Tony Brannon: “Very Sad Day For Bermuda”
It is a “very sad day for Bermuda” which is “on the wrong side of history,” Tony Brannon said following the Domestic Partnerships Act passing in the House of Assembly, with Mr Brannon adding that “Bermuda will lose untold millions in LGBT tourism revenue.”
The Domestic Partnerships Act aims to replace same-sex marriage with a domestic partnership arrangement which can be entered into by both same-sex and heterosexual couples.
Same sex marriage became legal following a Supreme Court decision in May 2017, when the court ruled in favour of Winston Godwin and Greg DeRoche, saying “the common law discriminates against same-sex couples by excluding them from marriage.”
However the Bill seeks to change the legal status, and a vote related to the procedure of the Bill passed by a margin of 24 – 10, with all PLP MPs present voting yes, while most OBA MPs vote no, with two exceptions; the OBA’s Craig Cannonier and Sylvan Richards both voted yes.
Audio of the vote count
Mr Brannon has been an outspoken advocate for same sex marriage, starting petitions, and running email and social media campaigns on the matter.
After the Bill passed, Mr Brannon told Bernews, “It is a very sad day for Bermuda. Any Premier or Government who would support the reversal of rights granted to ‘any’ minority should be ashamed of themselves.
“Bermuda has stooped to a new low by reversing the rights granted by the Supreme Court on May 5th 2017 by Justice Charles-Etta Simmons ruling that it was discriminatory for the Registrar General to deny a marriage license to a same sex couple.
“The PLP have also legislated to topple the protections of the Human Rights Act. That indeed is a travesty.
Mr Brannon said the “world will not take this lightly, Bermuda will lose untold millions in LGBT tourism revenue as the community stays away from an island” whose Government “cloaked their dislike of marriage equality with a ‘basket of rights’ known as a Domestic Partnership.
“Many gay weddings have been booked on Bermuda registered cruise ships that will not be allowed to take place. It really is ‘politics’ and ‘religion’ at its worst. When you mess with people like this, it will come back to haunt the Government, and will affect all of us.
“Bermuda is on the wrong side of history,” Mr Brannon added.
As the Bill has now passed in the House, it will head to the Upper House, where the Senators will vote on it. Bernews asked a number of people and entities for their reaction to the Bill passing, and will post further articles as able.
This is what happens when you have a government influencent by the churches.
Never heard this guy as an activist during Civil or Workers Rights in Bermuda.
Please
Does that negate his right to speak out against this issue? Or the validity of that issue?
Tony has been a minority voice in Bermuda for decades, including on the issue of worker’s rights and civil rights.
“Never heard this guy as an activist during Civil or Workers Rights in Bermuda.”
Because you’re too stupid, racist and homophobic to listen to some people
Neither have I. Never seen him support any of the other issues unless it has to do with Musi or Tourist.
Only the Bermudian gay community is left as second class citizens again funny if one could laugh how we cannot seem to progress life for our own people
I wonder how primitive communities in undeveloped countries deal with this?
I guess they have more common sense then us.
What does that have to do with this? Should we take all our cues from undeveloped countries?
Yes, because they are less polluted with liberal ideology, futher more they are the fore runners of precise living habits.
Their Kingdoms were flourishing while some where discovering fire in the Caucasus Mountains.
Amazing. You’re speaking out against liberal ideology… amazing.
The ACLU, NAACP, Civil Rights Movement, all “liberal ideology”… you’re speaking against that, simply because liberals also believe in equality for someone you hate.
How twisted by bigotry are you? It’s completely insane.
You should know, it just happened on Friday. This action alone proved that Bermuda is undeveloped.
And primitive!
My point, the more civilized and progressive we think we are, the more twisted and confused we are in our moral judgement to justify our ideologies.
There is a pshycological problem that needs to be addressed.
You’re absolutely right. We should go back to primitive times and get rid of all this liberal progressiveness and bring back all the morals from back then… like practicing slavery and owning women as possessions.
You’ve lost the plot.
“I wonder how primitive communities in undeveloped countries deal with this?
I guess they have more common sense then us.”
You’re such a moron, OJ.
You do a dis-service to morons.
Tell me how many times you see a rooster being shadowed by another rooster as a mate.
Or is that too primitive.
How many times do you have to be shown to be wrong with this argument?
This lie has been exposed every single time. Why do you keep spreading misinformation?
Why not just use the truth and facts? If your position is so strong, why do you have to lie to support it?
There’s only one section of the community this government cares about. The rest can go to he11 for all they care.
Do tell, Zevon, which section is that?
I totally agree with you Tony, it is a sad day in Bermuda, but the only difference is,I don’t share the same view as you.
It is a sad day in Bermuda when we have to follow the trend of the rest of the World, which is utter foolishness.
As the order of nature does not allow for Human, beast, birds, fish and every other creature on earth to reproduce of it’s own kind, what makes you think there is anything natural of this foolishness, men where not created to procreate with another man, and the same goes for the female.
So take religion out of it and look purely on the order of nature and you will then understand why it is an abomination, no matter whose view point you try to reason with.
When you take on the role of trying to be the Creator, you sign yourself up for the repercussions that comes with the act.
We are to love each other, but does not mean we are to agree with wrong doing on any front.
It is a sad day in Bermuda, when we can allow such folly to exist.
I don’t always agree with Tucci,but when I do,it’s 100%
Here’s my 100% Tucci.
God (no pun intended), you sound ignorant, Duane P Santucci. More often than not you do though. Just like for arguments sake you want to take religion out of the equation, Take reproduction out as well, because marriage has nothing to do with reproduction……..period
Duane , you’ve been called out over and over on this repetitive nonsense but you keep posting it.
In fact you really aren’t the best person to be commenting on this subject at all , eh ? ( wink ,wink , nudge , nudge)
lol you beat me to it….he forgets his past!
Well there is no better person to be a spokesperson, thats like a Drug Counsilor that has never been on drugs.
A few prayers and presto , it’s all gone !
Perfect response I agree with your views…
Duane, no offence mate, but get lost
Guess you should outlaw eating processed foods, using phone/internet, using currency, etc. etc. because they are unnatural and often evil too. Or do *you* turn a blind eye to what *you* agree with, hypocrite?
What does reproduction have to do with marriage? Is there some requirement in the law that says you have to be able to reproduce together in order to be allowed to get married?
Please let me know, because, if so, my wife and I are going to have to make some changes to our status.
And how are you going to say “let’s take religion out of it”, then refer to a Creator?
Oh, wait, this is Mr. Santucci we’re talking about. He doesn’t have to make sense. He just has an agenda of hate to push.
“What does reproduction have to do with marriage? ”
In Bermuda? Nothing!
Bermudians reproduce for fun, marriage or not.
Uhm. Giraffes have same sex relations, I think that clown fish can even change their gender if their mother/father dies, and male lions are well known to have sex with each other.
Quit your hateful non-factual rot. You’re giving the purity and root of what religion and spirituality can be a bad name
The pathetic reproduction argument. Again and again despite evolutionary science large numbers of Men and women are born unable to reproduce. Are you arguing that these people are somehow unnatrual?
Yawn
Amazing.
THIS is the level of discourse you want to bring to the table?
Someone shows evidence that shows you to be completely wrong and this argument to be absolutely false and you dismiss it with this drivel?
You aren’t even TRYING to appear honest.
You are so bad for our country… it honestly sickens me.
Great words of wisdom!!
We go backwards as the rest of the World goes by…..Wayne Floppy Furbert what a way to be remembered by.
I will be ashamed to say I am Bermudian
Face it Tony, it is what it is. Untold millions? Really? I am glad the future of this island does not hinge on your predictions.
You may not like it but he is right. Cruise lines will cancel bookings and the negative press will spread. I’m a bermudian living in the US and have already influenced one straight couple to choose Aruba over Bermuda for their winter vavation because they feel strongly enough on the issue. My next obligatory family visit back will be solo whereas I usually bring friends. I’ll also choose to leave as little of my disposable income there as I possibly can.
By you directing your friends to travel to Aruba instead of Bermuda impacts not only those that where for this bill but also those that where against it. It will be less economic activity for both gay and straight Bermudians that work and reside on the island.
Yes I agree. Unfortunate , but necessary to highlight their bigoted ways. Tourism and IB will take note.
There is no Caribbean Island more homophobic then Jamaica, and their tourist numbers are doing good.
Try again.
“By you directing your friends to travel to Aruba instead of Bermuda impacts not only those that where for this bill but also those that where against it.”
Unintended consequences…you might say
utter nonsense,
Bermuda will not lose any significant travelers , the same way the ‘scary’ Cuba has had little effect on us.
Stop with the Bull…t
“Stop with the Bull…t”
Please, sit down and shut up. You’re nothing but a bigot. go away.
Tony no one actually cares about what you have to say.
I agree, majority of us could care less about TB opinions.
“I agree, majority of us could care less about TB opinions.”
Meaning, you do care.
Someone, like you, who doesn’t have basic command of the English language, doesn’t have a valid opinion on anything else. you’re nothing but an idiot.
I was agreeing with Jim. Smh
I know how to read…do you?
You don’t know how to express yourself, other than to prove that you’re a bigot. You seem to be proud of that. SMH
Speak for yourself. Many of us care about human rights be they race, sex, religion…even YOUR right to FREE SPEECH.
Jim Bob is completely wrong on this one. I care deeply for what Tony has to say, as do many other people, because he cares for his fellow human beings and strives for equal rights for all. Keep up the fight Tony.
That’s your govt!
Hey Tony,
When you are as vocal against racism then you will have credibility!
Please comment on the unbearable , blatant racism that you’re living .
as a matter of fact,he is and has been vocal on racism many times,as was his late Father(40 Thieves mean anything to you?)and the rest of the band he was in at The Princess,Pembroke (perhaps before your time).
do your homework before you comment.
When those who are as vocal about racism are just as vocal about ALL human rights, they will have credibility.
Did anyone actually expect anything different from this Government. Shameful is being far too kind.
Any Premier or Government who would support the reversal of rights granted to ‘any’ minority should be ashamed of themselves. Well said Tony, hopefully the Senate will have the courage to reject this backward step in human rights.
this bill will pass in the senate
no gays protested up at the house
Bermuda will not ever condone ssm
and Bermuda will not loose because of no ssm
Bermuda already lost. We’ve decided it’s ok to discriminate against Bermudians for absolutely no reason at all.
That’s a major step back and every Bermudian should be terrified. What group is next to lost their access to rights?
Of course Bermuda will “loose” because of this decision. The only outside entities that are going to endorse Bermuda now are Westboro Baptist.
“and Bermuda will not loose because of no ssm”
Bermuda lost decades ago.
Bermuda is considered to be a joke, and now you’ve proven it to the world.
LMFAO.
Tony is right. Especially if someones activities dont bother or hinder you in anyway. Every man has a right to live how he sees fit regardless of race, gender, or sexual preference. I support the PLP and theyve been doing a splendid job in office but this is a setback. I believe theres a lot of “closet” business going on in Bermuda and ppl are afraid that they will be exposed. Live ur life. On another note..you can tell that a lot of these commentors are racist, by the slenderous way they attack the PLP. Not much ppl have time to be sitting at a computer and sarcastically attacking government officials on a beautiful Sunday like this. Whats worst is that they probably arent even Bermudian especially the person HURRICANE. Your just coward with computers. Go back to where your from if you dont like how Bermuda is being governed.
24 – 12 = PLP Dictatorship. Expect more isolationist legislation as the PLP continues to push their National Socialism agenda.
I think the quote below, effectively sums up the actions of House MP’s on Friday December 8, 2017.
“Religion is an insult to human dignity. With or without it you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion.” —Steven Weinberg
Duane is talking crap.
Were not talking babies, conception, infertility.
Were talkin human rights.
BDA is so F9&^%d.
it is sad day especially for a party who trumps on equal rights! but then again i guess that only goes one way!
Yes indeed a very sad day in Bermuda that we even had to have such a vote to take place at all. First when last I checked the Government represents the PEOPLE OF BERMUDA, Not the gays of Bermuda or the Christians of Bermuda but ALL THE PEOPLE. If I remember correctly the PEOPLE OF BERMUDA, decided quite a few months back by a vote that was clearly going 2 to one or more AGAINST SAME SEX UNIONS OR ANYTHING REMOTELY LIKE IT. The people not the government by a majority vote said HELL NO. This is not what we wanted for this island.
The government who represents the people heard that cry of disapproval and in their wisdom came up with something which both sides of the people got something . Not what each wanted but both got something, Instead of raising your voices against this decision Mr Branon , you should be thanking them that they did something as Mr Furbert was going to give you nothing. This is quite the opposite of a sad day, it is a good day for Bermuda, WHY, because the creator of marriage did not have to step in and Judge this little island for the actions of one Judge. Instead the PEOPLE OF BERMUDA BY THEIR VOTE A FEW MONTHS AGO AND THE GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA BY THEIR VOTE FRIDAY, INDEED MADE THIS A GREAT DAY FOR BERMUDA. Those of you who don’t believe in a creator , does not change the FACT, That their is one and he created marriage to be between a MAN AND A WOMAN, and the PEOPLE OF BERMUDA AND GOVERNMENT
OF BERMUDA BY THEIR VOTES SAID THAT IS THE WAY IT WILL STAY.
“because the creator of marriage did not have to step in and Judge this little island for the actions of one Judge.”
- oh great. Here’s another person who thinks that natural disasters are God punishing a group of people. What crimes against the Lord did poor Dominica and Barbuda do?
You don’t understand democracy.
Or referendums.
And your personal choice of religions is yours and yours alone.
Stop trying to force them on everyone else.
Keep your hate to yourself.
Passing a law which will only have to be reversed at some point is folly and proves that this government is ignorant and incompetent.
The tourist dollar from the gay community could have put the AC to shame, now it’s worthless. Thanks to our new government. The golf game will make up for it, I’m sure.
Please educate me of what gay lead tourism product will be successful towards Bermuda’s economy.
Please do not say anything relevant to the cruise industry. I’m sure Gay couples have been traveling for years via cruise ships.
“The tourist dollar from the gay community could have put the AC to shame”
Bermuda doesn’t want our filthy gay money. Bermuda has pink sand…we will ride to our prosperous future on that. We can sell onions too!
“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
Friedrich Gustav Emil Martin Niemöller
Sound familiar???
the statement that Bermuda will lose untold millions in LGBT tourism revenue is crazy. Bermuda is a beautiful island to enjoy not a wedding destination. If the LGBT wants to bully Bermuda by not visiting, it is their loss.
The only bullies here are the ones demanding that the Government legally discriminate against Bermudians for absolutely no reason whatsoever. Get it straight.
” If the LGBT wants to bully Bermuda by not visiting, it is their loss.”
Another bigot…you’re the bully. You’re too arrogant to see it though.
Bermuda has nothing to offer, pink sand doesn’t cut it anymore.
The only tourists visiting are rich Americans…the people you hate so much.
remember what you said about the Americas cup? you don’t want tourists in bermuda, yet you’re too stupid to understand how the economy works.
‘Be fruitful and multiply’ and ‘no man should lie down with another man’ is in the old testiment when it was necessary to populate the world. Im pretty sure it doesn’t necessarily pertain to these days.
The Old Testament also refers to “gods” in the plural, but that is contrary to the “one true God” theory of Christianity.
Also, as you say, the Book of Leviticus says that “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” (King James translation).
The translation of the word “toevah” as “abomination” is a misleading rendition of the word “toevah”, which, while we may not know exactly what it means, definitely does not mean “abomination.” An “abomination” conjures up images of things which should not exist on the face of the earth: three-legged babies, oceans choked with oil, or Cheez-Whiz.
A close reading of the term toevah suggests an entirely different meaning: something permitted to one group, and forbidden to another.
Hmm, now that I think about that last bit, perhaps Bermuda is actually following the teachings of the Holy Bible.
Given that Leviticus is basically rules for the Levites, that seems to make sense…
“‘Be fruitful and multiply’ and ‘no man should lie down with another man’ is in the old testiment ”
There’s a bunch of stuff about shellfish, mixed fabrics, and killing your kids for swearing…but the Bermuda bigots ignore all that. They like to focus on the sex…..seems to be the so called Christians are into that
“Please educate me”
That’s not possible
Sad indeed. It is extraordinary that people who have fought all their lives against discrimination and a political party which is virtually founded on anti discrimination principles could now in the new millennium pass a bill which discriminates.
Which Bill? The Immigration Amendment Act which mandates discrimination against non-Bermudians or the Domestic Partnerships Bill which makes gay people “separate but equal”?