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Same-sex marriage to be legal in USVI

- Governor Kenneth E. Mapp said attorneys are working to sculpt the governor's executive order to address marriage equality in the territory
USVI Governor‎ Kenneth E. Mapp said on Tuesday June 30, 2015 that 'the [US Supreme] Court for all intent and purposes, nullified Virgin Islands law, which requires that marriage in the Virgin Islands can only be recognised if it is marriage between a man and a woman.' Photo: VINO/File
Even while the USVI prepares to comply with the ruling of the US Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage, US officials continue to drag their feet on gay marriage. Ruling Judges and county clerks in seven states have cited religious beliefs, confusion and paperwork in refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Photo: Timothy D Easley/AP
Even while the USVI prepares to comply with the ruling of the US Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage, US officials continue to drag their feet on gay marriage. Ruling Judges and county clerks in seven states have cited religious beliefs, confusion and paperwork in refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Photo: Timothy D Easley/AP
‎ST THOMAS, USVI - Sister territory United States Virgin Islands (USVI) is making moves to comply with the recent landmark ruling by the US Supreme Court that struck down marriage bans in every state. This decision made by the US Supreme Court on June 26, 2015 means that same-sex marriage is legal in all states in the USA.

According to several online news sites, including The Virgin Islands Daily News dated Wednesday July 1, 2015, Governor‎ Kenneth E. Mapp said on Tuesday June 30, 2015 that "the [US Supreme] Court for all intent and purposes, nullified Virgin Islands law, which requires that marriage in the Virgin Islands can only be recognised if it is marriage between a man and a woman."

This is a topical issue that has caught the attention of a wide cross section of people in the Virgin Islands (VI) as it has every potential to affect this territory.

"The U.S. Supreme Court has now ruled on marriage equality," Mapp said Tuesday, and any and all legitimate marriage licenses in the nation must be recognised in the Virgin Islands.

According to one VI resident, "It's time our House of Assembly take serious note of this because with what is happening in the marriage se‎ction USVI can now cripple the tourism section."

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Dr Honourable D Orlando Smith told Virgin Islands News Online that the topic of same-sex marriage being allowed in the Virgin Islands is not on Government's agenda any time soon.

‎See below for one of the related articles published by 'virginislandsdailynews.com' on July 2, 2015

 
Same-sex marriages still awaiting OK in V.I.
BY JONATHAN AUSTIN (DAILY NEWS STAFF)
Published: July 2, 2015

ST THOMAS - Government House said Wednesday that attorneys are working to sculpt the governor's executive order to address marriage equality in the territory.

Gov. Kenneth Mapp announced his intention to issue an executive order addressing the new reality of marriage equality during a press conference on Tuesday.

He said he will direct the recognition of same-sex marriages, the issuance of marriage licenses, and the performance of civil weddings, as well as the right to benefits and legal recognition that comes with marriage.

"The U.S. Supreme Court has now ruled on marriage equality," Mapp said Tuesday, and any and all legitimate marriage licenses in the nation must be recognized in the Virgin Islands.

However, because of the separation of powers doctrine, the executive branch cannot issue binding orders to the other two branches of government.

V.I. acting Attorney General James Carroll III said the executive order "will be binding on executive agencies" in the government.

That will require the government to provide health insurance for same-sex partners of employees who have coverage; will allow employees to designate their same-sex spouse as a beneficiary; will allow such married individuals to have medical decisions made by their spouse in times of emergency or at the hospital; and will let married same-sex couples file joint tax returns with the Internal Revenue Bureau.

Reminded that the governor said that "persons of the same sex can be married in the U.S. Virgin Islands" and that licenses to marry will be addressed in his executive order, Carroll said, "to the extent that executive agencies are involved."

Regarding which executive agencies are involved in issuing marriage licenses, Carroll said, "I'm going to leave that to the governor."

Marjorie Roberts, who has worked as a tax attorney for 27 years in the Virgin Islands, said the executive order may have the greatest immediate impact on already married same-sex couples living here, visiting here or wanting to move here.

"Because they know that all their marital rights will be respected," she said.

Roberts said she is delighted to have the governor come out so forcefully about the executive order.

"I'm sure each department has to look at what would be covered by the order. I'm sure that process is ongoing. In the next few days or a week, I would hope we will get the order," she said. "But it will be exciting to see it implemented on a fast-track basis."

Presiding Superior Court Judge Michael Dunston said Friday that "the gist of the opinion is, marriage is a fundamental right," and territory judges are going to follow the law as ordered by the high court.

Late Wednesday afternoon, the Superior Court offices on St. Thomas and St. Croix reported that no same-sex couple had filed an application for a marriage license.

39 Responses to “Same-sex marriage to be legal in USVI”

  • whatathing (03/07/2015, 11:29) Like (24) Dislike (2) Reply
    Those who have US passports in the BVI and want to take advantage of this new order, can go over there and get married. And they can file for their spouse. Man a lot of people going to get married claiming they have a spouse in a Caribbean island. Look out, St Thomas full up; The States full up now. Watch the scam that will go on. Cousin will marry cousin, man and man; and woman and woman will marry each other claiming they are same sex partners -- more green cards flowing. What a thing for the US to be watching!!!
    • chad (03/07/2015, 12:27) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      That's a damn good point!!
    • @whatathing (03/07/2015, 14:17) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      So you mean it will be business as usual? So the truth is same-sex marriage really doesn't change anything....hmm who knew?
  • wize up (03/07/2015, 11:39) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    OK: that take care of that; simply slip across the channel as single and return to the BVI married until death parts...
  • yes (03/07/2015, 11:57) Like (35) Dislike (17) Reply
    YUCK, FIRE BURN ALL THAT WICKED NASTINESS

    Please read:

    Leviticus 20:13 New International Version (NIV)

    13 “‘If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.
    • @yes (03/07/2015, 12:29) Like (19) Dislike (6) Reply
      Leviticus 20: 10

      If a man (or woman) commits adultery with the wife (or husband) of another man (or woman) both he (she) and the woman (man) shall be put to death.

      Boom - God is not partial.
      • yes (03/07/2015, 14:25) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
        Yesa we nailing all the wicked....boom bam bamm
      • Lily Ann (03/07/2015, 16:33) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
        I rather Commit Adultery, than accept Homosexuals !
        • HAHA (04/07/2015, 07:06) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
          so you are saying that the bible says that homosexuality and adultery are both punishable by death, but that you can can choose what part of god's word to obey? so you are above god in picking and choosing what parts of the good book are applicable to you? sounds rather hypocritical to me
          • 1 Love (04/07/2015, 09:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            I wouldn't say she hypocritical but I would say that it sounds like the height of arrogance. Check out Nebuchadnezzar's outcome because of his arrogance.
    • Bill Maher (03/07/2015, 14:08) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      When such hateful homophobic things come out of your mouth, usually there's something very gay going in ;)
  • fish (03/07/2015, 12:08) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Ok another reason to go to the usvi
  • Whats next (03/07/2015, 12:25) Like (8) Dislike (7) Reply
    Human beings are getting more and more wicked---churches and preachers are getting more and more useless- We left to wonder. What`s next, is it Earthquake, Flood, Storm, famine,? there must be some kind of punishment in the making for mankind.
    • nothing new under the sun (03/07/2015, 14:02) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Let the people have their way-focus on ur houehold and ensure they walk the straight and narrow-which is still no guarantee they wont stray...but if they do stray-then u will be thankful for laws put in place to protect them...

      On a lighter note-probably you could arrange for a visa requirement for americans to enter the bvi...:-)....
  • What a mess! (03/07/2015, 12:48) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    "That will require the government to provide health insurance for same-sex partners of employees who have coverage; will allow employees to designate their same-sex spouse as a beneficiary; will allow such married individuals to have medical decisions made by their spouse in times of emergency or at the hospital; and will let married same-sex couples file joint tax returns with the Internal Revenue Bureau."
  • Ok? (03/07/2015, 12:54) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    And?
  • political snitch (03/07/2015, 13:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We all know why st thomas would embrace this. It wont take a rocket scientist to figure this out.
    • Lily Ann (03/07/2015, 16:35) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Ummm because they are US based as well ... This law was passed across the board, so they HAVE to accept
    • knowledge (08/07/2015, 10:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      St.Thomas is a US Territory with applicable Federal law. It's obvious, it has no choice but to comply. That's a NOBRAINER, MAN.
  • and... (03/07/2015, 13:03) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    And when the woman (“wife”) is caught in an adulterous act with a man (or say another woman - a Dyke) by her “husband” (the Dyke / the other woman) is that grounds for divorce by the Dyke (female husband)?

    And they have rights to adopt children too…and raise as family? The children seeing a female mommy and a female daddy; a male mommy and a male daddy.

  • Scary Mary (03/07/2015, 13:55) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is anyone really surprised by this? The writing was on the wall as soon as the new law was passed in the US.

    Accept it or not, the world has changed and we are still pretending it hasn't. If you don't believe me, a small amount of investigation will reveal that same-sex marriage is legal nationwide in the the following “free world” countries:

    Netherlands (2001)
    Belgium (2003)
    Spain (2005)
    Canada (2005)
    South Africa (2006)
    Norway (2009)
    Sweden (2009)
    Portugal (2010)
    Iceland (2010)
    Argentina (2010)
    Bonaire (2012)
    Denmark (2012)
    Saba (2012)
    St. Eustacius (2012)
    Brazil (2013)
    France (2013)
    French Guiana (2013)
    Guadeloupe (2013)
    Martinique (2013)
    St. Barts (2013)
    St. Martin (2013)
    Saint Pierre Et Miquelon (2013)
    Uruguay (2013)
    New Zealand (2013)
    United Kingdom (2014)
    Luxembourg (2015)
    United States (2015)
    US Virgin Islands (2015)

    The following countries have what is known as “civil unions” which gives same sex partners all the legal rights of a married couple but without using the word “marriage”.

    Greenland
    South Africa
    Australia
    Costa Rica
    Colombia (South America)
    Ecuador
    Chile
    Costa Rica
    Argentina
    Estonia

    The laws in Slovenia and Finland are expected to take effect in 2015 and on 1 March 2017, respectively; in addition, following a constitutional referendum, Ireland is expected to introduce legislation in 2015 making same-sex marriage legal. ] In Mexico, same-sex marriages are only performed regularly in Mexico City,Quintana Roo, Coahuila and Chihuahua, but these marriages are recognized by all Mexican states and by the Mexican federal government. Many other nations are currently working on legalizing either civil unions or same sex marriage.

    We can bury our heads in the sand, but in 10 years time, I have no doubt this list will be a lot longer.
  • ta ta (03/07/2015, 14:14) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    A place for all thoes closet cases in the bvi
  • just saying.. (03/07/2015, 14:41) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Bvi will be next do not mind dem
  • mess up (03/07/2015, 14:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    they thee government on earth know they all are messing up things,WHY ?
  • Onllooker (03/07/2015, 15:00) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    We are VI....Not The USVI...BVI is VI
  • SB (03/07/2015, 15:01) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    I use to be on a high horse about this matter and not anymore. DON'T WORRY WHAT TYPE OF DEFILING GOING ON IN PEOPLE HOME. TRAIN UP YOUR CHILDREN PROPERLY AND MORALLY WITH LESS OF THE CORRUPTED TV NETWORKS. CONVERSE WITH YOUR KIDS AS MUCH AS YOU CAN DAILY AND INQUIRE ABOUT THERE FEELINGS AND DESIRES WHEN OLD ENOUGH. Some tell their kids they can do WHATEVER they want because they will protect. Some invite their kids to have gay relations right under the same roof because it's "my child" and I agree. I tend to raise my kids with the thought that"although you can do what you want to do there are moral things you shouldn't do. Somethings in life should be SUPRESSED like the need to kill, steal, lie, cheat and SODOMY.
  • justa suggestion (03/07/2015, 15:43) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    maybe its time to put a limit on Americans allowed in other countries. just as a matter of common sense and
    damage control. Maybe its time to put a fence around the US and keep them in there, like a zoo or a nuthouse, so
    they can't go out elsewhere and hurt anyone. US too intrusive is why I say this. Always overkill and stampeeding
    everywhere else.
    • Yeah Right (04/07/2015, 18:18) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Start by giving away the notes in ur wallet that say 'In God We Trust'...
  • Lily Ann (03/07/2015, 16:38) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    We freeing gaylords and still got weed hostage .... this should be the time for the UK to legalize weed -- because we NEED it right now to forget all this rainbow and gay talks !!!!!
  • foxy (03/07/2015, 16:46) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mapp likes the law
  • f*g (03/07/2015, 18:04) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply

    Well look trouble in pradise dem like man

  • A (03/07/2015, 18:48) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    He will be marrying next u know da deal wit he lol
  • voter (03/07/2015, 19:15) Like (7) Dislike (6) Reply
    So while all the gay clergy men here in BVI up and down pronouncing about Gov government and which gay marriage they will not perform, St Thomas ahead of the game. BVI need to just legalize the gay marriage thing and lets start make some money!
    • Lord!! (03/07/2015, 19:54) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
      this is scary!! Idk why gay ppl say they happier with the same sex! Ppl still going to cheat!! What's the point? You ppl are sick!!
  • Wat!!! (03/07/2015, 19:50) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Tf why!!!!!!!! Omg noooo
  • VG 1 (03/07/2015, 21:39) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    She quickly going boy. The last time it was flood. The next thing on the list is fire.
  • Wes (04/07/2015, 08:06) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Our homosexual divorce clergyman will have the gay marriage thing on lock


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