Bermuda legalised marriage equality a year ago, but now it's taking it back
Last year, Bermuda made marriage equality legal. Now, the British overseas territory now stands as the first jurisdiction in the world to go backward on the decision.
Signed into law by Bermuda's governor John Rankin on Thursday, the legislation strips the right for LGBTQ couples to get married — instead allowing them to undertake civil partnerships only.
SEE ALSO: These LGBTQ Olympians are here to break records (and tiny queer hearts)
LGBTQ couples who married overseas or under Bermuda law will still have their marriages recognised. This new legislation follows a landmark decision by Bermuda's Supreme Court last May that ruled in favour of a gay couple who wanted to get married.
Of 63,000 residents in Bermuda, eight couples were able to get married in the period it was legal, according to the Royal Gazette.
Bermuda's government pointed to the majority vote against same-sex marriage in a 2016 referendum, although not enough people turned up to vote to make the referendum valid.
"The Act is intended to strike a fair balance between two currently irreconcilable groups in Bermuda, by restating that marriage must be between a male and a female while at the same time recognising and protecting the rights of same-sex couples," a statement reads.
A 'shameful' decision
Bermuda's decision could've been blocked by the UK government, but it opted not to. That's despite Prime Minister Theresa May being "seriously disappointed" by the decision, according to the BBC.
Foreign Office minister Harriett Baldwin added, "It would not be appropriate to use this power to block legislation," and that it would only be done "in exceptional circumstances."
So @BorisJohnson has granted permission to Bermuda to abolish same sex marriage. This totally undermines UK effort to advance LGBT rights.
— Chris Bryant (@RhonddaBryant) February 7, 2018
Bermuda’s same-sex marriage repeal is a massive step backwards. Why legislate against love? https://t.co/wC7etsaSOs
— Richard Branson (@richardbranson) February 8, 2018
Shameful. This is a British territory. Progress can be undone with the stroke of a pen. https://t.co/heSci2exfq
— Mark Gatiss (@Markgatiss) February 8, 2018
The reversal has also faced criticism from human rights and LGBTQ groups, with Human Rights Commission Global director Ty Cobb labelling it a "deplorable action."
"The fight for marriage equality in Bermuda will continue until the day when every Bermudian is afforded the right to marry the person they love," Cobb added.
GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said Bermuda's reversal was "shameful," noting it comes during a rise of anti-LGBTQ activism.
"LGBTQ couples and their children in Bermuda should know that the global community of LGBTQ people and allies will stand with them in rectifying this unjust and hurtful news. Love can never be rolled back," she added.
Reversing these laws spells trouble for Bermuda-registered cruise ships, spelling the end of on-board marriages that were offered by companies like P&O and Cunard.
"We are very unhappy about this decision and we do not underestimate the disappointment this will cause those guests who have planned their weddings," Cunard wrote in a statement.
Currently LGBTQ couples can get married in 26 countries, with Australia and Malta making the practice legal in the last year. Another reminder that you can't take anything for granted.
