BERMUDA – Love is love is love was the resounding message following the Supreme Court of Bermuda’s decision to overturn the nation’s same-sex marriage ban.
It is the second time in just over a year that the island has ruled in favour of same-sex marriage. In May 2017, Bermuda’s Supreme Court ruled that defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman discriminates against same-sex couples. However, earlier this year, Bermuda made the unprecedented decision to repeal the ruling, making it the first nation to extend – and then revoke – the right of gay couples to marry.
Since the ban, which is formally known as the Domestic Partnership Act, the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) has fought to ensure the voices of the local LGBTQ community were heard.
On the significance the ruling has on tourism in Bermuda, CEO of the BTA Kevin Dallas said: “Bermuda’s tourism industry welcomes all, including LGBTQ travellers. The Bermuda Tourism Authority and our industry partners are committed to inclusiveness and to treating all visitors with respect. As we’ve shared throughout this process, we believe in the transformative power of travel and the exchange of ideas and understanding it inspires. We continue to be dedicated to inspiring travellers to choose Bermuda every day.”
The overturning of the act is largely due to the efforts of OUTBermuda, an organization that promotes and supports the well-being, health, dignity, security, safety and protection of the LGBTQ community in Bermuda. Adrian Hartnett-Beasley of OUTBermuda said: “Love wins again! Our hearts and hopes are full, thanks to this historic decision by our Supreme Court and its recognition that all Bermuda families matter. Equality under the law is our birthright and we begin by making every marriage equal.”
The ruling will have ripple effects across the tourism industry, particularly among cruise lines. P&O Cruises and Cunard ships for example, which are registered in Bermuda, were forced to stop conducting onboard same-sex marriage services when the new law was first reversed by the Supreme Court.
