Topic: same sex marriage
Hundreds turn out for Cayman Pride march
A near-record crowd of more than 500 people turned out for the Cayman Pride parade on Saturday, which ended with a party at a beach club.
Legal aid granted for appeal into governor’s reserved power use
The Grand Court has ruled that legal aid should be granted to fund an appeal against a judicial review, which ruled Governor Martyn Roper acted within the scope of his reserved powers by enacting civil partnership legislation in 2020.
Resh Hour: LGBTQ activists say same-sex marriage fight is not over
Attorney Leonardo Raznovich and Colours Caribbean founder Billie Bryan say the Privy Council ruling in the Chantelle Day and Vickie Bodden Bush case is not the end of the fight for same-sex marriage.
Opposition Leader welcomes Privy Council ruling
Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart says the Privy Council's judgment on same-sex marriages in Cayman has confirmed that same-sex couples have the necessary legal protection thanks to the Civil Partnership Act, despite not being entitled to marriage.
One year on, no decision from Privy Council in Cayman same-sex marriage case
Exactly one year since the UK’s highest court, the Privy Council, heard arguments on 23 Feb. 2021 for and against same-sex marriage in the Cayman Islands, a judgment has still not been returned.
One year on: Civil Partnership advocates want more
While local couples, both same-sex and heterosexual, have been making use of the Civil Partnership Act, LGBTQ+ advocates here say it still falls short of offering the protection needed to be on a par with marriage.
The Resh Hour with Leonardo Raznovich
Attorney and LGBTQ advocate Leonardo Raznovich joins us for the hour to discuss the same-sex marriage appeal which is being heard before the Privy Council.
Privy Council hears Cayman’s same-sex marriage case
The third and final legal battle over the issue of whether same-sex marriage should be legalised in the Cayman Islands began today, 23 Feb.,...
26 couples register civil partnerships
A total of 26 civil partnerships have been registered in the Cayman Islands in the six months since the legal framework to formalise same-sex relationships was enacted last September.
Barbados pledges same-sex marriage vote, but supporters doubt reform
Barbados has pledged to put same-sex marriage to a public vote, but campaigners said on Wednesday they were wary about any hope of major reform in a nation that still has laws punishing sex between men on its books
Domestic partnerships to be changed to civil partnerships
Governor Martyn Roper next week will be finalising changes to the Domestic Partnership Bill, which he intends to rename the Civil Partnership Bill following feedback from the public during the ongoing consultation period.
Petition circulating for no-confidence motion in premier
A petition calling for citizens to support a purported no confidence motion in Premier Alden McLaughlin is making the rounds on social media.
Opposition writes to UK foreign secretary over governor’s position on same-sex union bill
Opposition Leader Arden McLean has written to UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab over the governor’s decision to press ahead with the Domestic Partnership Bill.
Colours Cayman: It’s time for governor to act
Local LGBTQ group Colours Cayman has called on Governor Martyn Roper to “fulfil his constitutional role” and “restore the rule of law” in the...
Live blog: Domestic Partnership Bill defeated
Legislators are set to debate the Domestic Partnership Bill, which seeks to provide a legal framework for same-sex couples to enter into a formal union.
MLA canvasses voters ahead of Domestic Partnership Bill
MLA Kenneth Bryan held a snap poll at the Constitution Hall on Saturday to gauge whether his George Town Central constituents want him to...
Poll: Domestic Partnership bill
With the Legislative Assembly set to debate the Domestic Partnership Bill, do you support equal rights protection under the law for those in the LGBTQ community?
Human Rights Commission: ‘Dignity and respect’ key in same-sex debate
The Cayman Islands Human Rights Commission made an appeal to Caymankind on Wednesday, reminding residents “to treat everyone with courtesy, dignity and respect” as debate on the Domestic Partnership Bill, 2020 nears in the Legislative Assembly.
Timeline: 20 years of LGBTQ rights in Cayman
The Chantelle Day and Vickie Bodden Bush marriage case has made LGBTQ rights a more visible topic in Cayman in recent years, but their fight is not the islands’ first.
Same-sex legislation in first quarter unlikely
With less than three weeks till the end of March, it appears unlikely that government will bring about any form of same-sex legislation within the first quarter of this year.
Colours Cayman calls for action on same-sex marriage
Colours Cayman has called upon Governor Martyn Roper to establish a deadline for government to act on the issue of same-sex marriage.
MLA Eden calls earthquake, coronavirus ‘warnings’ over gay lifestyle
Legislator Anthony Eden moved a motion in the Legislative Assembly on Friday to affirm Christian values, an action he described as a direct response to debate over same-sex partnerships.
Year in Review: Many twists and turns in campaign for marriage rights
A long-simmering debate over rights for same-sex couples reached boiling point this year.
Same-sex marriage or independence?
The polarising topic of same-sex marriage took another turn on Friday when George Town Central MLA Kenneth Bryan questioned whether lawmakers should explore the option of cutting ties with the UK in the event that same-sex marriages are imposed on Cayman by way of an Order in Council from the British Parliament.
Same-sex marriage: Couple considers Privy Council appeal
The couple fighting for equal marriage rights in the Cayman Islands is mulling a possible appeal to the UK Privy Council after a court decision to legalise same-sex marriage was overturned.
Miller supports civil partnerships
Former Opposition leader Ezzard Miller has given his backing to domestic partnerships legislation following the Court of Appeal’s ruling on same-sex marriage.
The appeals panel...
No resolution for same-sex marriage planned until next year
Premier Alden McLaughlin suggested that action on the same-sex marriage issue will take place until early 2020.
Same-sex marriage ruling overturned
Chief Justice Anthony Smellie's previous ruling legalising same-sex marriage has been overturned by the Court of Appeal.
MLA Bryan pushing for voter survey
Member of the Legislative Assembly Kenneth Bryan said during a press conference on Thursday that the upcoming cruise port referendum is a unique opportunity for gauging public opinion on other topics.
Same-sex marriage appeal continues
Arguments into the appeal of Chief Justice Anthony Smellie’s ruling to legalise same-sex marriage in the Cayman Islands entered day two of the three-day hearing on Thursday, when attorneys for Chantelle Day and Vickie Bodden Bush addressed Court of Appeal judgesAndrel Harris.
Same-sex marriage appeal begins
The Cayman Islands government opened three days of highly anticipated arguments in court Wednesday regarding the legalisation of same-sex marriage in the Cayman Islands.
Round 2 in same-sex marriage fight
Government’s appeal against a Grand Court decision to legalise same-sex marriage in the Cayman Islands will be heard next week.
Letter: Gay marriage — disagreement vs disrespect
I ask everyone reading, that just for a moment, instead of focussing on what is right or wrong in this controversial topic, [to] focus on what we all collectively know and agree to be right and wrong, and to focus on holding everyone accountable for those standards.
Letter: Same-sex marriage is not a ‘human right’
The letter to you, printed 8 July, ‘Equating LGBT rights to colonialism is ‘rubbish,” by Leonardo J. Raznovich, appears to be an all-out attempt to destroy the harmony of the Cayman Islands, the reputation of elected representatives and the Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009, all so that some people can pursue their sexual desires, is nothing short of infuriating for most of us and heartbreaking for others.
Letter: Equating LGBT rights to colonialism is ‘rubbish’
I have to say that the overseas territories meeting last week was rather disappointing, the idea that LGBTI equality is colonialism is rubbish and rather insulting.
UK government rejects demands on same-sex marriage, immigration
The UK government has rejected demands by the Foreign Affairs Committee that it should enforce the legalisation of same-sex marriages and abolish belongership, the equivalent of Caymanian status, in the overseas territories.
Letter: Christians are not commanded to condone sin
In encouraging people that sin is godly, we risk deceiving these people and bearing some responsibility for their ultimate fate.
Letter: On gay marriage and other issues
Caymanians do not wish for any changes in our traditions in relation to this matter. We have rights as islands and we have the right to say no.
Letter: Practise what we preach
Growing up here was a blessing. I saw this loving community shape the island into what it is today. However, this news has upset me and started to make me question those around me.
Governor: ‘We are stronger together’
The governor has called for everyone to show tolerance and respect amid an increasingly fractious debate over same-sex marriage rights in the Cayman Islands.
Churches hold anti-gay marriage rally
An estimated 2,000 people, many dressed in white, attended a rally in downtown George Town on Saturday afternoon to protest against a recent court decision to change the Marriage Law to legalise same-sex marriage in the Cayman Islands.
Speaker Bush renews criticism of human rights chairman
Speaker McKeeva Bush said Thursday he had received a “faux apology” from Human Rights Commission chairman James Austin-Smith over his statement criticising government’s decision to appeal the historic court ruling that legalised same-sex marriage in the Cayman Islands.
Appeals court puts same-sex marriage rights on hold
Same-sex couples will have to wait a little longer for the right to get married in the Cayman Islands.
Government seeks stay of same-sex marriage ruling
The Court of Appeal will deliver its decision this afternoon, Wednesday, on whether to grant a stay of the execution of a historic court judgment legalising same-sex marriage in the Cayman Islands.
Show of support for gay community
Colourfully clad and waving rainbow flags, more than 100 people gathered in George Town Sunday to show support for Cayman’s LGBT community.
EDITORIAL – Ensuring a firm foundation for marriage equality
The landmark legalisation of same-sex marriage in the Cayman Islands has unleashed powerful emotions. With them have surfaced all sorts of misinformation and confusion over legal rights, separation of powers and personal beliefs.
Bush calls for human rights chair to be fired
Speaker McKeeva Bush led calls for Human Rights Commission chair James Austin-Smith to be fired for speaking out against the government’s decision to appeal an historic ruling legalising same-sex marriage in the Cayman Islands.
Same-sex marriage: What your representative said on the issue
Cayman Islands legislators unanimously backed a private members’ motion last week supporting government to appeal the decision by the chief justice that legalised same-sex marriage to the “full extent of the appeals process”.
Dominic Dyer: Love trumps hate
It is difficult to understand why people are so strongly opposed to the granting of equal rights to their fellow country people.
UPDATE: Speaker Bush calls on governor to fire Human Rights chairman
Speaker McKeeva Bush has called for Human Rights Commission Chairman James Austin-Smith to be immediately fired by Governor Martyn Roper, following the commission’s statement Thursday criticising government’s decision to appeal the chief justice’s decision to legalise same-sex marriage.
Human Rights Commission: Government appeal ‘ill-considered’
The Cayman Islands Human Rights Commission has spoken out against government’s decision to appeal last week’s historic ruling legalising same-sex marriage, describing it as “ill-considered” and doomed to fail.
Letter: After same-sex marriage ruling, it is important for stories to be heard
Now, when I hear the Premier’s words of the appeal that the decision, I think it is more important than ever to have one’s story heard.
Government to appeal same-sex marriage ruling
Government plans to appeal the chief justice’s decision to legalise same-sex marriage, Premier Alden McLaughlin announced Wednesday.
‘We’re on the right side of history’
The couple who fought and won a court battle to legalise same sex marriage in the Cayman Islands say they are disheartened by government’s decision to appeal.
BREAKING: Government to appeal same-sex marriage ruling
Premier Alden McLaughlin announced Wednesday that the Cayman Islands government had instructed the attorney general to appeal Chief Justice Anthony Smellie’s ruling that legalised same-sex marriage last week.
Lawyer: Marriage ruling could have domino effect in territories
A historic ruling to legalise same-sex marriage in the Cayman Islands could have a domino effect across the British Overseas Territories, according to a leading human rights lawyer.
The issue explained: A closer look at the same-sex marriage ruling
Since Chief Justice Anthony Smellie’s ruling on same-sex marriage was released Friday, there has been debate across the islands about the issue and what happens next.
EDITORIAL – Same-sex marriage ruling: An affirmation of civil rights
It would be a mistake to think Friday’s landmark decision legalising same-sex marriage in the Cayman Islands will immediately settle this divisive societal issue. But it does represent the beginning of a shift towards greater tolerance.
Letter: With same-sex marriage ruling, Cayman became a fairer society
To those that oppose this decision as a matter of principle rather than with hate, I say this: denying two people the ability to love one another, to commit to each other and to support each other throughout life, in good and in bad times, to have that love respected and protected by the country in which you were born and raised, is the cruellest of all evils.
Same-sex marriage legalised in Cayman
Same sex marriage is legal in the Cayman Islands after a landmark judgment in Grand Court this morning. Chief Justice Anthony Smellie ruled that the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman was unconstitutional and violated multiple rights.
Britain’s bond with Cayman: Governor seeks to restore ‘trust and confidence’
Amid turbulent times for the relationship between the Cayman Islands and the U.K., Governor Martyn Roper sees himself as “the bridge” between the two countries.
Premier dismayed by report calling for British voting rights in overseas territories
Last Thursday at the Chamber of Commerce legislative luncheon, Premier Alden McLaughlin strongly denounced a United Kingdom Foreign Affairs Committee report issued the same day that calls for British citizens to be able to vote and run for office in the overseas territories.
Committee calls on UK to intervene if Overseas Territories do not legalize same-sex marriage
A committee of U.K. lawmakers is urging its government to intervene if the British Overseas Territories do not legalize same-sex marriage or abolish rules tied to belongership, the equivalent to Caymanian status, or a similar status.
Human Rights Commission: Government’s same-sex marriage fight ‘inexcusable’
The Cayman Islands Human Rights Commission has described government’s decision to fight a court challenge against same-sex marriage as an “inexcusable waste of public funds.”
Chief justice to decide on same-sex marriage
Chief Justice Anthony Smellie will decide within the next few months whether the Cayman Islands ban on same-sex marriage should be overturned.
Government lawyer acknowledges case for same-sex civil unions
Government’s lawyers accepted Monday that a persuasive argument had been made for the introduction of civil unions for same-sex couples in the Cayman Islands, though they suggested this should be left to elected politicians to decide rather than enforced by the courts.
Government defends same-sex marriage ban
Government’s lawyers claimed Friday that the Cayman Islands constitution explicitly prohibits same-sex marriage.
Same-sex couple fights for right to marry
Denying marriage rights to same-sex couples is “simple discrimination” and violates rights guaranteed under the Cayman Islands Constitution, a leading barrister claimed Thursday as a test case on the issue began in Grand Court.
UK will not step in on same-sex marriage
The United Kingdom has no current plans force its overseas territories to legalize same-sex marriage through an order in council.
Bermuda courts reverse same-sex marriage ban
Bermuda’s courts have legalized same-sex marriage for the second time in a landmark ruling that could impact the battle for marriage equality in the Cayman Islands.
Cayman, UK address differences at Foreign Affairs Select Committee
Cayman’s representative in London, Eric Bush, faced a grilling from British MPs Tuesday and deflected questions on the controversial issues of beneficial ownership and same-sex marriage.
Court gives green light to same-sex marriage case
A same-sex couple contesting Cayman’s marriage laws have passed the first hurdle in their legal challenge.
