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Resolution on referendum for same-sex unions to be taken to HoA in 2023

- as VI embarks on its first possible referendum in the history of the territory
When the Virgin Islands (VI) holds its first-ever referendum, persons in the territory will have the opportunity to defend what they believe to be socially and morally right, regarding same-sex unions. Photo: philstarlife.com
Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) on Monday, December 19, 2022, said the referendum was decided at a Special Meeting of Cabinet held on Friday, December 16, 2022, where Cabinet Members decided to refer the matter to the local electorate. Photo: GIS/File
Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) on Monday, December 19, 2022, said the referendum was decided at a Special Meeting of Cabinet held on Friday, December 16, 2022, where Cabinet Members decided to refer the matter to the local electorate. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- When the Virgin Islands (VI) holds its first-ever referendum, persons in the territory will have the opportunity to defend what they believe to be socially and morally right, regarding same-sex unions.

Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) on Monday, December 19, 2022, said the referendum was decided at a Special Meeting of Cabinet held on Friday, December 16, 2022, where Cabinet Members decided to refer the matter to the local electorate.

Resolution must first be voted on in HoA

“It is important to note that as a part of the process, a resolution must be prepared and then considered and voted on in a sitting of the House of Assembly. Once successful, the Governor, in consultation with myself, will affix the date of the referendum.”

Premier Wheatley said the referendum will be preceded by a portion of time dedicated to educating the population on the subject. 

“It is important to note that we are not the only Overseas Territory government to face a legal challenge on the matter of same-sex marriage. Both the Cayman Islands and Bermuda also had similar cases very recently," the premier added. 

This referendum will also consider the question of whether new legislation should be introduced to provide persons in a domestic partnership with certain legal rights, such as the ability to pass on one’s estate to their partner regardless of sex, in intestacy.

Protecting sanctity of marriage

Premier Wheatley said the approach takes into account the VI’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, while protecting the sanctity of marriage.

It is expected that in the new year, 2023, more details on the referendum will come from the Government as promised in the announcement from the Premier.

28 Responses to “Resolution on referendum for same-sex unions to be taken to HoA in 2023”

  • The watchdog (01/01/2023, 10:33) Like (12) Dislike (5) Reply
    This is just a waste of time
  • PAM (01/01/2023, 10:42) Like (9) Dislike (10) Reply
    I would like to think that at the core of all Christianity is love so we should keep that in our hearts as we decide whether will should criminalize some of our neighbours for who they choose to love, rather than follow the very direct commandment to love thy neighbour.
    • @Pam (01/01/2023, 13:42) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
      This diversion that all love is equal is completely false. Love is not equal. If it were equal then there should be no objection to marrying grandparents, pets etc. I have no problem with the concept that homosexual live exists. But that does not make it the case that they should marry any more than I should be able to marry my cat.
    • @Pam (01/01/2023, 21:34) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      In the hearts of all true Christians is their love and obedience to Jesus and His laws. Jesus loves all people, but hate sin.
  • Gargamel (01/01/2023, 11:06) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    boom bye bye
  • Buju (01/01/2023, 11:07) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    fiya
  • WOW (01/01/2023, 11:26) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply

    N@$t£ people eh ?

  • The world F - Up. (01/01/2023, 11:29) Like (24) Dislike (6) Reply
    Until someone can show me where Gid Sanction same sex marriage, it remains an abomination. Until someone proves to me how and when two men and two women in a romantic relationship can produce or did produce another human, it remains an abomination....But the world is so messed up Satan seems to be running things...
    • WHAT!!! (01/01/2023, 13:04) Like (3) Dislike (19) Reply

      “The world £-Up”
      Until someone can show me that you “Gid” (God??) is real your belief on the subject is useless.

    • to the godly people (01/01/2023, 14:20) Like (7) Dislike (9) Reply
      If god is in control of everything and god has a plan, then why are people raising up against his plan? clearly it is gods plan for same sex unions. Are you questioning his plan?
      On the other hand though he is very clear that nobody should work on the sabbath and those that do should be stoned to death. Anybody been stoning recently? You set of religious fools
      • @to the… (01/01/2023, 21:37) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        What you said makes absolutely no sense! You’re just ranting now!
      • Agreeable One (02/01/2023, 12:49) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        You are so ignorant and there are many just like you. Stoning was one of the practices done when the world was under the dispensation of the Law. Now we are under the dispensation of Grace. Your homework now fool is to educate yourself on dispensations and what it means to a sovereign God. Shalom! ????????
      • RedStorm (03/01/2023, 20:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ the godly people. Next time analyze and comprehend the subject. God does not go against his word. His word he put above his name. Therefore it is not God’s plan. He allows certain sin to escalate because he has been calling people out of sin ( darkness) into his lights ( his words) , but their eyes are shaded,so they faced the consequences. If you read the Bible one such story of Sodom and Gomorrah had their filled with wicked people and he burnt them to ashes.
      • Foolish to Reject Him (10/01/2023, 10:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Show me where it says God's plan for same sex marriage.
        When Jesus came, He fulfilled the law requiring no work on Sabbath, stating: Sabbath was created for us, not us for Sabbath. He became our Sabbath. We rest in Him. He directs us on what to do.
        It's true sometimes we don't listen and follow our own desires.
  • BeVI (01/01/2023, 12:23) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    leave that nasty behavior in 2022.. man to man gyal to gyal
  • Unvaxx 4eva (01/01/2023, 12:35) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    These stupid Caribbean leaders don't have no balls of their own. What ever America do they follow, Shame.
    • @Unvaxxx 4eva (01/01/2023, 15:44) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
      Just hold up for a sec, but you are talking about yourself/selves as well when you stated whatever America do the In your words the stupid Caribbean leaders do. This whole territory does and follow what America does. IE… Fashion, tattoos, pants hanging off behinds, uptowns, Jordans, recess jeans, weaves, cat claw nails, fake eyelashes, body enhancement, strip clubs and the list goes on and on. So tell me INVAXX 4EVA.
  • So now (01/01/2023, 13:51) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply

    We going to add ( F*****TS ) to our new year's resolutions / we already got guns , drugs and murder ~ what's next ?

  • Forbidden Truth (01/01/2023, 14:14) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Is this really an issue of importance now in reference to what the society is facing? This blasphemous ideology and eritic demonizing need to go.
    • @Forbidden Truth (01/01/2023, 21:42) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      This evil is trying to invade our home. So we will have to vote.
  • yuk (01/01/2023, 14:53) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Nooooo
  • faith (01/01/2023, 15:46) Like (5) Dislike (11) Reply
    Everyone has the right to live their lives as they see fit. Judge not lest you be judged by the ultimate Judge. Love who you love and who loves you.
  • Linda (01/01/2023, 21:34) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Live and let live. Are these gay people attacking people forcing others to be gay? No! If you believe in God like you say you do, then he will handle it his way. We as only mere humans do not have the power to control people's hearts, so allow God to do his job as he deems fit. Everything will be resolved on resurrection day, so be patient and stop trying to be demi-Gods. Do you really think you will enter the Kingdom of God by being a bully? I don't think so, because bullying is hatred against another person, which is a sin, and you will be held accountable for your actions on that day.
    • @linda (03/01/2023, 05:02) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      Your argument is flawed. It’s just a cop out to say everything is controlled by God so everyone can do what they want. If that’s true you are condoning rape, murder and torture as something God wants. homosexual marriage is not marriage. If they want to be together then fine but stay away from our kids and don’t pretend you have a marriage.
    • Gadaman (03/01/2023, 11:59) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes they are attacking the children's minds. Have several seats please.
  • Jesus help us! (01/01/2023, 21:44) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    SAME SEX MARRIAGE...

    This interesting prayer was given in Kansas, USA, at the opening session of their Senate. It
    seems prayer still upsets some people.
    When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities,
    but this is what they heard:
    "Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says: "Woe to those who call evil good", but that is exactly what we have done.
    * We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.
    * We have ridiculed the absolute truth of Your Word and called it Pluralism.
    * We have worshipped other gods and called it multiculturalism.
    * We have endorsed perversion and called it alternative lifestyle.
    * We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
    * We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
    * We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
    * We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
    * We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem.
    * We have abused power and called it politics.
    * We have embezzled public funds and called it essential expenses.
    * We have insitutionalised bribery and called it sweets of office.
    * We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.
    *We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.
    * We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
    Search us, Oh GOD, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen!"
    The response was immediate. A number of legislators walked out during the prayer in protest.
    In 6 short weeks, Central Christian Church, where Rev. Wright is pastor, logged more than 5,000 phone calls with only 47 of those calls
    responding negatively.  
    The church is now receiving international requests for copies of
    this prayer from India, Africa and Korea.
    With the LORD'S help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and WHOLEHEARTEDLY become our desire so that we again can be
    called "ONE NATION UNDER GOD."

    Think about this: If you forward this prayer to everyone on your list, in less than 30 days it would be heard by the world. How many people
    on your list will not receive this prayer.
    Do you have the boldness to pass it on?

    I HAVE, AND I HAVE JUST SHOWN IT BY FORWARDING THIS TO YOU. GO ON FORWARD IT!!!
  • Ruscle (02/01/2023, 10:32) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Not gonna hide behind an alias. I do not and will not support same sex marriage. No where in the bible speaks of it. The Quran don't speak of it. Unless we are a Hindu nation which we are not I am not defending this.
  • Really (02/01/2023, 13:46) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    People wake Up. I been saying this is going to happen,it's from the beginning sodom and Gomorrah is where we live you will never understand the dark side of this World.


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