Cashman Introduces SSM Marriage Bill For OTs
Lord Michael Cashman has introduced a Private Members Bill in the UK House of Lords to “make provision for the marriage of same sex couples” in British Overseas Territories, including Bermuda.
The Bill — which was introduced yesterday [July 6] — states “In the law of the Territory, marriage has the same effect in relation to same sex couples as it has in relation to opposite sex couples” and the Governor of the Territory must “make such modifications.”
The proposed Bill extends to six Overseas Territories; Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, and the Turks & Caicos Islands.
Screenshot from the Bill which was introduced
Lord Cashman is the co-founder of the British LGBTQ+ group Stonewall who tweeted, “Great news! Our co-founder @mcashmanCBE has introduced a Bill in the House of Lords to make same-sex marriage lawful in the six British Overseas Territories where it is currently unlawful.”
He tweeted in response, saying, “On we go! Work that makes a difference. Recognising none of us are equal until we all are equal. Together. Only together.”
The explanatory notes state that the “Bill empowers the Governor of each Territory to make changes to the law in the Territory to recognize the lawfulness of same sex marriage.”
At this stage, the Bill — which is Private Members Bill from a member of the Labour Party — would need to pass in UK Parliament, and whether the Bill passes remains to be seen.
The official website stated, “First reading took place on 6 July. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill’s journey through the Lords. Second reading – the general debate on all aspects of the Bill – is yet to be scheduled.”
The full Marriage [Same Sex Couples] [Overseas Territories] Bill [HL] follows below [PDF here]:
Our Premier will no doubt see this as an unwarranted interference by the U.K and insist on independence so that our PLP Government can continue to victimise anyone whose opinions or beliefs differ from the official party line
It absolutely is. I wish they would stop meddling with the affairs of the overseas territories and mind their own affairs.
I voted no, no in the SSM referendum. I’m white but what do you think about the abolishing of slavery, had the UK done it first, before Bermuda did? It seems as if you’re picking and choosing. I’m sure a lot of people wished the uk would have stopped meddling with their affairs too.
It’s time to put on your grown up pants. The taxpayers cannot afford to regress and oppose this for the third time.
“The taxpayers cannot afford to regress and oppose this for the third time.”
This issue should not be about cost, it should be about human rights. How would the public react if there were different Acts of Parliament for the marriage of white people, black people and mixed race people?
Equality is something we should all be striving for.
I vote to annul your marriage, and send you back to whatever bigoted country you slimed away from.
You state “I voted no, no in the SSM referendum.” as if you are proud of it.
Shame on you for voting against equality.
Ironic that you would then go on about slavery.
Well well, didn’t really see this one coming. The saga lives on.
Sadly, bigotry continues to thrive in the 21st century.
Well , in certain circles this is going to go over like a lead balloon.
Will the same people who thought it was great when the UK made their OTs abolish capital punishment like this one as well ?
Eady people. The current British parliamentary session ends soon; the bill will lapse and eventually die a tragic death
Excellent. it forces the PLP to continuously defend and justify their bigotry.
Don’t forget the last 3 OBA leader didn’t give a rat to help either they also said NO!. The PLP won 30 to 6 and this was after informing the voters that SSM was OFF the table. So if you don’t like what the majority voted for pack up and leave.
On reason for a rule of law, a constitution and legislation is ensure minorities are protected from a majority.
The 30 in your example of 30-6 voters are wrong.
But you are correct, the OBA were absolutely wrong on this issue.
The Oba is wrong on all issues. They will never win again. The party is a circus act run by clowns now trying to get the people to return to vote for them. Might as well change the name back to the UBP again as they were the real money makers of Bermuda. The UBP ancestors must be rolling in their graves.
“Might as well change the name back to the UBP again”
Keep the big lie going. Never give up on the big lie!
They may not win again because Bermudians have fallen for the big lie / are stupid / would rather have incompetence and failure (delete as applicable) but…where were the OBA wrong…go on….immigration, the airport, morgan’s point …I’ll wait.
And the PLP are better?
How many ex UBP have served under the PLP by the way?
“How many ex UBP have served under the PLP by the way?”
Wayne Furbert comes to mind immediately. So does Kim Swan now that I think of it.
If you really believe that the PLP won the last election based on their stance against SSM then you really aren’t very politically literate.
Just a little over 14,000 people who voted in a nonbinding referendum are the majority in Bermuda? Should consenting adult Bermudian citizens have to abandon their home country because others think it’s “against their religious” views to marry? It’s time to reconsider your stance.
Shame on you for suggesting that people up and leave if they don’t like things here.
Are you aware of the concept of the tyranny of the majority?
Should other minority groups just suck it up if they cannot be treated as equals?
Shame on you.
Nah. It’s a private bill. It will go nowhere.
Correct. Only three House of Lords private members bills have become law in the last ten years. The chances of this passing are close to zero.
Well done minister, lets see comrade generalissimo arrogant leader respond (like we dont know how that will be). Pompous arrogant holler than thou Mr world leader FiunTech gotta take on the UK again. Bye Burt You will never be thankful for what the Mother country has done or provided