Hashtag: #ReferendumSSM

Column: Why I Didn’t Vote In The Referendum

Column: Why I Didn’t Vote In The Referendum

[Opinion column written by Vejay Steede] A few days have passed since Bermuda engaged in an utterly distasteful and arrogant exercise; well, 47% of Bermuda’s registered voters did anyway. The referendum on same sex marriage [SSM] and same sex civil unions [SSCU] held on June 23, 2016 was, to put it mildly, a despicable thing. Why this government felt... Read more of this article

Referendum: ‘Colossal Waste Of Taxpayer Funds’

Referendum: ‘Colossal Waste Of Taxpayer Funds’

Following the referendum, the Rainbow Alliance released a statement saying “the failure to get enough of a voter turn-out proved this exercise to be a colossal waste of taxpayer funds,” and also adding that they ”want to tell the young LGBTQ community that the island’s majority failing to speak for them does not mean that they are... Read more of this article

OUTBermuda Statement On Referendum

OUTBermuda Statement On Referendum

Following yesterday’s referendum, OUTBermuda released a statement saying they “do not view yesterday’s outcome as a defeat, and are resolute in our commitment to raising awareness of issues affecting LGBTQ people.” OUTBermuda said, “The number and diversity of people adding their voice in support for LGBTQ people in past weeks... Read more of this article

Preserve Marriage Statement On Referendum

Preserve Marriage Statement On Referendum

Following yesterday’s referendum, Preserve Marriage released a statement saying they “will remain steadfast in seeking to preserve marriage in Bermuda for the years to come.” A statement from the group said, “Preserve Marriage, which consists of a diverse cross-section of our community, appreciates the people of Bermuda who came... Read more of this article

Walter Roban: ‘We Must Unite & Come Together’

Walter Roban: ‘We Must Unite & Come Together’

“It is now up to the Government to lead this country to heal from the divisiveness that has permeated our community for the last few months” and “we must unite and come together and heal our divisions, “Acting Deputy Leader Shadow Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban said. Referendum Vote Goes No/No, However  Is “Unanswered” 44,367... Read more of this article

‘Government Will Now Consider The Next Steps’

‘Government Will Now Consider The Next Steps’

Following yesterday’s referendum, the “Government will now consider the next steps that respects and reflects the views of the people” and “the reality is that Bermuda will likely see its own share of court challenges,” Premier Michael Dunkley said. With 44,367 people registered to vote, and 20,804 people — or 46.89%... Read more of this article

Referendum Turnout 46.89% So Is “Unanswered”

Referendum Turnout 46.89% So Is “Unanswered”

[Updating: The votes were finalized at around 4.00am, however as the turnout was below 50%, the Government said the “referendum question shall be taken to be unanswered.” 44,367 people are registered to vote, and 20,804 people or 46.89% turned out to vote in this referendum. The Parliamentary Registrar Tenia Woolridge said, “Based... Read more of this article

‘Questions For Referendum Have Not Changed’

‘Questions For Referendum Have Not Changed’

The Parliamentary Registrar said they have “been made aware that there are voice notes and videos being circulated on social media that appear to be misleading,” and said the questions for today’s referendum “have not changed.” The statement said, “The Parliamentary Registrar has been made aware that there are voice... Read more of this article

Rainbow Alliance Acknowledge “Love & Support”

Rainbow Alliance Acknowledge “Love & Support”

The Rainbow Alliance of Bermuda said they “would like to acknowledge the outpouring of love and support for the LGBTQ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer] community in advance of the referendum on marriage equality. “While our position remains that the rights of an oppressed minority should not be voted on by a majority that is... Read more of this article

Seniors Transportation Service: Polling Stations

Seniors Transportation Service: Polling Stations

Preserve Marriage said they have arranged transportation for seniors who need transportation to get to and from the polls tomorrow. East End : St. George’s /Hamilton Parish / Smith’s: Call 297-0239 Central : Devonshire/ Pembroke: Call 296-3184 or 335-6899 West : Paget/ Warwick : Call 236-7325 West: Sandys/ Southampton: Call 234- 3250 “As... Read more of this article

PLP Urge Voters To Participate In Referendum

PLP Urge Voters To Participate In Referendum

Acting Deputy Leader and Shadow Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban has urged the public to take part in tomorrow’s referendum, saying that they “encourage all to exercise their democratic right and vote.” Mr Roban said, “By casting your vote tomorrow, you will play a part in determining how we as a country move forward on... Read more of this article

OUTBermuda: Answers To Common Questions

OUTBermuda: Answers To Common Questions

Saying that they support voting ‘Yes/Yes’ in the upcoming referendum, OUTBermuda — a charity devoted to raising awareness of issues affecting LGBTQ people in Bermuda — has provided answers to commonly asked questions. The statement said, “OUTBermuda [Registration No. 973] is Bermuda’s only charity devoted to raising awareness... Read more of this article

“Encourage Full Participation” In Referendum

“Encourage Full Participation” In Referendum

With voters set to head to the polls to vote on civil unions and same-sex marriage in Bermuda, Minister of Home Affairs Patricia Gordon-Pamplin held a press conference today to “ensure that the public is informed of basic information” regarding the referendum. The referendum will be held on June 23 and will ask two questions: ‘are... Read more of this article

Sousa: “I Will Be Voting Yes, Yes At Referendum”

Sousa: “I Will Be Voting Yes, Yes At Referendum”

“I would just ask the people of Bermuda to make the right choice — and it is your choice — but make the right choice, and I personally will be voting yes yes at the referendum,” said businessman and MP Jeff Sousa. Mr Sousa, who was being interviewed by advocate Tony Brannon, said, “I like many others, when I was younger... Read more of this article

Prayer Vigil Taking Place Around Parliament

Prayer Vigil Taking Place Around Parliament

People are gathering in Hamilton this afternoon [June 12] taking part in a prayer vigil, with people standing facing walls in prayer. Allan Hunt said they are there to pray for the upcoming referendum, as they “believe that marriage is between a man and a woman” and they are “bible based.” “We are not homophobic as some... Read more of this article

Court Rules: Advance Poll Moved From Church

Court Rules: Advance Poll Moved From Church

A decision was handed down in the Supreme Court which saw the referendum on same sex relationships still set to proceed, with the advanced poll to be changed from the Seventh-Day Adventist Church Hall to the Bermuda College. Bermudian voters are set to head to the polls to answer two questions: “are you in favour of same sex marriage in Bermuda?”... Read more of this article