Women plan legal action after marriage rejection
Chantelle Day and Vickie Bodden
(CNS): A woman from the Cayman Islands and her fiancée are taking legal action after their application for a marriage licence was rejected Monday by the General Register because they are in a same-sex relationship. Chantelle Day, who is Caymanian, and her partner Vickie Bodden, who is British, have been together for more than six years and now wish to formalise their relationship. Currently living in the United Kingdom, the couple want to get married in the Cayman Islands, return to the country to settle with their young child and, like all other Caymanian couples, enjoy a loving and lawful family life.
But, Day told Cayman News Service, unlike other couples in long-term relationships who want their dream wedding and a future with their friends and family in their own country, that is not currently possible for them because of the continued discrimination that exists in Cayman when it comes to same-sex unions and gay couples.
“I am proud to be Caymanian but I am undisputedly a second-class citizen in my own country,” Day said, because equal rights are not extended to all Caymanians. “I would dearly love for my newly expanded family to return to my homeland, the Cayman Islands, so that I can be around my supportive family and friends, and raise our child in a stable and loving environment, teaching our child the Cayman way of life.”
The couple have tried persuasion and have engaged in protracted communications with the Cayman Islands Government and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to pave the way for a legal wedding but they have had no response from the Cayman authorities and little support from the FCO. So, after months of in-depth research, taking extensive legal advice both in Cayman and the UK and gathering the support of their family and friends here, Day and Bodden have made the decision to take on the injustice through the courts.
“We have not embarked on this decision lightly and we have tried to do this amicably by approaching the authorities in Cayman and the FCO, who both know that the law in Cayman is discriminatory but they have effectively forced our hands,” said Day, who is also a qualified lawyer. “We are not out to cause trouble, we just want the same rights as any other couple in love.”
She explained that their first move was to apply for licence to marry. On a visit to the Cayman Islands last week from London the couple headed to the General Registry and filed their application. But, as expected, on Monday they received a formal letter rejecting the application because the law defines marriage in the Cayman Islands as a union between men and women only. It is that rejection that the couple now plan to challenge by requesting a judicial review or bringing an action under the Constitution. Day said that the decision will be made very soon and a legal action filed as promptly as possible.
Day explained why they are taking this route, given that her fiancée is a native of Britain, where same-sex marriage is legal. She said that while they could be legally married in the UK, that partnership would not be recognised here in the Cayman Islands, making it impossible for the couple to live long-term in Cayman, where they are both determined to settle.
“We don’t want to have to fight in the country of my birth to validate our marriage, as that feels extremely unjust. We want to be able to enjoy our dream wedding day knowing that it will be recognised,” she added.
The current situation would mean that if they returned to Cayman as a couple legally married in the UK, Bodden could not be Day’s dependent, as is the case with other spouses. Day pointed out that even same-sex foreign national couples where both parties hail from countries where such unions are legal have more rights under the law to enjoy a family life than she does as a Caymanian. Bodden and Day would not have the same protections simply because Day is Caymanian. They would not be able to make decisions about their health, pensions, property or any other important issue relating to family life.
Aware that the steps they are taking will cause some controversy, Day asked those who oppose same-sex marriage to put themselves in her shoes.
“Government has put in place a discriminatory policy that affects some Caymanians, making them less equal. People may not think that this is an important issue but it is. I am not the only Caymanian in this position; there are many more in a similar situation,” she said.
It is understood that over the last year the immigration department has turned down applications from at least two married Caymanians with expat spouses to have their partners live here as their dependents, driving them from their homeland.
Seeking a lawful family life in her home country, Day said that she sees no other way forward but the legal challenge to force the reluctant hand of government. Day said that she and Bodden should not have to take this action and she is disappointed, not just with her own government but the UK as well.
She said that same-sex couples are, as a matter of existing law, required to be provided with a legal framework to register their relationships and to acquire most or all of the rights of married different-sex couples, pursuant to a case in the European Court of Human Rights (Oliari and Others v. Italy ECHR, 21 July 2015).
“The lack of such a framework in the Cayman Islands is a clear and unequivocal breach of the European Convention on Human Rights, which is binding on the Cayman Islands government,” Day said, adding that the Cayman Islands government has acknowledged this breach. “I believe the government is fearful of their voters seeing them as willingly supporting the move. Instead they would rather use me as the scapegoat and burden my family with the task of holding them accountable publicly on a matter on which they are internationally obligated to comply.”
The local Human Rights Commission has also noted this legal obligation and has urged the CIG to address the issue in law — a call that has fallen on deaf ears. In her parting address to Cayman, former governor Helen Kilpatrick spoke about the need for Cayman to provide a legal framework for same-sex partnerships, an issue supported by Deputy Governor Franz Manderson.
The new governor, Anwar Choudhury, has also made it clear that he expects the local government to address the inequity over same-sex unions. But there seems little sense of urgency from the FCO to force the issue.
Although there are still strong dissenting voices about legalising same-sex marriage or equivalent legal unions, including from the government and opposition benches of the Legislative Assembly as well as the church community, an increasing number of Caymanians are recognising the injustice of the current situation and that the time is now right to make the move.
Day said she is still bemused that the British Government is standing back and choosing to ignore what is clearly direct discrimination and a continuous breach of the ECHR Convention in its territories.
But given the situation, they have no choice but to press on with their legal challenge, regardless of the cost. Confident they can win, they are hopeful of setting a date for their dream Cayman wedding sooner rather than later, and in the process making history as Cayman’s first same-sex marriage.
To assist Chantelle Day and Vickie Bodden in their legal fight, visit their Gofundme page.
See Chantelle Day’s opinion piece in the UK’s Independent here
Category: Laws, Local News, Politics
Best of luck to the couple.
Alden could fix this really easily if he wished by introducing Civil Partnerships. The CIG is in danger of having legislation created by the Courts.
If there is no civil partnerships, the couple will probably win…. If there is civil partnerships, the Law becomes a lot more in favor of the CIG.
Not on Alden’s watch.
I agree but…They don’t want civil partnerships. They want marriage. That will be the stick in the craw.
Yeah but the law doesn’t say that. What the law says is that the state mus provided couples with a legal framework to register their relationships and to acquire most or all of the rights of married different-sex couples. That would be civil partnership.
As i say, if you don’t have civil partnerships the CIG are going to lose. If you do, then the chances are, and the most recent cases from the ECHR would suggest that, the CIG is going to win.
Cayman like to pretend the LGBT issues are foreign issues. As a fellow LGBT Caymanian I salute her and what she will accomplish, Cayman’s laws are discriminatory and we all should be able to live freely in the land we love, not be told to stay overseas.
They can scream and pray all they want, legally she has a strong case and although it may only lead to civil unions, she will win.
XXXXXX
– Whodatis
CNS: Who, make your arguments without attacking the ladies.
Good for you CNS.
This one is a little too close to home for Who.
Do that every time he posts will you? Half of the discord you see on these pages is down to him.
His comments are not as hateful as some fr expats amongst us!
This is Who yard …. His navel string buried yah …. and he just like Ms Day is entitled to his opinion even if you think it wrong! He has his rights too!
Go put your head back in the ignorant sand 3:10. Of course, expat and the word hate JUST HAS to come up, right?
Pathetic
Be honest 6:16 am, expats don’t give a hoot about Caymanians today.
Most expats do not like the locals or natives and it SHOWS.
Stop manipulating the truth.
WOWWWW!!!!
CAN YOU APPLY THIS NON-ATTACK POLICY IN ALL STORIES? I’M SICK AND TIRED OF SEEING ALL THE HATE SPEECH AGAINST SUSPECTS, ACCUSED AND CONVICTS; POLITICIANS AND EVERYONE ELSE.
So amazed to see that the policy was so quickly implemented in this matter and seriously looking forward to seeing much more of this in the future so that issues can be addressed and people can get out without a shredded psyche from the haute that is spewed on here.
CNS: Politicians are in a different category – we think it’s important that people are able to criticise them however harshly. BUT negative comments about their appearance are deleted and families of politicians are also off limits. Suspects aren’t commented on as the comment box is closed until the case is closed. As for people convicted of a crime, again people should be able to comment freely on them – it’s part of the consquences. FYI, about 10-15% of comments are deleted daily.
Gays, straights, convicts and those who escaped conviction all fit into one category: we are all human beings. Hate speech against one is hate speech against another. And while we’re on the topic if what’s allowed, you might want to look at the law as far as participation, incitement etc and the liability attached. Free speech and hate speech are two completely different things; let me know if you’d like be to share some of the hate speech posted on your forum, please, in the event they all slipped through in the 90-85%.
If it’s not permissible against gays, it isn’t permissible against anyone else.
We know that.
Neither of these women would be alive to file any grievance if it wasn’t for a MALE & FEMALE creating them …. yet they talk about procreation and family??
How will they have children without the MALE parts?
PROCREATION TAKES TWO …. ONE MALE & ONE FEMALE …. TWO OPPOSITE PARTS WORKS TO CREATE ANOTHER HUMAN BEING ….
YOU CAN SCREAM ALL DAY & NITE THAT IT ISN’T FAIR BUT I CANNOT HELP YAH DAHLIN EXCEPT TO SAY IT IS THE WAY GOD DESIGNED LIFE TO CONTINUE…..
THERE’S NO OTHER WAY & THE YES THE SDA TEACHES SAME …..
I have no qualms of them registering and abilities to share; live or disburse their property and make legal decisions BUT I will lend my vote to say “NO” to changing the definition of marriage here in The Cayman Islands …..
Yes there are some items that will remain sacred and MARRIAGE is one!
The gay agenda is simply an attack on the family and the Word of God! PERIOD
It has nothing to do with love and affection but rather it is just to promote and validate alternate lifestyles against the wishes of the Caymanian community and the Christian foundation upon which these islands are founded!
Our motto says:- He has foundeth it upon the seas!
He is the Christian God ….. not any other!
My advise is get married where it is accepted and that’s where you guys live:- UK
Please remember that no one forced you in that lifestyle …..
That is CHOICE that each of you made and we all know when making choices then there comes CONSEQUENCES!! The consequence here is the Marriage Law
The Marriage Law says a marriage in Cayman Islands is between MALE & FEMALE ….
AND IT WILL REMAIN SO …
My god isn’t Christian, but you wouldn’t care about anyone other than yourself would you? Very christian of you.
You still think there is only one god?
There is only one true and Living God and we will all face Him one day
May His Name be blessed.
I think there is no god but I was making a point!
You acting like if we allow a few gay people to be gay the whole population going turn gay and suddenly we’re all going to go extinct cause everyone na making children. People like you why I left the church. How are you the victim here? Go on and believe your fairytales, but don’t force it down their throat and call them evil because they didn’t swallow it.
Some of us do swallow darling, just not in the way the Cayman Cave People approve of…
A little salty for my liking, my blood pressure up already.
Eww…vulgar much. Geesh.
Lmao
Maybe so with humans, but there are many animals out there that don’t need any type of partner to have offspring. There are animals that have shown homosexual behaviours. There are even animals that naturally change sex, including their reproductive organs. Where does that fit in with God?
I’ll tell you since you’re ignorant to the Word of God.
God states (thankfully) that humans are above animals. Therefore, you have to think nothing of yourself to compare human behaviour to animals as we are the more intelligent species. Simple.
Have you ever noticed that those who are the loudest in telling you about “their God”. are the ones least interested in hearing about your?
Everyone keep calm and DO NOT FEED THE TROLL!
You can always spot the sane ones from the capitals…
Donated.
Where the Pope and the Cayman law for he hath founded it upon the seas we will be plague with sickness and diseases more than ever marry for the gay in countries where allow come to Cayman lock them up and charge them high bail
Trying to find your point but can’t get past your poor grammar.
This isn’t going to happen within the next 10 yrs but get the ball rolling. Like all the other instances immigration will offer a solution to appease to avoid the embarrassment and the issue will continue to exist. To be fair there are very few countries that recognise same sex marriages but keep fighting
According to Wikipedia there are 25 countries that allow gay marriages to be performed in country, a further 6 that recognise marriages performed elsewhere, and another 15 with civil union legislation. So “very few” doesn’t seem entirely accurate. And as for 10 years – well, if they win on judicial review CIG will practically have little choice – it will be down to amending Immigration policy to extend the right to the UK citizen to live here as the dependent of a Caymanian (basically the fudge they used with Dr Raznovitch), introducing civil union legislation in a hurry, or amending the definition of marriage to include same sex marriage. As the couple seem to have discounted a simple immigration fix and say they want full rights, my money is on civil unions suddenly making it into the LA, with the politicians blaming the judiciary. Bermuda, round 2.
For the record, i am ok with the government “recognising” gay marriages that were done overseas for the sake of immigration rights, bank and property business, insurance etc so that they may live a normal life here on island.
i only vote no for allowing the actual wedding to occur here.
And no for expressing their affection in public, apparently. Whereas Batabano is perfectly fine for a decent family destination.
Maybe they should just stay in the UK and be married and live there. Cant they see that this country does not want to allow gay marriage to happen on island? If the people wanted gay marriage to be allowed here then it would be, simple. Caymanian or not I’m sorry. first will start the marriage, then all gays will be fighting for the right to express their affection in public. Please, this is a decent family destination, don’t need it and don’t want it. Thanks.
Money makes the Cayman economy go around or up and down.
But fair pay and equal opportunity for employment of caymanians have been ignored for decades. Are such rights not referred to in the constitution too?
If the advancement of the economic livelihood of all Caymanians is not included in the fight for the acknowledgement of lifestyle choice, then Caymanians will only be acknowledged for a right to marry the same sex but not the right to live in a fair economic state.
Caymanians boast about the country’s economics, yet have no share in it. The Caymanian economic “marvel” is exactly that: talk, ads, speeches, sitting in an observatory in awe at the prosperity of others.
How does it make sense to rejoice at the economic marvel from which you do not benefit from or share in? Happiness in this nothingness is the result of the conditioning of the Caymanian people through years of brainwash.
We have nothing- no land, no jobs, not even citizenship (this has to be proven too).
Ultimately, all Caymanians must share in the economic pie. Government should be fighting for the legal precedent that achieves this through fair pay and equal opportunity for employment. But it is said that government only pays public lip service to this area … while actively fighting against caymanian employment rights in a highly effective manner through political brainwash and its own internal policies and conduct.
The legal acknowledgement of a lifestyle choice may bring change for some but these winners will still continue to be marginalised, disadvantaged, openly discriminated against and left unemployed, simply because they are Caymanian. How much then are we advanced as a nation? Or is it just the continued outcome which is the advancement of a few and rights for a few?
what a long ramble, is there a point?
Very well said.
I think we should fix the problems that affect the many in this country first. Gay rights, same sex marriages, civil unions…none of those concerns top the urgent needs of the country, although this is very perfectly timed with the arrival of the governor and the songs he sings.
Legalize same-sex union/partnerships and whilst you’re at it, legalize Mary Jane too!
Trust me it’s a good deal….people will smoke and be more accepting of the LGBT community. It might just bring us all together like one big happy family! Yayy!!
#Smoke&Mirrors
We already have the ability to express our affection in public, FYI
you do know that most of the caribbean hates gays right? its only here that no real harm happens to them, but there are a few of the nationalities present here that are of a different mindset. Public displays of affection is not allowed between any sex. But I’m sure the gays will fight for their right. Just go where you are welcomed!
Your opinion is not more important than another human being’s right of life. Just because you’re a homophobic and backward and have a very narrow bigoted mind, doesn’t mean the rest of the world has to live by your dumb rules. Grow up island person!
I’m glad these women are doing this, their actions have exposed the underbelly of hate and bigotry that we all live alongside on this island.
They are not the ones at fault here, but the hate and bigotry that is all around us really needs to be addressed, and shouldn’t be ignored any more.
I am so very proud of you, my daughter, and Vickie, my future Daughter-In- Law! Ignore the bigots and feel the love and support. Chantelle – I will be proud to give you away at your wedding IN YOUR HOMELAND – CAYMAN ISLANDS. xx
You should be proud that you have raised such a strong daughter.
I don’t know them, but I am proud too. Congrats on the engagement!
And as a Caymanian myself, sir, I am proud of you for being proud of your daughter and standing by her through this. You could have taken the position of many Caymanian parents who disown their own children (who, by the way, may be the very same people who they’ll want to wipe their behinds when they’re too old to wipe it themselves). Kudos to you, sir, for standing up for your own. I stand with you, sir.
You and her mother did very well. Raised a very strong intelligent woman ! Congrats
Chantelle you are the leader that we need in these islands! Chantelle for Premier!
You have every right to be proud, and never forget you have support here in Cayman from Caymanians, this fight will be won
You did very well Michael. I’m impressed with your support for you daughter….and for standing up for equality.
These two are on a mission. Why not just get married elsewhere? At the end of the day, God is the judge and at the end of it all, hell is the home for all sinners!
And you gon be sitting right there next to me in the flames. Is that why we gay men are called flamers? LOL you and I will make it a party down there. Or we could go to west bay and party there.
No thank you please. Your bed in hell is already made. Something smells #FISHY
Is that the reason why West Bay has the highest rate of crime, drug use, gang violence and inbreeding in Cayman?
Marriage is about LOVE and togetherness. Pure and simple. Nothing else should matter. Without those marriages/unions dissolve.
Why does my country wait to be dragged through the courts (& the press) before making the appropriate changes to old laws? All the best Chantelle & Vickie.
From a Caymanian with deep, deep roots and many church going family members.
Marriage is about convenience. Always has been and still is today.
Ask single people how they feel about it.
To all the bigots and homophobic people on this islands, can I ask you one question?
How exactly does my gay marriage effect you?
Cause yours doesn’t do anything to me!
And yes before you start I AM CAYMANIAN, 8 generations!!!
What you think Ezzard?
To all the persons commenting about why this strong, beautiful,highly educated Caymanian dont just go back to the UK and live. This is HOME ! Shouldn’t she have right to be home and be happy ? She like many others left her family behind to become educated, she like many others found love and she like all of us just want to be HAPPY at HOME !!
In other news, there have been reports of the first ever case of spontaneous combustion in Bodden Town. Attempts to contact Mr. Anthony Eden have so far failed.
LMAO
Can’t wait for his talking points when the house resumes
Dio
Many against gays are in fact gay themselves. They think we don’t know. Haha
Good luck ladies. I hope you get married soon in the Cayman Islands.
All LGBT want is the right to make decisions about their partner’s health, pensions, property or any other important issue relating to family life. That’s it. Unfortunately, that can only be guaranteed through marriage. If ms. Day and other LGBT people could secure those benefits without getting married then, I guess they wouldn’t make such a fuss about it. They’re not seeking to take away anything from heterosexual people. Ms. Day is correct in saying that she’s currently a second class citizen in her own country of birth and that’s not right. She would still have to pay the indirect taxes that all of us have to pay. Why should she not have the same rights that all other people are entitled to? And furthermore, wasn’t Leonardo Raznovich allowed to remain a dependent on his husband’s work permit? Neither of them are from here. Why should Ms. Day, a born Caymanian, not be afforded the same? This highlights an even bigger issue that Caymanians’ rights are second to expats’ rights.
Way to go Chantele ! You two are an inspiration to many same sex couples here in Cayman. Although this will not be a “walk in the park ” kind of battle please know that you will inspire many !
To the Cayman Islands Government please just listen and underatand what these ladies and quite frankly what every same sex couple want. To live and LOVE and share equal rights any other couple.
I challenged any politician/representative of the people of the Cayman Islands to state how you would feel or even what actions you would take if one of these very strong and courageous women were youe daughter.
To the opposing Cayman community please just let people be happy, live and love and let live and love. Love is Love.
If you have fear of being converted then your issue is quite complexed 😉
100% Caymanian
Out of full disclosure, I have known Chantelle from she was a young child, who has consistently being a good child, student, sportswoman and an adult. She has been one of the bright stars of Caymanian young people and represented her country in sports as well as excelling academically. I have never discussed the subject in question with her either, which frankly is none of my business and neither the self-appointed jury, who now stand in judgement of her. Let me say to those who say that this is not a human right, the same had been said of many of the fundamental rights that we now hold sacred (including the rights of women to vote, among others) and to deny anyone the right choose how they live and the rights that are provided to a man and woman, is simply wrong and an injustice. Ironically, marriage as we know it, is exceedingly a failing concept with divorce far exceeding those that remain in marriage.
One day, Chantelle will be recognized for her profile in courage and as a woman and a young person will decide the future that they want to have – not the one that we have decided that soon will be placed in a museum with the relics of the past. As a person of faith, I believe that like the woman caught in adultery, Jesus would say, let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
I wish these ladies well in their pursuit to have their union legally recognised in the Cayman Islands which is their right pursuant to the European Convention on Human Rights. I highly commend them for challenging the status quo. These ladies and the larger LGBT community, should be encouraged by the apparent support for their cause.
Before the Caymanian bashing begins…I am a 50 year old heterosexual Caymanian and I believe that there should be provisions in Cayman law to allow same sex unions/marriages. These two women are humans FIRST. All humans should have the same rights under the law. No human should have a right to have their union acknowledged and accepted, while others do not. It’s just simply not fair.
There is nothing EQUAL to the heterosexual union between 2 human beings.
It is the necessary component to the creation and continuation of consciousness in this universe.
We can be as cute as we want and run around with whoever we choose – but let us not kid ourselves people.
Huh?
Since when did you get to judge? I thought the good Lord did that…but not in Cayman it seems…
Reality cares very little for “judgement”.
You know your right!
I am so proud to see a bunch of uneducated teenage girls running around pregnant for a whole slew of uneducated wanna be lazy thugs. That’s definitely much more appropriate.
Edenbots out in full force this morning.
Proud to say I know Chantelle and proud of the bravery her and her partner to take on this challenge. You have my support!
Also a little disappointed that some commenter’s didn’t seem to read the article properly or at all for that matter… Its hard to make a valuable opinion of something if you dont…
Important bits:
“Day explained why they are taking this route, given that her fiancée is a native of Britain, where same-sex marriage is legal. She said that while they could be legally married in the UK, that partnership would not be recognised here in the Cayman Islands, making it impossible for the couple to live long-term in Cayman, where they are both determined to settle.”
“The current situation would mean that if they returned to Cayman as a couple legally married in the UK, Bodden could not be Day’s dependent, as is the case with other spouses. Day pointed out that even same-sex foreign national couples where both parties hail from countries where such unions are legal have more rights under the law to enjoy a family life than she does as a Caymanian. Bodden and Day would not have the same protections simply because Day is Caymanian. They would not be able to make decisions about their health, pensions, property or any other important issue relating to family life.”
But this is the Cayman you voted for feel free to embrace it. wid all these old wuttless man round de place yah and internet johns available find unnah self a foreign man and live happily ever after in Dartville!! Stop this foolishness now before it gets out of hand!
Irene John you mus be a westbaya and yuh right , Caymanains woted fuh the Constitution. Majority still rules.
This is disgustingly inappropriate. The law clearly states in the Cayman Islands, marriage is between a man and a woman. Other countries have made same-sex unions legal and marijuana right!!? Why should we follow the trend. By all means I have no issues with gay people we are all humans so this is not a bash towards the LGBT. Firstly our elected politicians will never allow this to happen…secondly the church mafia will never allow this either. I think this is completely wrong to shove down our throats. Just my opinion.
How will these people living together as a couple in Cayman affect you?
It is difficult to interpret your comment as anything other than “a bash towards the LGBT”. Your opening line is “This is disgustingly inappropriate”. More importantly however, I take issue with your statement that “The law clearly states…marriage is between a man and a woman”. You do accept that laws are subject to change, don’t you? These ladies are going about doing so (as is their right to do) in the right way and should be applauded.
You’re correct about the church mafia: once you’re in, you’re in. For people who profess the love of Christ, they have no love or compassion in them.
And ‘fo unnuh churchas come gunnin’ fa me bout i’s a foreigna, I Caymanian; I come ya by pain, na by plane.
This is a Caymanian standing up for their own rights – you do read, right?
But that’s not the question you should be asking. The question you should be asking is, why is “Jah Dread” (indicative of Rastafarianism) talking about Cayman culture. As far as I know, Rasta come from Jamaica, na from ya.
Ah, the old “being a visitor means you don’t have human rights under international conventions” trick, huh? Many governments have failed that test and so will Cayman. Boris Johnson just yesterday agreed to push this cause with all the commonwealth leaders…Bring the case on ladies, Cayman deserves it. Much luck to you both.
Although I am alarmed at how incredibly DUMB this poster’s post actually is, I am more concerned that this post contains a veiled incitement to violence and should not have been published at all.
Yes CNS. Do your part to maintain order in this discussion.
“To those of you who are foreign to our land, foreign to our culture and way of life, let it be made abundantly clear; you have been invited to work here in these Cayman Islands where you not only enjoy a healthy and relatively safe way of living but also in most cases a higher standard of living than the natives of this country.”
I’m confused, is this comment directed at the Caymanian woman in the article who would like the right to live in her own country with the partner of her choosing?
So they believe they can just come back to cayman now and enforce the ways of UK on us… but yet she wants to live the “caymanian way of life” sorry mam you are making your own way and you should go back to where that is acceptable! And aot of these comments here are from foreigners! I ask that if you have a problem with our laws please go back to where you came from. You don’t see caymanians going about other people’s countries trying to change their laws.
Being part of the UK and therefore taking on EU laws we are already obliged to enforce the ways of the UK.
She IS Caymanian you “genius”. She just wants to come home (aka “where she came from”) and be with her future wife. Get over yourself.
What generation?
Dear Anonymous. I am not a foreigner. I am very much a Caymanian and I believe she is just as entitled as you and I are to (1) choose to live in the Cayman Islands and (2) to have her union to (an apparently consenting adult) recognised under the Cayman Islands laws. I wish them well in their legal pursuit.
It is your law, you are signed up to the ECHR, like it or not. If Cayman had enacted a civil union law then same sex marriage probably wouldn’t have been an issue. You do realise you are trying to cast out a fellow Caymanian just because they love someone else?
You poor suffera! I come ya by pain, an’ I still support same-sex marriage.
7:56 Thanks for this comment. I agree 100% I would like to shake your hand.
a ‘go fund me page’ needs to be started for these ladies to pursue the battle, – if I see it I’m signing up !
There’s on at the bottom of the article. I just donated!
No need, if its Marriage they want, they can get married in a jurisdiction which allows it.
This is PRECISELY the problem. They cannot because the Cayman Islands government has said it will not recognise such foreign marriages entered into by a Caymanian. The ONLY option is for them to try to marry here as marriage is the only legal framework available to them!
Conventions aren’t binding. Gay rights are not a human right. The ideal family is still recognized as male:father, female:mother and child with a penis:boy, child with a vagina:girl. These are being ferociously attacked and labelled as discriminatory. They are not. They are the foundation of human existence. Procreation is necessary for human existence. Two males can’t not can two females.
Please, when you comment on this, don’t tell me about all the orphans in the world that need to be adopted; that won’t change the fact that thru were created by a male and a female.
I am disgusted with the gay imposition and forcing of ideologies contrary to the law of nature and the twisting of absurdity to appear normal; it is illusion. It is wrong. Why is my arm being twisted until it breaks, to force me to accept what is against the natural?
Before you answer that question, don’t send back to say “because things need to change and Cayman is not acting civilly”. We are.
The goal is not to be happily married; the goal is to change family custom in the Cayman Islands or the marriage would happily happen in England.
Mr Choudhury arrived singing a song of equal rights and culture. The culture is that of gays rights it seems. He
would do well on ensuring equal rights for seniors, meeting the equal rights treatment and needs of the disabled, humane treatment including property and timely medical/dental treatment of prisoners and right to employment for Caymanians,; that would be awesome and then after we’ve effected positivity in those areas we can work our way to same-sex rights.
And this article was the most cleverly written article I’ve ever read.
Sorry, who exactly stated that the ‘ideal’ family includes a male and female child?! Just the one of each, or is it just as ‘ideal’ if you have several?? I’m pretty sure those families without children, or with only boys or only girls will be absolutely delighted to know that they are not ‘recognised’ as ‘ideal’…
It was the identification of roles, not in number of members.
It seems to me that you are rather preoccupied with the sexual acts. My suggestion to you would be to try to think about the sex a little less. To the extent that sex involves consenting adults (that do not exceed legal levels of harm) it is quite frankly none of your business. The “against nature” argument is quite trite now, as it is clear that pro-creation is not the sole purpose of sex.
Since it’s trite to speak of how it affects nature, please advise how else we procreate?
Please highlight for us, what exactly Is being taken away from you by LGBT people.
If you don’t believe in same-sex marriage/unions, then don’t marry someone of the same sex. It’s not that hard to understand.
No one is forcing YOU to marry someone you don’t want. Why is this so hard for churchy people to understand?
I think you need a hug! I would have adopted you when you were younger. Wait. How old are you?
“Conventions aren’t binding”? Really? I think you will find they are very binding and this will cost Cayman a small fortune, and the law will be changed anyway. So go hide in your cave and beat yourself up…it is likely when these ladies get here that you will never ever see them, and so tell me how this affects you? Don’t spout your church indoctrination about procreation, try actually to think for once. Also think about over population, 8bn mouths to feed and you think we need more?
You’re so right – we might as well discard procreation concerns as it isn’t going to exist in the future, except on a small scale, which will be generated by those who have what is currently known as sperm and as eggs from a male and female respectively. Adam and Steve won’t be able to procreate, though.
Of course, they should wait till you are good and ready to let them have the bare minimum of human treatment, because somehow the victims are actually oppressing the majority somehow
You act as if legalizing gay marraige is going to cause our population to turn gay and stop reproducing, which is a myriad of falsehoods
But you will stop at nothing to attempt to prove your point picking and choosing information with no regard for the truth or reality
Carry on
Diogenes
You’re an idiot…….
Well done ladies ! – hopefully you’re triumphant with the cause and then when you do move back home you might take up position somewhere in this archaic hometown acadamy of backward thinking bringing restitution of principle to to all of similar outcast, – be brave and carry on.
Well! If this isn’t the pot calling the kettle black! we’re called names by supporters because of a difference in opinion and ideology, but when we object or state our view we’re called archaic (a very crucial and brutal description). Really?
A lot of people in the Cayman Islands have been brought up to be God-fearing people.
They serve God out of a respectful and thankful heart and they have lines that they cannot cross because of their convictions.
This is not about denying “human rights”. Humans have always had the choice to sin and should we continue to ignore our Creator, we will suffer the consequences.
Having said that, it is likely inevitable that same-sex “unions” will come to Cayman and if that is indeed the case, the consequences are just as inevitable.
I wish these ladies the salvation that comes from knowing Jesus Christ.
No bigotry there then. “the choice to SIN”.. Give me a break, you god preaching is not doing much for the abused children in the Cayman Islands
Please tell me, what are YOU doing for the abused children in Cayman?
They have lines they cannot cross because of their convictions. Would those be the immigration lines into America?
Stupid comment.
There is nothing in your faith that compels you to attempt to coerce others to live their lives in accordance with your beliefs. That is a choice you make, and that is as much a sin.
But its OK for you to force YOUR beliefs on the rest of us? Hypocrite. If you are so christian why are you judging? Leave God to do that its not your job.
“But its OK for you to force YOUR beliefs on the rest of us?”
Please point out who is attempting to force you into a same sex marriage, so that we may express our displeasure towards them as well.
It seems the mention of God had sparked more fire than the issue at hand.
Let me personally thank you for a balanced view on the topic.
And close by saying: any sin thrown out to try to counter this comment won’t change the power, the truth and the content of this comment.
I would argue that the legal recognition of same-sex unions will not attract any graver consequences (if any at all) than any of the other “sins” that the government/society recognises or regularly turns a blind eye to.
Excellent comment.
I have been baffled by some people’s fear and hostility toward gay marriage. Much of this negative reaction seems to be backed by some religious people and that seems contrary to the spirit of love put forth by Christ.
This tolerance can be taken to an extreme as in the US where facebook lists over 50 genders now which seems neurotic to me.
I wish this couple well in their relationship and their lives.
Well marriage is around because it IS a religious union… or do you normally say “hey let’s give the government money to confirm our union and dictate our assets”. And el oh el complaining about some ones mentality while picking up for for another. Or do you not think all of this is a state of mind.
Marriage hasn’t been a religious union for a long time; it’s a civil one. If it was just religious then people would not have to apply to the courts in order to dissolve it – something that many, many ‘religious’ Caymanians have done!
Pow…
Marriage is not a religious union,idiot . I was married here in Cayman with zero denomination declared for my wife and I , a non-religious ceremony. There is nothing on our Cayman marriage certificate that states our union is bound by religion. People can get married anywhere in the world , of their choosing ( & in Cayman) free from religion.
Sure, but they don’t want a religious union, they just want a union so that they can have legal rights as a couple here.
I think you are conflating the issue. There is a religious component to marriage, but a legal component is brought into the equation through the legal recognition that underpins that marriage. All men (and women) are equal under the law. To the extent that heterosexual unions are recognised by the law, so too should the union of gay couples be recognised by law – with or without the universal religious recognition of that union.
If it is just a religious union, then why must couples have to submit a license request to the government to get married? Think, na?! Use the brain God gave you!
Are atheists allowed to marry in Cayman? Why? If believing in a particular religion is a requirement to be married, then why do you allow Muslims or Buddhists to get married?
Sorry. We do not have same sex marriage here. You should get married there in UK.
Why is that so hard for some people to understand?
They could very easily be married in the UK. The issue is that because one of them is Caymanian it won’t be recognised as marriage here, if they were both British our laws would validate the marriage. Do you see the problem now?
They could get married in the UK, but when they return here, Immigration won’t recognize the marriage. Only one of them will be allowed to live here.
Chantelle and Vicki, please know that there are many, many, many people here in Cayman who support you!
I’m sure you have a tough battle ahead of you, and that many here will also disapprove. But stay strong in the knowledge that love conquers all, and the knowledge that your love story gives hope to so many.
Thank you for standing up against injustice and for helping to make Cayman a better place for us all.
Let’s support them with our dollars and our voices. Bring this topic up whenever you can and let your voice be heard by all. Also, for those of us on here that can vote, let’s use our powers to get the government to listen to us.
Yes, please support them whilst we drive by the mentally ill on our streets everyday who nobody gives a hoot about. Who literally go through garbage to eat some days.
Priorities of some people! Just sick.
Classic “whataboutism” on display.
Pro-tip: We can care about same sex marriage while also caring about the plight of the mentally ill. The two are not mutually exclusive
Pow…
Is that what your boyfriend says?
If you all actually supported them why not sign your real name,?
You all can kindly get married in the UK and welcome back too the cayman islands happily ever after. The deputy governor have more important issues too resolve such as the disciplinary action that the leader of opposition requested for the deputy governor too give to the chief officer for health and the leader of opposition is waiting for the deputy governor to deal with it.
From the article: “Day explained why they are taking this route, given that her fiancée is a native of Britain, where same-sex marriage is legal. She said that while they could be legally married in the UK, that partnership would not be recognised here in the Cayman Islands, making it impossible for the couple to live long-term in Cayman, where they are both determined to settle.
…
It is understood that over the last year the immigration department has turned down applications from at least two married Caymanians with expat spouses to have their partners live here as their dependents, driving them from their homeland.”
As a Christian I believe that marriage is a union between a man and a woman and Cayman should not stray from that definition.
Read the article!
Maybe try reading the article next time
Amazing, strong ladies! Wishing you the best of luck and justice! The haters speak from ignorance and should be pitied. The rest of us stand with you.
What the heck is strong about that!?
For real. @ 8:43 am
Good for them. But really you would be better off raising your child somewhere else. Cayman is a lost cause and just getting worse.
Love knows no boundaries.
For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever should believe in him will have eternal life.
God does not lie.
Just let the people marry! It will not affect my life even the slightest, tiniest bit if they do, and it will improve their lives greatly.
“….like all other Caymanian couples…”? Ha ha ha ha!
Was only a matter of time before this happened
and I can’t wait to hear how straight people are the victims in this instance and how they (they being these two brave women) should suck it up and settle for a “separate but equal” legal status. Even if that is what ends up happening it will be a small step in the right direction though as this article points out there are instances of civil partnerships and other secondary unions are notably inferior due to differences ranging from jurisdiction to jurisdiction also leaving out the fact that you can encounter issues getting these partnerships and unions recognized and the differences in some cases can be quite extreme
Nevertheless
All the best for you and your partner
Diogenes
This is a lost cause. Cayman dont even want Immigrants much less for same sex unions. They will find ways to block this
Don’t you have comment pages to troll in the country you live in Rick?
Riiight, because immigration didn’t influence the Trump and Brexit votes….
And that’s a good thing. Thumbs up.
This couple, like every other, know the current law regarding same sex marriage in the Cayman Islands. Whether it’s right or wrong this is it at the moment. It’s pointless of them appealing and wasting any money to fight it because it’s not going to happen yet. If they really want to get married, do it in the UK and then return home to celebrate with their families here. They have been glad enough to reside in the UK and reap UK benefits so why not marry there. What difference does it make at the end of the day where you marry.
Because dummy, it won’t be recognised here, that’s the entire point of the case. Learn to read and understand.
“Day explained why they are taking this route, given that her fiancée is a native of Britain, where same-sex marriage is legal. She said that while they could be legally married in the UK, that partnership would not be recognised here in the Cayman Islands, making it impossible for the couple to live long-term in Cayman, where they are both determined to settle.
…
It is understood that over the last year the immigration department has turned down applications from at least two married Caymanians with expat spouses to have their partners live here as their dependents, driving them from their homeland.”
You demonstrate a rather limited understanding. The book of Proverbs speaks often about wise men and fools. Some good advice in there. Highly recommend it to you.
dummy, just because laws are in place, doesn’t mean they are right. If people never challenged racism, we would still live in segregation…aka, black people live on one side of the island and white people live on the other.
Persons who sit complacent and wait for things to drop in their lap, like a change in the law…
Gwan thru girls!
And how do you think laws that people believe are wrong get changed?
Hint: It involves people making an effort to get them changed
Very brave! Love always win!
Good luck. The bigots are loud and organised but they are the minority and ever decreasing in numbers.
Dying animals usually make the most noise.
Yup, a lot of the comments here represent the death throes of a dying breed
well done..its time to drag cayman into the 21st century…
Good morning all, I guess Cayman isn’t a Christian community after all. If we’re going to throw away our religious beliefs we are all doomed for abomination. So in that case why not just legalize gambling casinos and strip clubs as well?
Give ’em hell, ladies!!
And so it begins……….