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Same-sex marriage policy should be matter for VI to decide- UK Gov’t

- but encourages VI & other OTs to ensure legislation is compliant with international human rights obligations
The United Kingdom Government has said its relationship with the Overseas Territories is based on partnership and therefore as policy on marriage law is an area of devolved responsibility it should be for the territories to decide and legislate on. Photo: Orlando Weekly
The United Kingdom Government of Theresa M. May has said it will not force the British Overseas Territories (OTs) to legalise same-sex marriage but will continue to engage them to ensure their legislation is compliant with their international human rights obligations. Photo: Moneycontrol
The United Kingdom Government of Theresa M. May has said it will not force the British Overseas Territories (OTs) to legalise same-sex marriage but will continue to engage them to ensure their legislation is compliant with their international human rights obligations. Photo: Moneycontrol
Same –sex marriage is not performed in the Virgin Islands as there is no law making it legal to do so. Photo: VINO/File
Same –sex marriage is not performed in the Virgin Islands as there is no law making it legal to do so. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The United Kingdom Government of Theresa M. May has said it will not force the British Overseas Territories (OTs) to legalise same-sex marriage but will continue to engage them, to ensure their legislation is compliant with their international human rights obligations.

This was revealed in the new report “Global Britain and the British Overseas Territories: Resetting the relationship: Government response to the Committee’s Fifteenth Report” published May 13, 2019.

Legalise same-sex or else?

The United Kingdom’s House of Commons and it’s Foreign Affairs Committee had recommended in its Fifteenth Report of Session 2017–19, on ‘Global Britain and the British Overseas Territories: Resetting the relationship’, published February 21, 2019, that the UK Government sets a date by which it expects all OTs to have legalised same-sex marriage.

The report had even recommended that if that deadline is not met, “the Government should intervene through legislation or an Order in Council.”

This could be interpreted to mean imposing sanctions on the defaulting OTs, including the Virgin Islands (VI) where same-sex marriage has not been legalised.

However, the UK Government in its response said it is committed to equal rights, including LGBT rights but it would not force the OTs to legalise same-sex marriage.

“We believe that the strongest, safest and most prosperous societies are those in which all citizens can live freely without fear of discrimination, and where all citizens, including LGBT people, can play a full and active part in society,” they noted. 

It’s up to the OTs- UK Gov’t

It further noted that nine Overseas Territories have legal recognition and protection for same-sex relationships. “At the time of writing, a tenth Territory, the Cayman Islands, was granted a stay in the Chief Justice’s ruling in favour of same-sex marriage until August 2019 when the Governments appeal will be heard.”

But according to the UK Government, the British OTs are separate, largely self-governing jurisdictions with their own democratically-elected representatives, “Our relationship with the Overseas Territories is based on partnership and therefore as policy on marriage law is an area of devolved responsibility it should be for the territories to decide and legislate on."

“As has been demonstrated by recent LGBT cases, the Territories’ justice mechanisms and processes should be allowed the space to address these matters. We are working to encourage those Territories that have not put in place arrangements to recognise and protect same-sex relationships, to do so, and continue to engage with all the Overseas Territories to ensure that their legislation is compliant with their international human rights obligations,” the report further notes. 

It further said LGBT rights and broader human rights obligations are consistently raised with the leaders of Overseas Territories—both bilaterally and at the Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Councils.

“This is also a matter that is raised by Governors’ Offices. We have no plans to introduce an Order-in-Council on this issue,” the report stated.

18 Responses to “Same-sex marriage policy should be matter for VI to decide- UK Gov’t”

  • Bishop (14/05/2019, 11:18) Like (22) Dislike (11) Reply
    Ok then, so lets legislate that same sex will never be legalised. We will not bend nor bow..sodom and gomarra
    • @Bishop (14/05/2019, 15:36) Like (6) Dislike (8) Reply
      Thou shall not commit adultery. Let’s legislate that legalized adultery be reversed knowing that all adulterers end up in hell!
      • Truth! (14/05/2019, 18:35) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
        Revelation 21: 8 - But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.
  • wize up (14/05/2019, 12:17) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    simply my private opinion: under the current government the United Kingdom appears to lest heavy handed towards the territory’s amendment to our legislations: this same sex issue is not being ram down our throats: the matter with the beneficial registry have been extended: government in the sunshine is a must
  • hypocrites (14/05/2019, 12:36) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
    Claiming to be a Christian society but are you really? Claiming Christianity but are you really Christians? Legalizing and embracing other forms of sexual immorality, i.e. adultery, but in opposition to the legalization of homosexual relationships?
    • hm (14/05/2019, 20:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well then stay in a relationship with an abusive partner so they can beat you to d*#*h...
  • wow (14/05/2019, 12:48) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Focus on legalizing marijuana.
  • funny man (14/05/2019, 17:35) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    there is a former minister who would have like this
    • Reply (14/05/2019, 21:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You all beat the man put him to shame and still here coming back leave him
  • Damon (14/05/2019, 18:07) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    Amen! .. Praise God.. God does answer prayers.. and @ “hypocrites”.. u can say what u want but there are some of us even if it’s 20 that God would find worthy so stop generalizing.homosexuality of any kind is an Abomination unto God ..He didn’t make a man for Adam, He made a woman..
  • Damon (14/05/2019, 18:13) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    (Cont).. and yes we have ALWAYS been a Christian society but there are those that desires to turn it into sodom & Gomorrah but to God the devil must bow.. Minister Fahie you are a Godly man and the Lord Is and will Always be on your side ..this is a win for OTs..Elated!!..
    • @Damon (14/05/2019, 19:43) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Seems like you losing the point. In any event, Revelation 21: 8 does not only condemn homosexuals but you people seem to think homosexuals are worst than all other persons and that homosexual acts are the only sin. Go read Revelation 21: 8, I say which I copy below:

      Revelation 21: 8 - But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.

      The country is full of nastiness not just in relation to homosexual conduct. That’s the point I am getting at. You condemning others yet you full of filth yourself.
  • WHAT!!! (14/05/2019, 19:52) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    So all you good people who use your bible as your moral code. You pick out one small part about man being with man but as it does not suit ignore other laws in your “good book” Your holy book tells you it is all right to own slaves and also instructs you how to treat them, you may sell your daughter into slavery. Know whats in your bible and dont just pick out bits that you like, if it is your guide to morality it is all or nothing.I am not gay but believe in live and let live. Please dont forget you are forbidden to eat lobster!!!
  • Damon (14/05/2019, 21:30) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    @ the person that cited Rev.. you are right that it is not just homosexuals that will be punished.. however, I was commenting on the article; and I do believe that persons do engage in other types of unGodly behaviors but they as well will be judged but as children of God we are to fight against all unGodly acts and not promote it.. so yes I am very elated that the UK is not forcing the OTs to legalize gay marriages for this is against Godly principles...I am condemning the “act of homosexuality” . and @ “what” re:
    eating lobster Matthew 15:11 states Not that
    which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. (Jesus asked, you still have not yet
    learned that what goes in (you eat) doesn’t defile you for it goes into the gut and comes out as dung (feces) rather it’s the wicked thoughts we hold in our hearts that defiles us..)
  • WHAT!!!! (15/05/2019, 06:21) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Exactly what I said you choose to quote one part of the bible that you agree with but ignore another. Leviticus 11:9-10 “ everything in the waters that has not fins or scales is detestable to you”. Again you can not cherry pick the parts you like and ignore other parts that are written in your holy book.
  • bvi (15/05/2019, 10:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I agree with the U.K. Gay marriage is a moral issue, one which the BVI Government is the better guardian.
  • grace (16/05/2019, 19:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    To hell with all of this burning in hell crap. We don’t want our children, thinking this is normal when it’s not. If the UK want it, let them have it. Leave our small family islands alone.


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