The Bill will now head to the Senate, and Senator Jeff Baron has tweeted that he plans to “argue in Senate to defeat this hateful law.”

Fullscreen capture 09072016 32745 PM

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Comments (283)

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  1. Family Man says:

    How hypocritical.

    Those that voted to allow discrimination were exclusively black.

    Shameful.

  2. Ed Case says:

    it was expected.

    • blankman says:

      “Expected” doesn’t make it right.

      • Bible Thumper Bob says:

        I see marriage as the union of 2 ppl who become 1; that 1 is the creation of a new person, a child. Forget any and everything that has to do with religion or man made laws, systems, policies, etc. Those 2 ppl are forever in “marriage” because of the child they created. No matter what happens in the world or what gets redefined, they will always be the creators of that person…and always connected. That connection, in my opinion, is a marriage…because it’s deeper than any other connection possible…this connection created life.

        It turns out that, scientifically, this only occurs from a male and a female. If reproduction could happen any other way, then we’d be having a different conversation.

        If a man and woman go through the process of getting married, but struggle to have a child, that is also a different topic.

        Now to bring in religion…God’s whole purpose for creating Adam and Eve was to create a family to which he could share His love. That they would create more children and extend the love of God to them..and so on.

        For Christians who wish to quote Leviticus…please stop. You clearly don’t know your religion and didn’t read the whole Bible. If you believe in Jesus, then you know that He is the new covenant, replacing the old covenant(laws of Leviticus)….hence the New Testament. Read the letter to the Hebrews where this is explained. But in Matthew 19, Jesus himself establishes part of his new covenant by reinforcing the 10 commandments from Exodus/Leviticus. In Matthew 19: 4-6, Jesus reinforces the view of Genesis where a man and a woman join and become one flesh. Further to the end of the chapter he also explains that many ppl do not understand the word “marriage” after being challenged by the Pharisees…and that still holds true today.

        On another occasion from the Pharisees about marriage, Jesus explained that there is no marriage in heaven.

        So those who resort to name calling, who slander others because of their beliefs, who use the term “bigot” to describe those who voted….to those who attack these types of ppl by name calling the name callers in order to defend their beliefs….your negative actions only exhibit your own negative character.

        To Christians, just because you’re defending Christianity, doesn’t mean you’re doing it properly. Don’t let the devil bait you into sin with such things as primary school name calling. Let their own actions condemn themselves. Proverbs teaches us that the tongue of a fool is his own demise.

        Just because they are loud on a social media comments page, doesn’t mean they are right or represent the majority…and if the majority choose to create a society that’s based on Christian values doesn’t mean they are wrong. Forget the business opportunities that we MIGHT be losing from LGTB business from the US, or the tourism opportunities…the decision should not be made on financial issues…because…as we all know…money is the root of all evil.

        And if you prefer to live in a country where same sex marriage is legal…then try the USA! Look how well their degenerated society of Christian values is flourishing!

        • Mike Hind says:

          I’m not sure you understand what marriage actually is.
          Having a kid together is not a marriage, necessarily.
          There is no requirement to be able to have kids together, or at all.
          Not being able to have kids together is not a reason to bar a couple from getting married.

          Your beliefs and religion are exactly that. Yours. They should have exactly as much influence on someone else’s life as a different religion should have on yours.
          Or would you be ok with someone else’s religion’s rules and taboos being forced onto you?

          As for the bigot label?

          It’s not about someone’s beliefs. Folks have explained this time and again.
          It’s about forcing other people, through this legislation, to follow their beliefs. It’s about denying people equal access to rights based on nothing BUT those beliefs.
          It’s not fair to hurt people because of your own personal religious beliefs.

          And, until, someone offers a valid, honest reason to continue denying people equal access to rights, that is exactly what you are doing. And it is wrong. And it is, in fact, bigoted.

    • Onion Juice says:

      Common sense prevails.

      • Mike Hind says:

        Bigotry prevailed. Which, to you, seems like common sense.

      • hotcrossbuns says:

        This is Neanderthal thinking. The world doesn’t care about what you think is “common sense”. As the economy recovers we could use all the visitors we can get. Hundreds of Bermudians are out of work and LGBT business out of New York and Boston could make a gigantic difference. We continue to hurt the people who need the help the most by these barbaric actions.

        • frank says:

          they can stay in boston and newyork don’t need their kind
          brining their filthy lifestyle here we will not ever except their way of life they can f==r o==f

          • Mike Hind says:

            Wow.

            This is just outright hate speech…

        • Cirious says:

          Thats called prostitution when you sell you principles and values for a dollar. not like they hire Bermudians anyway. Read the stats.

        • aluminati says:

          Barbaric? Spoken like a person who has had all the protections and privileges life could afford – I pray you sir never to never whiteness true barbarism.

          The only thing barbaric here is what you do to each other…

          And please do not mention the economy because if you knew anything about it you would know we are far from a “recovery”. The global economy (of which we are intrinsically linked) is teetering on the edge of collapse – keep watching those left wing, socialist news outlets – that will do you a world of good…

        • wow says:

          That’s exactly what George Patton thinks LMAO

      • hmmm says:

        Onion Juice, do you believe you are superior to, inferior to or equal to a person who is gay?

        • Toodle-oo says:

          OJ is wrong about everything . History revisionist and everything else . Why do you think his answer to your question will be honest , no matter what he types ?

        • Um got to much brains says:

          Please , don’t give it a stage.

          • Baltic Fury says:

            Jesus, so out of step with modern society.

            Bermuda really is another world, full of the backward and the small minded.

            One day you will see this differently.

          • sage says:

            Tell Jeff Deloreans were early eighties.

            • Mike Hind says:

              Maybe you missed the “Back To The Future” movies?

              See, there was a DeLorean that was a time machine and Marty McFly went back to the 50s…

    • WOW says:

      100 comments for SSM doesn’t speak for the majority who oppose it! Get over it and lets move on to more important things!!

      • Mike Hind says:

        Again, the majority didn’t actually vote in the non-binding, not-answered referendum.

        Also, it is the role of Government to protect the minority against the oppression of the majority.

        Oh, and? If this isn’t important to you, why even bother to post.
        I can assure you that equality is very important to the folks that are denied it.

        • aluminati says:

          Detail how you or your “minority” are oppressed exactly?

          • Mike Hind says:

            Well, I’m not. I’m a straight, married, white man. I’m not oppressed.

            But gay folks ARE oppressed by being denied equal access to rights and privileges that the rest of us share in.

            Do you not get that?

            • Whistling Frog says:

              There has to be a line drawn somewhere.. When you look brothers are going to want to marry their sisters and fathers their daughters and aunts their nieces.. I’m sure you get the big picture.. It’s all in the name of love.. This will soon pass.

              • Mike Hind says:

                No. That’s a slippery slope argument and it’s been debunked many, many times.

                This hasn’t happened anywhere else. This isn’t a valid reason to continue denying people access to rights.

          • Mike Hind says:

            No response?

            I guess you were just trolling.

  3. Plants says:

    In the public sessions they said that in exchange for civil unions they would amend the human rights act to specify marriage as between a man and a woman. It was meant to be a compromise!!! Absolute atrocity!

    • bluwater says:

      Horse-trading Human Rights. A pathetic lack of leadership on both sides.

  4. Jus' Askin' says:

    Very Interesting ;-)

  5. wahoo says:

    What a joke.

  6. Bermy Abroad says:

    These politicians should be ashamed of themselves. International corporations should start to boycott the island. Bermuda is becoming a complete embarrassment full of ignorant bible thumpers.

    • aluminati says:

      Check you later…you’ll have a fancy new airport to fly out of…

      • Just the Tip says:

        Why is that always the answer you people give? “Don’t like it leave” why is that, why should i have to leave the place of my birth, the place of my family, the place of my schooling, the place of my history because of assholes like you who can’t see past your fucking religion? why is it that I should have to leave just to be happy and secure? why, tell me why and don’t use any religious quote or anything that echoes religious themes.

      • Just the Tip says:

        Tried this on the 9th, noe i’ve edited some words out

        Why is that always the answer you people give? “Don’t like it leave” why is that, why should i have to leave the place of my birth, the place of my family, the place of my schooling, the place of my history because of people like you who can’t see past your religion? why is it that I should have to leave just to be happy and secure? why, tell me why and don’t use any religious quote or anything that echoes religious themes.

    • Real says:

      You’re right, these polititions should be ashamed of themselves because every last one of them should’ve voter against SSM

      • Mike Hind says:

        Why? What possible reason could you give for them to vote against it?

    • Daylilly says:

      International companies don’t boycott China or Dubai. International companies respect that the European Court of Human Rights has stated that SSM is not a human right and each country has the right to choose laws appropriate to suit its culture.

      • Mike Hind says:

        Here we go again with the misinformation.

  7. Triangle Drifter says:

    The cowards & the sheep won the day once again. You have done nothing but postpone the inevitable. Think of what future generations will say about you.

    • frank says:

      if a man gets married to man there will be no future generations

      • Mike Hind says:

        This is complete nonsense.
        Allowing gay folks to get married will have absolutely no effect on people having babies.
        That’s not how it works.

        Come on. At least TRY to use your brain.

        • frank says:

          and we said no no hell no

          • Mike Hind says:

            And that question was unanswered.

            Please try to keep up.

            The majority didn’t answer the question, so… Bermuda didn’t actually say “no no hell no”

            But you keep babbling gibberish.

            THIS is who we’re supposed to respect and take seriously.

            • Umm says:

              Majority of the people THAT VOTED said no no hell no

              • Mike Hind says:

                And? They were still not the majority of the island.

                Plus, the referendum was a) Non-binding and b) not answered.

                The majority of the people who voted saying no-no is irrelevant.

                • smh says:

                  Obviously they are very relevant for a law to be passed blocking ssm undercover brother (mike hind).

                  • Mike Hind says:

                    This makes no sense at all.

                    And are you actually trying to imply that I’m gay, like that’s an insult?

                    Being gay isn’t a bad thing, except for the fact that they have to deal with hatred from people like you.

                • GoodIdea BadIdea says:

                  It’s been debated a hundred times but a minority group is exactly that. So applying the “will of the people” in this case is clearly a flawed case when it comes to human rights.

                  We already understand how genetics can create a whole spectrum of visibly different people, how hard is it to understand that genetics can create a whole spectrum of internally different people? Fortunately being gay doesn’t amount to anything but a preference for same sex relations, but unfortunately a large portion of the community feels it’s ok to marginalize those whose only mistake was to be born different.

                  We have generally struggled to provide equal rights for those who are different than the majority while not being perfect, we have made significant advances either by quiet or not so quiet progress.

                  This case is different because of numbers, simple numbers. The minority isn’t strong enough to overcome and it’s certain that some remain silent knowing that despite the HRA protecting them, the majority community will not protect them. So it’s a lose lose situation in all cases, and again the church wins, top it with whatever you like, at the end of the day it’s just religious opinion and not human rights being legislated on here.

                  So saying that this is a victory for the majority only reinforces the acceptance of marginalization of the gay community and the reluctance to embrace all regardless of how they were born.

                  • Daylilly says:

                    There is much discussion about being a minority. Being a minority doesn’t automatically designate anyone as disenfranchised or marginalized. Really rich people, really beautiful people, couples who can by a house in Bermuda with no money down are all a minority. So are really tall people or short people, so are people who want several wives or several husbands, so are people who enjoy eating Brussel sprouts or turnips.

                    Being a minority simply means there is a smaller number in comparison, it doesn’t automatically mean poor or disenfranchised.

                    SSM isn’t for Bermuda. Bermuda agreed to protect every citizen with the HRA, Bermuda also agreed to legislatively uphold marriage between a man & a woman.

                    • Mike Hind says:

                      As has been explained to you before, the last time you tried this nonsense, being a minority doesn’t mean you’re disenfranchised or marginalized…. but BEING DENIED EQUAL ACCESS TO RIGHTS FOR NO REASON DOES!

                      How do you keep missing that?

                    • Just the Tip says:

                      So you start with something nothing to do with the post, we all know that not every minority is disenfranchised or marginalized but by your actions and words the LGBTQ does exactly that. This legislation does exactly that so please don’t act as if it doesn’t disenfranchise and marginalize me.

                      Marriage Equality should be for everyone, for everyone in Canada, USA, Briton, Bermuda, even in places such as Iraq, Sudan, EVERY WHERE. But because of people like you it is not, people who feel it is their ‘right’ to discriminate against others who don’t ‘match’ what the feel is ‘norm’. Bermuda did not agree the legislation the majority did not turn out and vote in that farce of referendum. It should never have been held and this legislation should never have been passed as it violates the Human Rights Act. Which makes you comment about Bermuda agreeing to protect every citizen with the HRA laughable as it is clear that this legislation does the exact opposite of that.

                      Just out of curiosity are you a white straight male?

                • JA says:

                  So irrelevant that you lost to the people you voted for. Lol

                  • Mike Hind says:

                    huh?

                    what does this even mean?

                    Are you actually gloating? Are you HAPPY that people are being hurt? Are you PROUD that we, as a society, are denying people rights for no reason?

                    That’s disgusting.

              • thetruth says:

                At one point the majority in one country voted in favour of Hitler.

        • Thinking says:

          Mike you are a real idiot a real a$$$$$$ to keep saying this

          • Mike Hind says:

            I’M the idiot?

            You post nothing but nonsense and lies and ignorance, but it’s me that’s the idiot.

            Ooooh Kay.

            Why are you so mad?

            Is this hurting you in some way? Is this harming your life or happiness on some way? If so, how? How is marriage equality affecting your life?

            Cuz if it isn’t? You shouldn’t be getting THIS mad about it.

      • Think About It says:

        Such a moron. So if a man and another man are allowed to be married ALL MEN will stop reproducing?

        I’m surprised you even have the mental faculties to use a computer.

      • Build a Better Bermuda says:

        How do you think a homosexual is born… it does take a man and a woman to produce a child. What is also required is a strong and supportive family structure to raise that child to be successful and well adjusted to take on the realities of life, but over the last couple decades it has been shown that the family structure does not need to be exclusively man/woman, nor would that child become homosexual if raised by a same sex couple.
        The human race is in no threat of becoming extinct through SSM, however, the one of the greatest and most imminent threats to our existence as a species (and for that matter, almost all other species on Earth) is in fact over population.

      • Point boy says:

        Small minded and ignorant!

      • David T says:

        Oh so you and all heterosexuals will turn gay then if this happens? What utter nonsense.

      • Thinking says:

        Frank now you talking mike going to hell soon

        • Mike Hind says:

          Soon? I’m not even 50 yet! What do you mean soon?

          Oh, and I won’t be going to hell.
          Firstly, I don’t believe in it. There’s no such thing. I’m as likely to be swilling mead with Thor in Valhalla as I am to be going to hell.

          And secondly, even IF there was a heaven and hell, I am not a bad person, even according to your rules. Therefore…

          You, however, who are using lies and dishonesty and cowardice to support our society actively hurting people for no reason?

          You might have to do some quick talking to do at the Pearly Gates to get out of the ol’ Down Elevator.

        • Mike Hind says:

          And…

          Doesn’t this sound a little “Westboro Baptist Church”-like?

          You gonna make up some signs like they do?

    • aluminati says:

      FUTURE GENERATIONS WILL KNOW WHAT IT IS LIKE TO HAVE A MOTHER AND FATHER _ THE WAY NATURE DESIGNED IT.
      YOU ARE AN ABOMINATION TO NATURE THAT IS WHY YOUR GENES POOL WILL END.

      • Mike Hind says:

        Oh! You’re insane and have no idea what you are talking about. I thought you were actually interested in discussion.

        Seems like you’re only interested in spreading hate and misinformation. Shame on you. You are bad for our society.

        You’re no better than the Westboro Baptist Chirch.

    • Daylilly says:

      Future generations will say thank you for protecting marriage and our future.

      • Mike Hind says:

        Future generations will look at the lies and misinformation and nonsense that you and your side have put out there as an argument against marriage equality and look on you with the same disgust as we do other bigots from the past.

        This doesn’t protect marriage because marriage, as it exists now, will not be affected in any way, at all.

        This “protecting marriage and our future” is a disgusting false narrative that you lot have made up to sound good, but it means nothing.

        • Daylilly says:

          “Misinformation.. nonsense.. disgust.. bigots.. marriage equality” Your words. Lots of emotive terms, people know the truth, SSM is not a human right.

          • Mike Hind says:

            Odd that you say that they’re emotive terms, but not that I’m not right.

            Or, if that’s the implication, WHY I’m not right.

            You keep saying that it’s not a human right… but, when asked about the rights that people ARE, in fact, denied access to, you disappear and go silent.

            Why is that?

            As for the truth? You’ve shown that you don’t even have passing knowledge of it, given all the times that you have posted outright lies in order to push your agenda.

            Don’t worry. I’m not expecting a response that makes any sense. You haven’t done so so far.

          • Just the Tip says:

            And Mike has never said that it was, it is a right and it is a human rights issue because rights are being denied on the grounds of sexual orintations and gender.

  8. Longtail says:

    I cry for my country………..

    • frank says:

      what the hell you crying for

      • Mike Hind says:

        Because bigotry and ignorance prevailed.
        Our Government voted to continue to deny access to rights to Bermudians and offered no real reason to do so.

        This is shameful and we should all be outraged about this blow to Human Rights.

        • Whistling Frog says:

          What about my human rights to smoke my herb in my own house? or better still bake my brownies with it…

          • Mike Hind says:

            A completely different subject…

            and one, I should add, that I would support, should you wish to organize and start making a movement towards legalization. However, no one has done that, not in a major, real way, have they?

            You being denied the “right” to make pot brownies has nothing to do with marriage equality. How does that parse in your head? “Herb is illegal, so gay folks shouldn’t be allowed to get married”?

            If you want to change the law, then make the effort. Don’t just whine when other people are fighting for their rights.

            As I mentioned on this page, the two situations are very similar. Both involve denying access to rights for no reason.

            Start a movement. Organize. You’d be surprised how much support you’d get!

  9. Mike Hind says:

    This is disgraceful.

    What possible argument could have been made for this?

    Bigotry and discrimination won last night.

    • Youfools says:

      You guys voted em in. Be ashamed of yourself.

      • Mike Hind says:

        Um. Do you actually think this is partisan? Have you not looked at the party makeup of the people who voted for this?
        And the fact that Wayne Furbert put this forward?

        I know you’re “Party all the way!”, but you can’t be serious with this, can you?

        This is one of the most ridiculous, ignorant posts I’ve seen.

      • Rhonnda O says:

        I’m not ashamed for voting for them because there simply was no alternative.

        While I still believe that they are doing well in a great many areas, this decision… and the reality of who supported it … changes things. Bigotry is rampant in both parties and that is unacceptable.

        We need an alternative to the two options we have. We need progressive independent thinkers who can work together.

  10. blankman says:

    Truly an embarrassing moment for Bermuda.

    • WOW says:

      Embarrassing to whom? Most of the world who don’t agree with homosexuality?

      • Mike Hind says:

        Embarrassing for those of us who believe in equality and thought our elected officials did, too.

        And ad populum arguments are ridiculous.

        “C’mon! Everybody’s doing it!” is for teenagers, not society.

        • Daylilly says:

          The ad populum argument is exactly the claim SSM proponents have used. We have been repeatedly bombarded with claims about what “every civilized” country is doing, when actually only 10% of the world has redefined marriage. Eastern Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Carribbean have mostly fortified marriage.

          A powerful and loud minority is trying to force an entire country and the world to deny thousands of years of cultural roots.

          • Mike Hind says:

            Nothing in here is even remotely related to the truth.

            Come on.

            You haven’t… not even once… offered a single valid, defensible argument to continue denying people equal access to rights.

            You, yourself, keep pushing the “Most of the world doesn’t want it” nonsense.

            And now, in trying to accuse others of your own behavior, you do it again!

            “Thousands of years of cultural roots”? This is just gibberish? Which culture? There are hundreds, and all of them have different roots.

            So, how about it, “Daylily”? Are you going to put your money where your mouth is and actually offer a reason that we should still deny people equal access to rights, or will this be par for the course and more nonsense, lies and misinformation?

            I won’t hold by breath.

      • blankman says:

        Ever considered where our tourists come from? Or where the majority of those that invest in international business come from?

      • pink sand says:

        “Embarrassing to whom? Most of the world who don’t agree with homosexuality?”

        A very large percentage don’t like black people either….what’s your point?

  11. Who jock says:

    How ?…abstention…is it even legal to abstain in legislative affairs?
    Alright but other arrangements must be made in reference to remainder of pensions lagality of partnership etc….
    Make sure you all have wills people…also I recommend you go someplace and get married anyway…at some point it will come to be…and it will be as retro active ad govt. Itself was concerning confiscation of private pensions into that one they have that is far less dividend.

  12. bluwater says:

    Good Morning Bermudian Minorities.

    The Human Rights Act isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.

    The HOA is filled with ignorant cowards. Remember when it’s YOUR rights that are not upheld in the future.

    • frank says:

      I am a man and I like having sex with woman
      is there something wrong with that

      • Mike Hind says:

        Nope. No one is trying to deny you rights based on who you sleep with.
        Why are you trying to compare?

        Are you that ignorant?

        • Kinnie says:

          Pls. Youre the ignorant one. Where is your passion towards blacks continually being oppressed in Bermuda being you are so strong on your views on homosexuality. Go lay down until you become real about the impact of inequality for all on all levels .

          • Mike Hind says:

            First off, you’re wrong. Very wrong.

            Secondly, even if I did not care about black folks – which again, is not true – it wouldn’t make my position on marriage equality wrong. I can back up everything I say and will answer any and all pertinent questions about my position, all the while doing so with my face and name out in the sunshine.

            Sadly, you can’t say the same, instead relying on dishonesty and false personal attacks and nonsense you just made up in your hateful little brain.

      • Rhonnda O says:

        Nope.

        But now they’ve opened the door that they can legislate against anyone having equal rights if they don’t agree with with something they do.

        We know the first minority to be found unacceptable.

        I wonder who is next?

      • Adkin says:

        This is sick. The reason most people voted the way they did was not to protect your lusts but on religious principles. If gay marriage was legal in Bermuda it would not prevent you from sleeping with women. However, more correctly sex is between a husband and wife for the sole purpose of procreation. It’s suppose to be sacred, not pluralistic like your comment in which you like to have sex with women. Your comment is very very immature.

        • Mike Hind says:

          And their “religious principles” should trump people’s access to rights… why?

          And “sex is between a husband and wife for the sole purpose of procreation” is YOUR religious principle and should apply solely to your life.
          You don’t get to tell people what sex is for in their relationships.

          • Kinnie says:

            Which part of focus on music until you perfect that art did you miss?

            • Mike Hind says:

              What does this even mean?

              Are you seriously saying that I shouldn’t have a voice? And when was this said before?

              Nothing in this posts makes any sense!

        • DS says:

          Ridiculous. Some married couples can’t have children. Does that make their marriage any less valid? Even if they never procreate, they’re still married right??

          The only thing I actually relish right now is that so many of these bible thumping hypocrites are going to be in for a rude awakening on that great day when they don’t end up where they expected to be.

          • wow says:

            and no GAY OR LESBIAN couple can ever have sex and procreate…NOT ONE!!!

            • Mike Hind says:

              So?

              Procreation isn’t a requirement for marriage.

              • WOW says:

                Its a requirement for life! No life no marriage!

                • Mike Hind says:

                  This is simply not true! As mentioned, people who can’t create life together can already get married.

                  This isn’t a valid reason to continue banning couples from getting married.
                  It’s just insane ranting.

            • Just the Tip says:

              Yet

      • pink sand says:

        “I am a man and I like having sex with woman
        is there something wrong with that”

        Yeah, keep it to yourself. I don’t care what you do in your bedroom, you don’t have to rub it in my face.

  13. Cow Polly says:

    Smh. I’m done with politics All these buffoons are morally corrupt and kim Wilson what were you thinking?

    • hmmm says:

      Shame on Kim Wilson.

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

        Kim Wilson knows what time it is…

      • Baltic Fury says:

        i expected better from her. Future leader? Yes if it was 1985.

  14. hmmm says:

    Politicans are less than SCUM. I hope God punishes you for your evil deed.

    • Adkin says:

      I don’t think God would punish them, God will bless them for protecting marriage. Marriage is for procreation of Children and the establishing of a family.

      • Mike Hind says:

        No. It’s not. It can be about “procreation of Children”, but that is not SOLELY what it is for. There is no requirement for procreation in marriage.

        They didn’t “protect marriage”, they denied Bermudians access to the rights that marriage offers and did it for absolutely no valid, true reason.

        Marriage equality will have absolutely no effect on “traditional marriage”, at all.

        To say this “protects marriage” is ridiculous.

      • aluminati says:

        These people want to destroy family in the traditional sense – here is a quote from a prominent gay agenda architect for example…

        “And after all, we are advocating the destruction of the centrality of marriage and the nuclear family unit… .” – Ryan Conrad

        How about this for deception?

        “… fighting for gay marriage generally involves lying about what we are going to do with marriage when we get there—because we lie that the institution of marriage is not going to change, and that is a lie. The institution of marriage is going to change, and it should change. And again, I don’t think it should exist.” – Masha Gessen,

        • Mike Hind says:

          This is an outright lie. Ryan Conrad isn’t a “gay agenda architect”, he is an outspoken anti-marriage activist. And Masha Gessen, IN THAT QUOTE!, says that she’s anti-Marriage.

          But for every two anti-marriage folks you can pull up, I can show you hundreds of LGBT folks who are very pro-marriage and only want to, in fact, just be married.

          “These people” just want to share in the same rights the rest of us have and, unlike you, couldn’t care less about other people’s relationships.

          The only person being deceptive here is you.

          Not that you’ll respond to this with any sort of reason… or at all. That’s not how folks like you work, is it?

      • Point boy says:

        But a heterosexual couple, who are NOT religious can be married.

        I wonder what God has to say about that.

        EQUAL RIGHTS is for all.

        • Rhonnda O says:

          I suspect he’s wondering why so many people are obsessed with other people’s genitalia and sexual practices when they could be putting the same time, money and effort into helping those in the community who need help.

          • WOW says:

            Including you! BTW I do more for the community than you will ever do!!!!! FACT!!!!

  15. Ride says:

    An absolute disgrace. I did not realise there could be this much backwater in the middle of the Atlantic.

    Ride

    • BDABOY says:

      I realized it when I was growing up…happy I left the rock.
      Pink sand and warm water isn’t really all that special.

  16. Flap jack says:

    Well done!! This vote will bring peace of mind to the majority in the island. Its not natural. Point. Blank. Period!

    • Mike Hind says:

      What isn’t? Marriage? Yes. We know. No other species gets married.

      But homosexuality is. There are tonnes of other species that have it.

      At least TRY to do some research and educate yourself before you go spouting off ignorance.

      • Flap jack says:

        Oh please Mike. So just because no other species gets married we shouldn’t either?
        Do gorillas have a courts system? Do rats have a police force? Do pigs have a house of assembly?…No.
        So we shouldn’t have those either right??

        • Mike Hind says:

          You’re the one who said “It’s not natural”, not me.

          Don’t argue against your own bleddy argument!

          • Flap jack says:

            Please dude stop. You’re so ignorant. Dont try to switch this conversation around.

            • Mike Hind says:

              Are you even a little bit serious?

              You said “Its not natural. Point. Blank. Period!”
              Those are your words.

              Now, you are either ignorant of the facts – that homosexuality exists in hundreds of different species, therefor IS, in fact, natural – or are saying that marriage ISN’T natural – which is why I asked.

              Which is it? Are you standing by the ignorant false claim that homosexuality isn’t natural? Or are you pointing out that marriage doesn’t exist in the animal kingdom and, therefore, is unnatural?

              Hmm?

            • Build a Better Bermuda says:

              He didn’t, he responded to the statement that ‘it’s not natural’ with a counter argument of what has been documented fact about what goes on in the natural world. Hundreds of species in nature, engage in homosexual behaviours for a multitude of reasons… but there aren’t any that have a concept of marriage. Monogamy, yes, marriage no. So tell me what’s natural?

              • WOW says:

                Many species have unnatural sex?? Is that the reason why they are called ANIMALS??

                • Mike Hind says:

                  Here we go again, this bizarre overreaction to someone responding to the “it’s unnatural” argument.

                  Why don’t you guys ever say anything about the idiots that say “it’s unnatural”? Why do you always freak out at the folks showing why that’s wrong?

                • Build a Better Bermuda says:

                  If it happens in nature, how can it be unnatural?

        • BDABOY says:

          ” Do pigs have a house of assembly?…No.”

          Uh, yes.

      • Sabrina says:

        Then if marriage is so unnatural, why are same sex couples so anxious to get married? Homosexuality is not illegal – you should be satisfied.

        • Mike Hind says:

          Again, it wasn’t me that brought up the unnatural argument. I was pointing out that that argument is, in fact, invalid.

          And same sex couples are anxious to get married for the same reason opposite sex couples are… because marriage conveys a whole load of rights and privileges that allow them to have a life and family together.

          And I should be satisfied that homosexuality is no longer illegal?
          Seriously? Oh, thank you, society, for not arresting my friends and family for being gay. You are a gracious and benevolent benefactor.

          Do you seriously not get what this bill does? Do you not get how badly this is hurting people?

          • Thinking says:

            What family mike what family what do you call family mike ?

            • Mike Hind says:

              What on earth are you asking? This is gibberish.

              THIS is who we’re supposed to be listening to.

        • Build a Better Bermuda says:

          Marriage is a legal standing, granting rights and protections under the laws as relates to medical, pension, hereditary, insurance, property, taxation… and other matters. The primacy of democracy is equality under the law so that all can engage in it on equal standings. Nobody is redefining marriage for anyone, how you define your marriage is entirely up to you, but the legal standings it provides to those who would engage it, must be provided without discrimination to others, and they can define their marriage as they see.

      • YADON says:

        Lies Mike, No animal analy penetrates another, dry humping, raising offspring together and domimince displays are not the same.

        • Mike Hind says:

          You are incorrect. This has need shown to you many times. You are favtually incorrect. You are wrong.

          And it’s irrelevant any way, as no other animal gets married, either.

          This is just yet another distraction to avoid talking about the core point… That you and all the other anti-equality folks have NEVER given a real reason that we should continue denying Bermudians equal access to the rights and privileges offered by marriage.

          Why don’t you just answer that simple question?

      • aluminati says:

        Guess what happens to the gay rat Mike?

        • Mike Hind says:

          What on earth are you talking about?

    • hmmm says:

      A marriage is not natural, you are absolutely correct. It was a man made legal agreement. Whether this man made law as written in Bermuda discriminates is easy to answer…it does.

      People who want to discriminate are not good people they are bad people.

      As for two men or two women it is completely natural, as it has occurred in nature. That nature was created by God if you believe in God.

      • Flap jack says:

        Marriage is between a man and a woman. And if you want to bring up religion. God put a woman with Adam. Ps. If he had put another man there with him the human race wouldn’t have gotten too far…

        • hmmm says:

          That is a wedding!

          Not a marriage.

        • Mike Hind says:

          You are making a religious argument. Do you think your religion should be followed by all people? Do you think that everyone should have to obey the rules and laws of your religion? Would you be ok with someone else’s religion being imposed on you and affecting your life, happiness and relationship?

        • Legalgal says:

          Seems to be the very people who had human rights laws assist them against race discrimination that now discrimInate against others. Bigoted and hypocritical. But that doesn’t really matter, because those discriminated against are in the minority. Shame on you. The vast majority of Bermudians either voted for Equal rights on gay marriage or didn’t care enough to turn up and vote against.

        • Zevon says:

          If you believe in the adam and eve story and hold it up as a good example, you support and admire the idea of incest.

        • blankman says:

          Flap jack, you do realize that if god actually created Eve from Adam’s rib she would have been 46XY (basic genetics) so she’s have been transgendered?

        • wow says:

          what was the reason for noah to take m/f from every species?

          • Mike Hind says:

            What does that have to do with marriage?

        • Point boy says:

          @Flap jack. Yo bro do you need some butter or syrup with those pancakes? Your getting dry!

      • WOW says:

        “As for two men or two women it is completely natural, as it has occurred in nature. That nature was created by God if you believe in God.”

        Don’t compare me to ANIMALS!! If that’s what gay people are comparing themselves too then I will call you ANIMALS from now on!

        • Mike Hind says:

          Oy. This is such a bizarre freak out, completely not getting what this conversation is.

          How are we supposed to have a real, honest conversation when THIS is the kind of thing we’re faced with?

    • Positivity says:

      Peace of mind? What! What were they afraid of? Utter ignorance.

  17. aceboy says:

    How is this part of any Human Rights Act? It is specifically excluding a minority. It is anti human rights.

  18. Kevin says:

    What a absolutely disgraceful outcome…our Politicians are a bunch of narrow minded idiots who don’t deserve the position they are in Wayne Furbert since you are the instigator when you get to Pearly gates hope you have a real good explanation for obstructing Human Rights for all …..you may need to get a new ticket heading South…. you will definitely deserve it

  19. steve says:

    I noticed we are ignorant but also very proud of it.
    some poignant words from the 60s(where the brains of most of our politicians reside) -Bob Dylan “you better start swimming or you will sink like a stone for the times they are a changin” start sinking.

  20. M.C. Beauchamp says:

    Court challenges to follow. Nasty little place, innit?

  21. Joe says:

    The shameful 20 we’ll always be known for this disgrace this is a bigger bombshell for Bermuda than the immigration mess and they don’t realized it all led by the weak and cowardly Dunkley

    • Keepin' it Real!...4Real! says:

      You guys make me holla!…u weren’t satisfied with the majority vote…you wanted the half dozen opinions of parliament…you got it now your still crying because you didn’t get your way.

      • Mike Hind says:

        The majority didn’t vote.

        How did you miss that?

  22. Forethebest says:

    Same sex marriage is not the business of the public, the House or the courts other than it is a basic Human Right for all people to make their own choice. The capacity of every person to love is great! Judge not lest you be judged Matthew 7:1-3

  23. Jim bob says:

    People who don’t even have the right to vote in Bermuda seem to be making the most noise about this issue.

    • Mike Hind says:

      Evidence of this claim? Or is this just more ridiculous, xenophobic nonsense?

      • aluminati says:

        Evidence to support your assertion Mike?

        • Mike Hind says:

          What assertion are you talking about. I didn’t make one.

          Please keep up.

        • blankman says:

          Mike didn’t assert anything. All he did was ask for evidence to support Jim bob’s claim.

      • wow says:

        Shut up idiot! The evidence was shown on the lawn of cabinet!! I know for a FACT that there were about 15 people I saw that have been on this island less than 3 years and work for the same company!!Someone always has to justify something or debate something with you….FREAK!!

        • Mike Hind says:

          So angry. Why do simple questions make you so mad?

          By does the concept of debating something that is actually hurting people make you this unhinged?

          Why not just explain yourself calmly?

          • WOW says:

            HAHA That’s funny coming from you,THE HYPOCRITE, accusing someone of being angry.Almost Laughable! Have you forgotten about all the ANGRY and NASTY conversations you have had with people?? Look in the archives…..This ssm thing has given you selective memory.

            • Mike Hind says:

              Nope. Not true.

              You’re just throwing another tantrum because, deep down, you know you’re wrong.
              If you didn’t, you’d engage in a real conversation instead of making up lies like you’re doing here, Ina pathetic attempt to defame me, while hiding under the hood of anonymity.

              I’d ask you to prove your claim, but a. You can’t because it’s an outright lie and b. You are such a coward and so dishonest, you don’t care about backing up what you claim, instead choosing to run away like a roach.

              You are pathetic and so full of hate that you allow yourself to stoop to these lows. It’s sad and it’s bad for Bermuda.

    • Just the Tip says:

      Did you ever thing that it might effect them as well?

  24. St George's Girl says:

    Such a shame Bermuda votes against love just as the most iconic lover of all humans goes to the big roundabout in the sky. So contradictory :(

    • So Tired says:

      Nobody voted against love. If the true goal of these persons is to get married because they love each other, it shouldn’t matter where they tie the knot. Move on from Bermuda’s rules. There are several neighboring countries that do recognize SSM, so go there. SS couples have the right and enjoyment of living here, and do so. Didn’t the judge rule that Non- Bermudians in a SS long-term relationship with a Bermudian gets the same benefits as if he were a Bermudian? That benefit was NOT extended to the like heterosexual couples but i haven’t heard slanderous remarks coming from them. Stop throwing your toys around because you can’t have your way. So typical! Oh, btw, I saw four SS couples yesterday vacationing here AND, HAVING A GREAT TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So stop the BS about that!

      • Mike Hind says:

        Wow. So you’re actually saying that Bermudians should have to leave their own country?

        That’s disgusting.

        • So Tired says:

          To get married, yes…to live, no

          • Mike Hind says:

            But… if they get married away and come back to live, they still won’t be married here.

            The Bermuda Bred case gave a couple of rights to married couples who aren’t recognized here, but not all.

            Their marriage won’t be recognized as a marriage.

            Is it that you’re talking about weddings? The actual ceremony?

        • So Tired says:

          For SS to get married, yes…to live, no

          • Mike Hind says:

            I think the problem here is that you may be talking about a wedding – “to get married” – rather than having their actual marriage recognized by Bermuda, legally.

          • Peter says:

            So tired

        • WOW says:

          I know its disgusting that BERMUDIANS are leaving their country because they cant find work because foreigners are coming to the island and taking jobs away from BERMUDIANS!!! What do you think about that??

          • Mike Hind says:

            So, it’s only disgusting when that happens, but not when they’re being forced out because they are denied equal access to rights?

            What do you think about THAT? Hm?

            Why is it only bad when the one happens and not the other?

            • WOW says:

              I asked you what do you think about that and I still didn’t get an answer to the question but you are always asking people for an answer to your questions….I see Mike! You’re entitled!

              • Mike Hind says:

                Amazing! You NEVER answer the simplest questions, but when I don’t, it’s outrageous? That’s just insane.

                Ok. Let’s do this. One for one. I’ll answer yours, you answer mine. Deal?
                If not, we’ll know that you know that you don’t actually have anything to back up your position and are, in fact nothing more than a bigot and a hater who thinks he’s entitled to have a say in someone else’s happiness, and that you are, in fact, completely wrong about this.

                How do I feel about Bermudians having to leave the country in order to find other, better opportunities and that foreigners come down and g jobs and security?

                I hate it. It sucks. It’s happening to me, too. I can’t find work from October to May. Not enough to live on.
                This is unacceptable and needs to change and I’m working to make that change happen.

                There. I answered your question.
                Now, will you answer mine? Or will you prove that you have nothing to back yourself up?

                Can you give one reason, one defensible, valid reason that stands up to simple questions that you will also answer, that we, as a society, should continue denying same sex couples equal access to the rights and privileges that marriage affords the rest of us?

                I will await your answer.

                • Mike Hind says:

                  And silence from “WOW”.

                  So much outrage when he thinks he’s got something. Scuttles off, tails between his legs when asked to step up.

                  Typical.

                  • Mike Hind says:

                    He had time to post a cowardly personal attack, but not to stand up for what he wrote, that’s telling, no?

      • What?? says:

        You are correct. The Bermuda Bred decesion created discrimination againt opposite-sex non-married couples. This would not have been the case if same-sex marriage was allowed. A court case is soon to follow. I guess to fix the mess they will use another “notwithstanding” the HRA clause. The stupidity of this cowardly act will reverberate for a long time.

      • Daylilly says:

        Great points.

        • Mike Hind says:

          Not even a little bit true!

          Come on. You’re being ridiculous. Which points were great?

          Where they imply that if Bermudians got married overseas, their marriages would be recognized here?

          Or where they confused a wedding with a marriage?

          Which points were great?

  25. YADON says:

    It truly amazes me that people are so worked over this, but are happy to allow people to be persecuted, incarcerated and fired, for using a plant. A much larger portion of our population smoke cannabis. Give me my herb, and then i may care your plight.

    • Mike Hind says:

      I think if you look, many folks that support marriage equality would support the legalization or decriminalization of pot.

      Maybe if you organize and start getting out into the community, spreading your message, folks would show more support.

      I do find it troubling that you put conditions on your support for equality. That’s weird.
      You’ll only care about equal access to rights if you’re allowed to smoke herb?

      The thing is, the two things are very similar:

      Both involve denying rights to Bermudians – one, access to rights afforded by marriage and the other, the right to freedom, if caught – for absolutely no reason.

      Start a movement. Give us something to support.

      • wow says:

        Why don’t you start the movement Mike if you want to be taken seriously….show us how passionate you are about human rights and support legalization and champion for the cause just like you have with SSM. Better yet I want to see you support equal pay, equal job opportunities for all!! Blacks are considerably underpaid compared to whites doing the same job!!You want people to take you serious?

        • Mike Hind says:

          Because I’m sober and have been for more than 25 years. It’s not my place to start a movement, just to support it.

          As fr what you want to see? I couldn’t care less. Come out from under your hood, show me who you are and then I MIGHT care about what you “want to see” from me.

          Until then, this is just more childish tantrum-throwing because you don’t have anything to back up your position.

    • Legalgal says:

      Your equating the 2 is insulting.

  26. Peter says:

    This is a disgrace for Bermuda a major set back for the GLBT community but all is not lost we will stay strong Love will win the day,
    Plus we have the power in our hands to make our voices heard :
    Firstly the LGBT community all their family and friends need to vote out this disciminatory government at the earliest opportunity make no mistake michael Dunkley the unelected weakling his last days in political office are numbered .
    VOTE THEM ALL OUT Send the message things won’t get better with the PLP but these jacked up bunch fools need to be rotated every 4 years remember Jennifer Smith (who’s silence is telling) was voted OUT by ONE VOTE.
    We will use our buying and decision making to never spend a dime with any of the shameful 20 their business etc
    Boycott anything to do with folks against the LGBT community they don’t care about us the reckon their sheep are all they need .
    Lastly spread the word loud and clear in social media around the world tell one tell a hundred the BERMUDA DOES NOT WANT THE LGBT COMMUNITY

    Lastly to the flip flop failed premier read your bible .

    Father , forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

    • So Tired says:

      Talking to your dad?

    • Legalgal says:

      Get a defence fund together. Get some Human Rights advice, and the publicity that goes with it. Act quickly. This is not a LGBT issue. It’s not a religion issue. It is a Human Rights issue. The principle, and riding roughshod over the HR principle, affects everyone. The Queen (represented by the Governor) should not be rubber-stamping this.

    • Daylilly says:

      If you want to vote out the people who say no to SSM and no to civil unions. You would have to empty bermuda so much that the population would be unsustainable. The members of parliament were brave enough to vote their conscience and on behalf of their constituency.

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

    Well I guess the old adage is true…you can’t please all of the people all of the time…

    Oh and stop calling people derogatory names because they don’t think like you…they were born that way maybe?…also don’t be a hypocrite in your own rite…remember what you stand for.

    • Mike Hind says:

      Calling someone who thinks it’s ok to deny access to rights to Bermudians for no real reason a bigot isn’t derogatory. It’s a description.

      It’s amazing how anti-equality folks have such a problem with name-calling, but have absolutely no problem with ACTUALLY harming people by denying them access to rights.

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

        Well when I call you stupid I’m not being derogatory. ..I’m just describing you…ok

        • Mike Hind says:

          OH. Ha! I get it. Your twisting my words to make a “clever” insult. Well done.

          Difference is: I can point out why you and the rest are bigots.

          Can you explain why you call me stupid?

          I don’t think so, seeing as you’re reduced to schoolyard taunts.

  28. Peter says:

    exactly Bermuda is starting to look more and more like an old “adage”

  29. stunned... says:

    i’m stunned such bigotry, discrimination could still be legislated into law in this day. calling it a human rights amendment surely is an oxymoron. i thought the bill by its name would have expanded rights not decrease them for people of the same sex who wish to be married. how many people will be HURT because two people of the same sex want to commit themselves to one another. #dontunderstandthehatred

    spare the religious justification because you just lost me.

    • Daylilly says:

      Neither the Universal Declaration of Human Rights issued by the United Nations nor the European Court of Human Rights say that SSM is a human right. In fact the most recent rulings says quite the opposite. (See Chapin & Charpentier v. France June 2016) So the bermuda parliament is being progressive & following the most recent legislation in saying that SSM is not a human right, nor is it discriminatory to protect traditional marriage.

      • Mike Hind says:

        And what about the rights that these folks are currently denied access to?

        Why do you never talk about that?

        It ABSOLUTELY is discriminatory, as it denies access to rights, for absolutely no reason, based on sexual orientation and gender. There is no denying this. To say it’s not is malicious, willful ignorance.

        And how does this “protect marriage”?

        How would marriage equality have ANY effect on anyone else’s marriage?

        You never seem to have an answer to these questions. Why is that?

  30. Lois Frederick says:

    Oh the irony. Just happened to visit Dockyard on Friday when the Breakaway was docking, on a special charter visit with Rosie O’Donnell, along with 4,500 gay friendly guests, including gay married couples! Guess what, Dockyard was no different than any other Friday when the Breakaway visits. Meanwhile, at the same time over in Hamilton, our leaders were determined to find a way to hold Bermuda back. To all who came on that ship, thanks for coming and know that there are many here in Bermuda, that will welcome you with open arms, as equals.

  31. Joey says:

    Up to d time!!
    Devil’s Isle living upto its name!

  32. This bie says:

    I just don’t understand it. It boggles my mind. A woman is the most beautiful creation in life. From there soft skin, their sensual touch and sweet voice. Why in the entire f*** would a man want another man is beyond me

  33. Terry says:

    Have a great weekend folks.
    Shalom.

  34. aluminati says:

    The Lord works in mysterious ways…oh wait…your type doesn’t believe in that type of thing…

  35. Point boy says:

    Very disappointing. And for the premier to abstain, where is the leadership in that!

    I vote for you because there is no other option.

    • Daylilly says:

      The Premier has always said that he never intended to vote in SSM. He most likely abstained not to offend SSM supporters. It should have been no surprise that he didn’t vote the bill down.

  36. steve says:

    Anyway it was nice to see who in the house has a kind understanding heart when the human rights situation does not apply to them.

    • wow says:

      I’m sure adam agree with you steve?

      • steve says:

        wow-sorry i dont understand the question.Adam?

      • Mike Hind says:

        THIS is the level of discourse from the anti-equality side… this is what we get from people and, when we get frustrated with the nonsense being spewed, we’re “hateful” and “nasty”.

        But this? No one says anything about it.

        How are we supposed to have any sort of conversation about this subject when THIS is the level of intelligence we’re dealing with?

  37. The Numbers Speak says:

    If we take our individual views and put them aside and consider the statistics this decision, regardless of how we feel, makes sense. The non-referendum showed that that 2 to 1 did not want same sex marriage and even if everyone that voted was for it, the no’s would have still won. The majority of parliamentarians voted for the ban which simply reflected the majority view. The majority won. Is this not democracy?

    Those who are crying loudly (with insults) against the majority of voters and fellow parliamentarians have no other party choices and could never win a seat again with the majority sentiment again SSM. Until public sentiment changes there cannot not be any change. If there was an election tomorrow, nothing would change. The ban would still be on as the majority voters would clearly support those who support the ban. Let’s get on with solving more important issues.

    • blankman says:

      Or you could argue that the referendum showed that two-thirds of the people were in favour of SSM or didn’t feel the issue was important enough to object to.

      But that aside, this should never have been put to any sort of vote – human rights should not be subject to the “tyranny of the majority”.

    • Mike Hind says:

      No, the referendum showed that the majority didn’t actually vote, so it was not answered. It was non-binding anyway. The majority didn’t win. The majority didn’t vote, as is their right.

      The results of the referendum are irrelevant and using them to base a decision that denies people access to rights is wrong. You are misinterpreting the truth.

      As for “until public sentiment changes”? You are incorrect. This is legislative. The minority must ALWAYS be protected from the whims and bigotry of the majority. Always.

      And “more important issues”? If this is so unimportant, why not just let folks have these rights? Why work so hard to deny them access?
      If you were being oppressed, wouldn’t that be pretty important to you?
      Your privilege is showing.

      • WOW says:

        HEY DOPEY! if 2 TO 1 VOTED AGAINST SSM, DO YOU HONESTLY BELEIVE THAT THE PEOPLE THAT DIDNT VOTE,FOR VARIOUS REASONS, WOULD HAVE FAVOURED SSM?? HAHA YOU ARE IN DENIAL!!

        • Mike Hind says:

          Yeah. It’s me that’s dopey.

          Not the idiot that’s screaming in all caps about something he very obviously doesn’t understand.

          The referendum was a) non-binding and b) not answered.

          Therefore, Dopey, it is irrelevant and doesn’t count.

        • Mike Hind says:

          In addition, it doesn’t matter HOW many people vote against it.

          This is about Human Rights and discrimination.

          Just because the discrimination is popular, that doesn’t mean it’s right.

          It’s still wrong, even if a lot of people think it’s ok to discriminate.

          • Thinking says:

            It’s not human rights it’s a sickness mike grow up its a mental problem and yes I agree they need help like you do too

            • Mike Hind says:

              Now you’re just ranting…

              But let’s say it IS a sickness.

              Is your position that people with diseases shouldn’t be allowed to get married?

  38. Sad Day Really says:

    Jeff Baron; ensure that this amendment does not pass in the Senate and you will have my admiration and my vote in the next election. Mr. Premier; did you not know this amendment was coming? Really!! You should have been prepared. Leah Scott; I am surprised to see you pass judgment on others, I have never passed judgment on you and your blunders before, well before this day. Thank you Mark, Shawn, Grant, Michael, Walton …….. for doing the right thing. Our laws must protect everyone, even the minority.

  39. shutthemdown says:

    wow… look at how nasty you lbgt ppl get. Its no wonder ppl don’t want to listen to you.

    I am sure one day you will win in a court ….

    Anyway until that day this is some funny sh.*.

    Why the word marriage though?

    • blankman says:

      What’s nasty about telling the truth??

      As for the word “marriage” it comes with a host of legal rights (and responsibilities).

      But we’ve been asking for a valid reason to oppose SSM for months and have yet to be given one.

      • shutthemdown says:

        The legal rights you are looking for are there as a civil union.

        So again I ask why the word marriage?

        Is it really because you hate the church so much that you want to destroy their “marriage”?

        Seriously lbgt why the word marriage? We the public already know you would have the exact same “rights” with a civil union.

        I think that we the general public should take a deeper look at why the lbgt community want to destroy the word marriage.

        • Just the Tip says:

          We’re not trying to do anything that you are saying that is massive misinformation right there. Having marriage equality wouldn’t destroy marriage at all, it wouldn’t affect any one who is already married.

          we focus on the word marriage because that is what it is in the law. A marriage Certificate is need for a marriage to be legal recognized, thus allowing all the legal right to be given to the couple. That is why we ‘focus’ on the word.

          Yes if it could be guaranteed that civil unions could give us the same exact rights a marriage we wouldn’t care, but it has been shown that in most other countries that rights are left out or civil unions are made to seem less legal leading to issues that usual end up with countries just adopting marriage equality for all since as I said it doesn’t affect any one who is already married.

          But why do you seem to think Marriage Equality is destructive? What examples give you that view?

        • Mike Hind says:

          This is just… Ignorant.

          A civil union doesn’t bestow access to the same rights. It jus doesn’t. Please do some research before you start freaking out.

          Also, what does the church have to do with marriage? They do weddings.
          The church isn’t a requirement for a marriage. It is not their word. At all. It’s a legal contract.

          And how would allowing folks get married “destroy the word marriage”?

          Nothing in this post is real.

          It’s scary how people just make stuff up and offer it as fact.

    • Peter says:

      Yup all their political careers and business took a bit hit today they have not realized it yet but they should start looking for alternative jobs as they will be voted OUT please call an election !
      trust us on that on the OBA cannot be trusted with any issue if they messed up with this imagine the airport immigration jet gate on and on one confused bunch of amateurs an embarrassment to Bermuda

    • Point boy says:

      @shutthemdown. I spent quite a few minutes reading all the comments. Most off the nastiness came from those supporting the Bill.
      Just saying

    • Peace says:

      How do you even know anyone posting here is LBGT? Quite a hypocritical statement from someone with the pen name shut-them-down.

      Starting a comment with “you [insert demographic] people” is never good.

      • shutthemdown says:

        Never said I was a nice person, lol

        But I am not after any “rights”

        If I started on my personal views we could never have a discussion.

        I don’t even go to church, but it is quite clear this is only about the word “marriage”. Why though? Hate God much?

        • Mike Hind says:

          What does God have to do with this? I’m married and don’t have anything to do with any gods…

    • Mike Hind says:

      A. Who is being nasty? And who on the LGBT side is being more nasty that the folks who are promoting the denial of rights to Bermudians for no reason at all? Who is being more nasty that the folks saying that gay folks are unnatural?

      B. Why NOT the word marriage? That’s what it is. The church is not in intrinsic part of a marriage. It’s simply what we call the bestowing of rights on people who want to make a family together.
      Why shouldn’t folks be allowed to get married?

      • Bermudians Matter says:

        All u gays are siccckk in ya head… How the hell did you even get here…from a man and a woman nothing else….sicckk world we living in!!!

        • Mike Hind says:

          More outright, ignorant hate speech.

          THIS is what is sick.

      • WOW says:

        They cant MAKE a family together…do you mean adopt a child from a third world country that bears no resemblance of any of you? That family tree will have a lot of broken branches!

        • Mike Hind says:

          So… are you saying that my wife and I aren’t a family? That two people can’t make a family?

          You’re wrong. And completely ignorant.

          They absolutely CAN make a family.

          You DO get that you’re actually arguing against adoption, right?

          And… please tell me that same sex couples can use the same resources that opposite sex couples use to have kids if they want.

          Oh, and this legislation? Isn’t going to stop them doing that. It just makes it more difficult for the kids.

          But you keep spreading your hate. History will show you for the bigot that you are.

      • shutthemdown says:

        But does that mean you and yours have to answer with a rude comment also?

        You guys don’t even like the church, don’t recognize it as even part legal. So why do you want the word marriage? It comes from the church.

        As many of you have said many times you are after the Legal rights and that comes from the Gov.
        Right now it is called a civil union. Can be called anything you like so why choose the one word that causes the most trouble?

        • Mike Hind says:

          Do you not get that the word marriage means the legal contract that conveys certain rights to people? And that a civil union is not the same thing?
          It’s not the that is causing trouble. That is a misdirection.

          But… Why shouldn’t they call it a marriage? My marriage doesn’t have anything to do with the church. At all. Many people’s marriages don’t. But we’re still allowed to call them marriages. Why is this different?

          And, if rude comments are so bad, why not complain about them from both sides? Why is it only bad when one side does it in response?

        • Mike Hind says:

          ALso, where were my comments rude? Or at least ruder than what was said to me?
          Have you not read some of the posts on this page?

          As for not liking the church? I don’t dislike the church, it’s just not for me.
          I DO have a problem with someone using their religious beliefs to hurt other people for no reason, which is what’s going on here.

          As for the church being “even part legal”? I don’t know what that means.
          The church ISN’T even part legal. It’s a whole different entity.

          Civil Unions are NOT the same thing as a marriage. It’s not just the name.

      • stunned... says:

        the word ‘marriage’…exactly. why do certain segment of society ie. the religious – feel that they have a monopoly of that word and that it can only have one definition. the english language surely has many words that have multiple meanings, why not ‘marriage’?

        years from now when society evolves, the historians will think how ridiculous this bill was; that just because several men aka politicians did not get turned on by the same sex, they voted that same sex couples should not enjoy the rights and privileges associated with marriage as they do…all this boils down to is legislating another form of discrimination.

  40. Kevin says:

    quite simple I live in St Georges and my OBA vote will not get cast i cannot support anyone who wishes to obstruct simple Human rights ….I simply cant support either party so if the PLP win then i will get my fishing line and head to the rocks like everyone else ….but i will not support Dunkley and his road show

  41. Thinking says:

    No no

    • Mike Hind says:

      This is the most honest post from one of the anti-equality people.

      It shows EXACTLY how little of an argument they have. There is NOTHING backing their position.

      At least “Thinking” didn’t try to post lies to back it up.

      Of course, they didn’t have the courage to explain why they should have a say in someone else’s relationship, but cowardice is par for the course.

  42. God Truths says:

    LoL @ Mikehind, you still haven’t woke up yet….. still praying for you

    • Mike Hind says:

      Hey are you laughing?are you happy to be hurting people for no reason?

      That’s disgusting

  43. Triangle Drifter says:

    Shame on the PLP for introducing this bill. Even more shame on the cowards who voted for it.

  44. island home says:

    @ Mike Hinds….sounds to me as if you wanna come out of the closet!!! You are fighting hard for something that is morally wrong….Point Blank Wrong!!

    Marriage is supposed to be with a man and a woman. That’s FINAL. Now be quiet cause you are WRONG. All your doing is talking trash and hot air!!!

    • Just the Tip says:

      How is it morally wrong?

    • Mike Hind says:

      Nope. I’m not gay. I just believe in doing what’s right.

      You, however, aren’t smart enough to transcribe my name correctly, let alone offer an intelligent argument to back up your position.

      It’s not me that’s talking trash, that’d be you.

    • Seriously?!?! says:

      You are obviously correct, because clearly EVERYONE who defends LGBT rights HAS to be in the closet. Clearly, we can only have the slightest shred of humanity if we are part of an oppressed group. And if he was, then do what? Why do you care? How would it affect you in any way? Would your life dramatically change if someone else was gay?

      And your argument about homosexuality being wrong. Okay, fine. You’re wrong, but you’re entitled to be wrong about this because having an opinion is your human right. But:
      1- just because you think something doesn’t mean that its actually true
      2- just because you don’t like something doesn’t mean that everyone else has to do what you think is right. I may dislike carrots, but that does mean that NO ONE in Bermuda should be able to have carrots? Clearly not! Am I superior to anyone else in terms of my opinions about carrots?
      No, so keep it to yourself!
      I really hope you find a creative outlet for all of the pent up anger that you clearly have, rather than taking it out on a community that already has to fight ignorance like yours every single day, because some people think that their religion supersedes human rights.

  45. Coffee says:

    Seapus was de winner for the guys !

  46. Sandgrownan says:

    What a f#@%ing disgrace. Ashamed to be Bermudian.

  47. Mike Hind says:

    Here we have it again.

    The anti-equality supporters show up, post falsehoods, irrelevant religious arguments, complete lies and misinformation, then disappear like roaches when the lights come on, as per usual.

    How can a position that has absolutely NOTHING backing it up be so prevalent in this country?

    They have nothing but lies, dishonesty and evasion to support their position, trolling like children, yet we’re supposed to respect them and not point out their behavior, lest we be tut tutted for “name calling” and “being nasty” – two things that are completely dishonest arguments themselves.

    This is pathetic.

    You are hurting people and you don’t even have the decency to explain yourselves.

  48. steve says:

    I am kinda shocked by Kim Wilson, Wayne Scott,Leah Scott as I thought they felt differently and it makes me see them in a different light.
    On the contrary Walton Brown and Michael Scott showed great leadership by standing strong for human rights despite the opposition of party and constituents. The remaining votes to pass the bill? good luck reconciling this historic vote with if not your children, certainly your grandchildren.

    • Peter says:

      Kim Wilson was the worse standout yes vote to Bermuda and its people hardly standing STRONG for Bermudians and to think was in the dep of immigration and on human right talks ??? Shocking and beyond Beyond bizarre true colours show now for ALL Bermuda to see , we will NEVER forget her and the other Shameful 20 .and some then had nerve to parade their privileged happy marraige on Facebook while denying otherBermudians the same rights
      scary
      Things happen when when folks get perceived power over other humans…… Oh wait that’s discrimination .

      • Daylilly says:

        What was shameful was the deception behind getting the human rights act passed in the first place. No one seems to care that the changes to the human rights act were never supposed to affect the marriage act in the first place. If SSM proponents were going to get angry about fortifying marriage, why did the SSM proponents agree that they weren’t trying to change marriage when the Human Rights Act was passed.

        • Mike Hind says:

          Marriage Equality will have no effect on the Marriage Act.

          Why do you keep pushing these lies?

          Of the folks involved with Two Words and A Comma, only one of them has been outspoken about Marriage Equality.

          This whole narrative you are trying to push is completely false.

          And, even if it wasn’t, why does it matter? The Human Rights Act now – rightly – says that we, as a country and as a society, cannot discriminate against people because of their sexual orientation.

          I have to ask again: If your position is so strong, so rooted in truth, why do you have to use such dishonest, false means to support it?

  49. thetruth says:

    Just want to add my voice to those who are disgusted by this. I will remember the names of the MP’s who voted in favour of this ridiculous bill.

    • Daylilly says:

      People on both sides came together to protect marriage and 2/3 of the population will remember the courage of the members of parliament who stood up to political correctness and instead stood for truth. Well done the world is watching and praying us through.

      • Mike Hind says:

        what 2/3 of the population are you talking about?

        And what courage? It doesn’t take courage to give in to pressure from bigots.
        It takes courage to stand up to hate and say “No. That’s not right!”

        What amazes me is that, for all that you post, you STILL haven’t offered a single valid reason to continue denying these folks equal access to rights the rest of us share.

        It’s just more and more desperate dishonesty.

      • Zevon says:

        The people did not “come together”. Nobody could be bothered to vote either way.

        The truth is, a lot of people don’t care much one way or the other. People don’t care about “preserving” marriage. They’re still dropping multiple babies while single and having a baby in every parish. The Bermudian way.. That’s the scandal that Prevent Marriage should address.

    • Zevon says:

      I too am dusgusted by the MP’s who voted for this bill.

  50. Peter says:

    Plain and simple vote this shambles of a charlatan government OUT enough is enough Bermuda I mean please plus the most failed and weak Premier we ever had OUT OUT OUT OUT NO NO NO NO NO NO…..call an election PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE or can he even do that?

    • clearasamud says:

      The worst part of this is the Premier who abstained. Why do we need a leader who is afraid to make decisions? Then tried to deflect by saying he need to talk to the HRC. really SAD

    • Build a Better Bermuda says:

      Don’t lay this on the OBA, they are split on this, so there is at least some hope with them. The overwhelming support, and the amendment itself, comes entirely from the PLP.

      • What?? says:

        And there it is. OBA supporters trying to pass the buck for the cowardness and bigotry of their Party onto the PLP.

        • Mike Hind says:

          And there it is, partisan party hacks denying responsibility for what their party did.

    • Mike Hind says:

      We need to get rid of BOTH parties. Laying it on only one is false.

      This was brought to the table by Wayne Furbert, who is NOT OBA.

      Therefore, we need to, as you put it “vote this shambles of a charlatan government AND opposition OUT”.

  51. Thinking says:

    Get a life

  52. Mark Perry says:

    What a sad day in history for Bermuda!

  53. Bermuda Politicans says:

    SHAME ON YOU ALL

  54. Joe says:

    Remember the shameful 21 on election day remember it only takes ONE vote to lose in your constituency the election will go like the referendum a resounding NO to the OBA

  55. sandgrownan says:

    This isn’t over. All the bigots have done is put off equality for a short period.

    Shame on the “twenty” – utterly disgusted with you all and our spineless premier.

  56. Max says:

    It was expected, Bermudians are known to be racists and intolerants. Immigration policies and SSM laws will change as the local population is declining.