Twitter reacts as Bermuda becomes first country to repeal same-sex marriage

Viral newsPublished: Feb 8, 2018

The hashtag #BoycottBermuda is widely circulating after the controversial bill passed.

Bermuda has become the first country in the world to repeal same-sex marriage, less than one year after it was legalised.

Bermuda’s governor has signed into law a bill reversing the right of same-sex couples to marry, after a supreme court ruling in May 2017 legalised equal marriage.

The bill, brought through by the island’s house and senate, replaces same-sex marriage in the British territory with domestic partnerships.

Bermuda governor John Rankin said that the civil partnerships act grants same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples, however it does not permit same-sex couples to legally marry.

Minister of Home Affairs in Bermuda, Walton Brown, said in a statement: “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.”

Greg and I are deeply saddened to hear that the DPA has been given assent to by the Governor. With that said, it did not come as a surprise. The Governor was placed between a rock and a hard place with this poorly planned and rushed bill. It's a sad day for Bermuda, it's a sad day for human rights. Bermuda has officially become the first country to reverse same-sex marriage. To the LGBT community, this is not a defeat. While Greg and I were the face of this case, we represented every single one of you, and helped to give a voice to those that didn't have one. Because of you, we were able to make a difference in the lives of 8 couples, and that's something that shouldn't be understated or forgotten. You are all loved and are worthy of love. Walton Brown has repeatedly said, "Bermuda isn't there yet," (with respect to same sex marriage). We don't believe this bill was the solution, but hope that it can be used to continue the momentum. As we all know, equality doesn't happen overnight, it takes time, it takes brave individuals to stand up for what's right regardless of what society says. Today is far from a loss and we can't stop here. Thank you to everyone that supported us and continues to support us. We wouldn't have been able to achieve what we have over the last year and a half. It truly is a testament as to what can be achieved by working together. "Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that" – Martin Luther King Jr. Sincerely, Greg and Winston
A post shared by Winston Godwin (@winsational) on Feb 7, 2018 at 2:02pm PST

In an Instagram post, Winston Godwin said: “To the LGBT community, this is not a defeat. While Greg and I were the face of this case, we represented every single one of you, and helped to give a voice to those that didn’t have one. Because of you, we were able to make a difference in the lives of 8 couples, and that’s something that shouldn’t be understated or forgotten…

“As we all know, equality doesn’t happen overnight.”

People on Twitter were quick to react, with many expressing support for same-sex marriage, including residents of the island itself.

As a Bermudian, I'd like to let the world know that Bermuda is better than this. The people behind the decision to reverse same sex marriage have hearts of stone & clearly have a selective view of civil rights and the religion they profess to follow. Love will prevail. ????✊
— Timothy T Lee (@timtrimingham) February 8, 2018

So, Bermuda has gone backwards and taken away Marriage Equality. It's such a sad day for the people of Bermuda. I can only imagine how the LBGT people there are feeling, it is horrible. This seems like a never-ending fight.#Bermuda #MarriageEquality #GayRights
— Evan (@EvanSomers) February 8, 2018

One user pointed out that the law was repealed during LGBT+ History Month.

during #LGBThistorymonth too? i am heartbroken for our friends in bermuda right now?️‍? https://t.co/unZxpzD9HK
— BIG D (@dxniellep) February 8, 2018

Some users have even called for a tourist boycott of the country due to the reversal of the law.

#Bermuda was at the top of my list for my March vacation, but since the shameful decision by @BdaGovernment to strip away marriage rights from same-sex couples, I will spend my $$$ elsewhere! I hope all #LGBTQ friends and allies do the same! ?️‍?✊?#BoycottBermuda https://t.co/95o52OZSiK
— Marie Ferguson (@MsMarieFerguson) February 8, 2018

Welp, guess I'm not going to Bermuda anytime soon, now that they REPEALED same-sex marriage. #BoycottBermuda
— Peter Paige (@ThePeterPaige) February 8, 2018

One person pointed out that the fact the law passed in the first place was a good thing.

The fact that Bermuda had legalized gay marriage in the first place shows what’s possible. The fact that Bermuda has now repealed gay marriage shows how much work there’s still to do.?️‍? #BoycottBermuda
— sree sreenivasan 谢瑞睿 (@sree) February 8, 2018

Same-sex couples already married in Bermuda before the law was reversed will continue to be recognised as legally married. This will affect around eight couples.

During a debate in Parliament, Foreign Office minister Harriet Baldwin said: “We are obviously disappointed about the removal of same-sex marriage in Bermuda.”

She added it would “not be appropriate” for the UK government to overrule the decision.