Anderson: ‘Ecstatic & Overwhelmed By Decision’
“When I first heard the news I was ecstatic and overwhelmed by this decision, and I hope that this is going to bring closure to what has been a very challenging situation,” Mark Anderson said.
His comments follows after Bermuda’s Court of Appeal handed down their ruling on Friday, with the Court dismissing the Government’s appeal, marking the latest court victory for same sex marriage.
The ruling was, in effect, the third court ruling in favour of it, as same sex marriage was initially legalised following a Court decision in May 2017, then the Court ruled in favour of it again in June 2018 when a challenge was brought to the Domestic Partnership Act, and on Friday the Court dismissed the Government’s appeal.
Having been through the Supreme Court and Appeals Court, the final possible place of appeal is now the Privy Council in England, and the Government said they “will determine its next steps within the prescribed period of 21 days in which any application for leave to appeal must be made.”
Timeline of the court challenges/law changes for same sex marriage
Mr. Anderson — a well known local entertainer and longstanding supporter of LGBTQ rights — said, “When I first heard the news I was ecstatic and overwhelmed by this decision, and I hope that this is going to bring closure to what has been a very challenging situation with most of us who are involved in the community in general.
“This decision is not only good for the gay community, but also for Bermuda in general as it puts us back in a positive light in the political world as a country that’s willing to accept progress in the world for everyone and give us all equal rights.
He added that this “puts us in a positive light for tourism” as ”everyone should be welcome at any place to be able to get married.”
“This would place Bermuda in a very good light, and I hope that we will be accepted by the community. I know some people may not be happy but with time they can learn to be loving and caring.
Mark ‘Sybil’ Anderson walking with the Bermuda group at the 2011 London Pride Parade in the UK
“With acceptance comes respect, and with respect we have a chance to create a better community for all of us who are citizens of this country who we all love, and of which we call home - Bermuda.”
