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

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.”

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.

One user pointed out that the law was repealed during LGBT+ History Month.

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

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

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.