A survey this month by the Pew Research Center found that 26 countries recognize same-sex marriage. The most recent addition was Australia, where Parliament voted this month to legalize the marriages. (If a recent court ruling in Austria takes effect in 2019 as expected, the number would rise to 27.)

“Worldwide, roughly two-thirds of the countries that allow gay marriage — 17 of 26 — are in Western Europe,” Pew said. “Still, a number of Western European nations, particularly Italy and Switzerland, do not allow same-sex unions. And, so far, no countries in Central and Eastern Europe have legalized gay marriage.”

South Africa is the only African nation to have made the unions legal, and New Zealand and Australia are the only countries in the Asia-Pacific region to have done so. Pew noted that Taiwan’s highest court ruled in favor of gay unions this year but gave Parliament two years to implement the ruling.

“Not surprisingly,” it added, “same-sex marriage has advanced mostly in countries and regions where acceptance of homosexuality is high.”

…and they will not see the hypocrisy in this.

It is so sad for Bermuda given its past record of discrimination. Just shows both black or white equally know how to discriminate. One day, hopefully we will get it right. The Gov does not have a choice. Reap as you sow.

While the optics of this are terrible and will damage Bermudas reputation (and my personal views are that a vote of conscience should have blocked the bill)…. Reality is – Sadly we have a large percentage of the population who are very conservative and stuck in their ways.

Government and independent senators are there to represent the populations wishes and sadly Marriage equality isn’t something the majority of Bermudians are ready for.

I was Inspired sitting in on the debate that the MAJORITY of senators did express hope that our population would evolve more quickly in this “space” and that as the rest of the world progresses – that we will follow.
That is positive!

Keep being heard and days of marriage equality for all in this country are on the near horizon.

** One note. For all those appalled at yesterdays decision. I think it was a wake up call that when Referendums are held on big issues like this……. GET OUT AND VOTE!!! It is pitiful that less than 50% of registered voters showed up in 2016 for the referendum on SSM.

Too many of us were just “too busy” that day to support a minority group that needed our voice of support behind them on the day of the vote (Not now 18 months too late!).

This will be great for Bermuda

This stupid exercise by the plp will fail!
as the younger generation are fond of saying…Epic Fail.

The World Media and it’s people and Leaders are watching this very carefully as it unfolds,not to forget business leaders are taking a very clear interest too.

My understanding is that gay marriages are legal in England. In fact they are legal in all of Europe.

How can he approve this law which is contrary to the Government he represents?

The Domestic Partnership Act passing reflects the majority of Bermuda elected representatives – 24 to 10, Members appointed to the Senate – 8 to 3 (including all 3 Independent Senators) and close to 70% of all voters in the 2016 referendum regarding same sex marriages.

It is also factual that the European Convention on Human Rights (if you accept its legitimacy) has determined that marriage is not a Human Right. It further encourages relevant jurisdictions to take steps in this regard that reflect local cultural norms and mores.

On that basis, the Governor would be fundamentally wrong in any decision to veto a democratically derived decision.