Gay marriage appears to be on the cards

| 30/07/2020 | 143 Comments

(CNS): The failure of the Legislative Assembly to support the Domestic Partnership Bill has made it highly likely that the UK will impose same-sex marriage on the jurisdiction. While the governor’s office has so far refused to confirm this, statements by British politicians on the matter, the unfulfilled legal obligation to address the human rights breach and the ongoing Privy Council case is pushing the British authorities in that direction.

While MLAs who oppose any kind of rights for same-sex couples in Cayman dismissed Premier Alden McLaughlin’s warnings on Wednesday that gay marriage would be the outcome if the Domestic Partnership Bill failed, his prediction is looking increasingly accurate.

In the UK, Shadow Foreign Office Minister Stephen Doughty has written to the UK Overseas Territories Minister, Baroness Sugg, urging the British government to step in. The Labour MP has also issued a statement about the defeat of the bill in the parliament here yesterday.

“Despite the welcome efforts of many, it is deeply regrettable that the Cayman Islands Legislative Assembly has not passed this crucial Bill,” he said. “The Governor is right to call it a sad day for the rule of law in the Cayman Islands — and most crucially for the LGBT+ community there, as well as those who move to live, work or holiday there — with basic human rights that would be upheld in the UK not being recognised in Cayman.

“This situation is no longer tenable. If the Legislative Assembly continues to deny basic rights to some of its citizens — then UK ministers must act urgently to ensure the Cayman Islands complies with the rule of law and its responsibilities as a British Overseas Territory. It is time that all British Overseas Territories ensure legal equality for LGBT+ people.”

There have been full marriage rights for everyone in England, Scotland and Wales since 2014 but same-sex marriage was not recognised in Northern Ireland until January 2020. It is legal in the all the Crown Dependencies and in nine of the 14 British Overseas Territories, including South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, the Pitcairn Islands, British Antarctic Territory, Gibraltar, the Falkland Islands, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, Bermuda and overseas military bases.

With growing appreciation that same-sex unions are not equal to marriage and still discriminatory, activists agree with the premier that Cayman is facing on order from the UK implementing full marriage equality rather than the failed bill.

Attorney Dr Leonardo Raznovich, an expert in the field of LGBT rights and social justice who has represented the local group, Colours Cayman, in their fight for marriage equality, told CNS that the failure of the bill will almost certainly herald in full marriage rights for same-sex couples.

“This unprecedented constitutional crisis has been caused by the Court of Appeal’s decision to shirk its constitutional obligations and perhaps compounded with the shortsighted attitude of those standing in front of them on both sides by not directing the court in the right direction,” he said. “There can’t be a breach of human rights without an effective remedy.”

Raznovich said that those were not his words but those written clearly in article 13 of the European Convention on Human Rights. He said that the law “provides the tools” for the remedy, explaining that the breach of section 9 of the Constitution, which deals with the right to private and family life, ought to have been remedied by using provision 5 of the constitutional order, even if it was an interim measure.

Chief Justice Anthony Smellie made same-sex marriage legal by altering just eight words in the Marriage Law after he heard the case against government brought by Chantelle Day and Vickie Bodden, who had been refused the right to marry under the law. The chief justice had done so because the Legislative Assembly had failed to address the glaring breaches of the women’s rights, including the right to family life.

The simple amendment he made was described by Premier Alden McLaughlin on Thursday as “genius”.

Raznovich said that provision 5 in Cayman’s Constitution provides for multiple options to resolve a human rights breach. If the Court of Appeal had found the CJ’s move a step too far, there were other less radical modifications those justices could have made.

“It would have prevented the unfolding of this constitutional crisis if the Court of Appeal had used any of those options as Colours Cayman tirelessly suggested,” he added.

Instead, Cayman can now expect the UK to order that the chief justice’s amendment to the Marriage Law is reinstated. And as the premier outlined in the LA on Wednesday, there are many reasons to support the view that the British government is going to move towards imposing full marriage rather than force the passage of the failed Domestic Partnership Bill.

The bill presents considerable administrative challenges. It requires changes to several pieces of legislation that would allow for domestic partners to be considered equivalent to spouses in laws, including those relating to pensions, health insurance, healthcare, mental health, adoption and immigration.

It also requires government to create a whole new separate regime of registration and presiding officers to conduct the ceremonies and a system for dissolving those relationships that break down.

Given all of that compared to the eight words changed in the Marriage Law by the chief justice, the imposition of marriage rather than the Domestic Partnership Law would be far easier from the UK perspective.

This was all outlined by the premier as he wound up the LA debate yesterday, knowing the bill was heading for defeat.

In addition, the British government will also have an eye on the case that Day and Bodden have brought to the Privy Council, which is due to be heard in just over six months. The failure of the LA to pass any legislation to end the discrimination against the couple and the ongoing infringement of their rights, even after appeal court ordered them to do so, strengthens their case enormously.

The Privy Council will have no option but to remedy the situation because of the clear evidence that the Cayman legislature is not prepared to do it. It is expected, therefore, that the March 2019 amendment to the Marriage Law made by the chief justice will be re-instated.

Claims by many lawmakers during the unpleasant debate on Wednesday that the UK would not impose marriage because of past comments or because of section 14 in the Constitution hold little water. Section 14 protects the right of men and women to get married but does not preclude a gay couple from also marrying. The ban on same-sex marriage resides only in the Marriage Law, not in the Constitution, which overrides all other laws.

Adding to the growing confidence of those in the LGBT community that Cayman will make history this year by introducing full marriage equality is the fact that in addition to the UKOTs, Baroness Sugg’s areas of responsibility includes LGBT issues.


Share your vote!


How do you feel after reading this?
  • Fascinated
  • Happy
  • Sad
  • Angry
  • Bored
  • Afraid

.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Tags: , , , , , ,

Category: Laws, Politics

Comments (143)

Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed

  1. Robert Mugabe IV says:

    MN says “when in Rome do as the Romans do”….
    I can see it now, Caligula and his horse and Jon Jon and his jackass. Epic viewing

    4
    3
  2. Anonymous says:

    If gay marriage is illegal in China, that’s good enough for me. Mao rules.

    8
    15
    • Anonymous says:

      Yeah China’s calling the shots in this new world order. Writings on the wall… They are financing Jamaica, Bahamas… UK common wealth you say. That’s dead its China rules now big boy

      3
      3
  3. Anonymous says:

    I wish this would turn into to something else other than the bashing of Gays and/or Christians. For the record, I am a Christian, and I categorically do “not” hate anyone. I was never taught that in my home or in church. Some of the stuff I see on social media and on here is downright unbecoming of any human being. This is on both sides. Spewing hateful remarks and banning your friends from your facebook page if they have differing opinion is just not right. How can we love and respect each other if we keep doing this..

    There are many people that I know that are Christians and support the Gay community and there are a lot of Gay people that I know that love and respect the Christian community. You can be Gay and not bash the Christians and you can be a Christian and still love and respect those who are gay.

    We cannot reduce it to this. No one wins in these situations and it has become an absolute hate fest on either side.

    We are better than this and finding solutions that work for both sides can happen.

    Love is love and hate is hate..Let’s try to find common ground so that we are able “love and respect” each other no matter our beliefs.

    38
    3
    • Anonymous says:

      I agree but it’s really hard when you hear the words that come out of so called Christians mouths. Don’t you think this would have all been avoided if one side would realize they should keep their hobby to themselves if no rights of theirs are being infringed upon?

      We won’t stop until religion is separated from state.

      11
      10
      • Anonymous says:

        It is people like you that will continue to cause the divide, @ 8.53 is trying to find a middle ground where we can all get along and you is still trying to push your own agenda.

        11
        5
      • Anonymous says:

        I understand your discomfort, but I think what @8:53 was asking for is for a bit of tolerance from both sides.

        We can’t paint everyone with the same brush.. I’m a Christian and very proud of it. You can call me a “so called” Christian but I will still stand for your rights as a gay person. Despite what you believe not all Christians don’t support the LGBTQ community. Conversely there are a lot of gay people that are in involved in the Christian community (some even attending church) and do not think of Christians as hateful and inconsiderate to their beliefs system.

        As a Christian, I would never dream of hating my brothers and sisters be they gay or not and I am so disheartened to see this situation fall to such a low level of hate and division.

        I’ll say it like @8.53, Love is Love and hate is hate. I prefer the former..We cannot cut out of our lives, our friends, family, brothers and sisters just because they are Gay or Christian.

        6
        2
    • Anonymous says:

      Well said!

    • Against CNS - LGBT use of Words says:

      Hold a sec. When you say common ground, gays DO NOT need to have laws imposed on society to be at peace with the rest of society! They can do there thing in the privacy of their homes and respect the Caymanian culture. Are you say they are being mistreated by Caymanians??? How??? I have never seen Caymanians or any church here for that matter come together to assault, threaten violence, or do violence against gays. They peaceably enjoy our islands like everybody else. I think what we really are against, is them imposing a LGBT worldview and “gay rights” on us. Such things is not our culture ! Please stop calling us and our people bigots, discriminators, haters, and intolerant if we uphold our Caymankind and Christian views in our Constitution !

      14
      15
      • Anonymous says:

        Gay sex has been legal here for over a decade and no one gay or straight wants to see public display of affection.

        Sex ed in school is important. My parents locked down my devices and I still ended up learning about porn through my peers before I was a teen. Better to be taught it in a formal setting.

        No one is telling you to be gay or change your opinion to proudly declare you support them. Their marriage doesn’t affect yours.

        10
        5
      • Anonymous says:

        You are called such things because you represent neither CaymanKind nor true Christian values.

        You sound just like those that made the natural order arguments in favour of slavery. Dont come here and bring your newfangled ideas – these slaves are not humans. Stop trying to cause trouble. It is our culture and traditions they said!

        2
        3
      • Anonymous says:

        Frederic Bise would disagree.

        2
        4
      • Anonymous says:

        Oh please how can you defend the churches on our beautiful island when they all fail to denounce child abuse be it physical, emotional, sexual or neglect. If they are so caring how come little work is done by them on the ground in the homes of those in most need?

        6
        4
      • Anonymous says:

        Rights are not pie.

        You don’t have to give up anything to allow someone to live their life the way they should already be LEGALLY AFFORDED.

        Here, read your own book:

        Zechariah 7:10
        and do not oppress the widow or the orphan, the stranger or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.’

        Proverbs 22:22-23
        Do not rob the poor because he is poor,
        Or crush the afflicted at the gate;
        For the Lord will plead their case
        And take the life of those who rob them.

        Psalm 72:4
        May he vindicate the afflicted of the people,
        And crush the oppressor.

        Isaiah 10:1-3
        Woe to those who enact evil statutes
        And to those who constantly record unjust decisions,
        So as to deprive the needy of justice
        And rob My people of their rights,
        Now what will you do in the day of punishment,
        And in the devastation which will come from afar?
        To whom will you flee for help?

    • Anonymous says:

      Well I would generally agree with that sentiment if not for the critical distinction that this isn’t even “gays and allies” against “Christians“ opinion piece. The problem both sides have in common is that CMA has become a focused full time on rights suppression: specifically, to bash all elements of same sex sexuality, gender identification and rights – as active enthusiastic participants in the Caribbean Cause hate group. CMA’s entire website is exclusively devoted to subverting the rights of constitutionally protected minorities, in contempt of judicial support to the contrary. It is in fact 100% of CMAs expressed purpose on its website. Have a look before the headlines hit and it’s taken down by Uniregistry: caymin.ky

      3
      3
      • Tony Conrad says:

        Your argument is with the bible. No one who is seriously trying to follow Jesus would entertain homosexuality. That this offends gays does not mean the bible has to be changed. With regard to the law there is nothing one can do about that except to pray. All we can do is honour marriage between a man and a woman. I respect gays and lesbians as people but I don’t change my beliefs to accommodate them. Jesus came not to condemn but that we might have life. This is not the first time that christians have had to exist with contrary laws to their faith.

    • Anonymous says:

      Your compass is broken or poorly calibrated for the modern world we live in. There is no love or respect intended for gay people from CMA or Caribbean CAUSE. They are immoderate hate groups, running public websites, and will justifiably face approaching consequences. I think we all win by living in a world where: hate groups get properly shut down as they should; where laws are written well, after responsible consultation, democratic soundings, and debate; where citizen and resident rights, particularly those of minorities, are properly codified, protected – by police force if necessary. We have a whole household of voters to back that up too. BTW, if someone is banned from FB for violation of FB policy, that’s on them for being idiots, and kudos to FB for the public service!

      1
      4
  4. Anonymous says:

    We want ganja rights next!!!

    114
    1
  5. MN says:

    Can someone please explain to me what basic human rights are denied to LGBT community? I cant think of any.
    They don’t want equal rights, they want special rights.
    People are not born gay. There is no gay gene.

    And for all the people who come here and want to make fun of our country and way of life, the saying is, when in Rome, do as the Romans.

    For all the Caymanians who are criticizing the Govt, insulting them and their beliefs and saying they are old relics, etc, I trust that you will be running for elections come next year, since you think you can do a better job running the country.

    76
    75
    • Anonymous says:

      Oh the irony, are you sure you want them to do as the Romans did?

      94
      11
      • Anonymous says:

        LOL – good point, but probably over the poster’s head. He doesn’t seem very smart or knowledgeable; intolerant bigots generally aren’t.

        54
        17
    • Anonymous says:

      I dont think you should reference the Romans bobo. You probably dont want to hear about what went on in those only men roman baths!

      40
      8
    • Anonymous says:

      Not playing troll. Get back under your rock.

      7
      14
    • Anonymous says:

      Truly! Crickets all i hear??

      2
      7
    • Anonymous says:

      Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. They want special rights and they are willing to bargain any deal with the devil to achieve it.

      CNS: What special rights do LGBT people want? They want the same rights you have to marry the person they love. You might not like it but don’t make things up to justify your views.

      33
      10
    • Anonymous says:

      And for all those people who come here? You mean like the Christian missionaries that traveled the world forcing Christianity onto the people? Learn your history, Christianity was forced on to people back in the day so get over your outrage of outsiders pushing an agenda, you sound like a hypocrite.

      7
      1
    • Anonymous says:

      They want the same immigration health insurance,mental health, succession and other rights which every one else has in our society. What is so wrong with that?

  6. Anonymous says:

    Samuel Sam can you please come out of your bodden town cave and join the rest of society.

    8
    15
  7. Anonymous says:

    A message to all Civil Servants out there.
    The new guidelines on Workplace Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination have been released as of 29th July.
    This cannot be a coincidence, it is almost certainly a requirement of the UK Government and it’s intention to see equality for all on these islands.
    I urge all to read them and understand that no one can bring this hatred into the workplace, including the god botherers and bigots above you.

    27
    22
    • Anonymous says:

      I suspect if I was still working with a certain notorious person, the bullying of me would continue without any recourse and no amount of policies will change unless there is a sea change in how we deal in Cayman with nepotism.

    • Anonymous says:

      It’s amazing how a simple statement of fact attracts negativity and cancellation.
      This policy now exists and those in the CS who indulge themselves in these activities better watch out as law suits will follow.

    • Anonymous says:

      The UK is hardly in a position to chastise or dictate to anyone with regards Bullying, Harassment or Discrimination. The british invented racism and spread it around the world. As for their constitution, theirs need as much sorting as ours. Perhaps educating yourself, specially in British history, would be a good thing, as it is always good to be somewhat informed before we start spewing.

  8. Anonymous says:

    People, the UK had to do the same thing in 1999 when Cayman refused to remove homosexuality off the Law Book. The UK made sure that an old outdated law was forever done away with.

    In doing so, Cayman didn’t crumble, people did not all become gay, churches still carried on, people still go to work, school and have families, go to the beach, pay forward, exercise, educate themselves, on so on and on.

    People, gay marriages truly do not affect your life and it only does if you make it. No family in Cayman or the world for that matter has escaped this making of God.

    Whether you accept it or not, being gay is NOT a choice and one’s sexuality should not, nor do I believe it does, define anyone who is gay.

    Acceptance of people for who they are must be the first step toward healing this rift.

    Until you do this, you are truly hurting others who just maybe your father, mother, sister, son, daughter, brother, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, cousin, friend, co-worker, neighbor, teacher, doctor, lawyer, Christian, garbage person, pilot, secretary, policeman, nurse, psychologist, fireman, custom officer, air traffic controller, cook, flight attendant, cashier, plumber, electrician, artist, singer, actor, helper, gardener, construction worker, politician, and on and on.

    52
    47
  9. Anonymous says:

    It is silly for the UK to allow anything to come up for a vote if it is their intention to ensure that the eventual outcome is what they want it to be.

    12
    5
  10. Samuel sam says:

    I still say we should have remain where we were .give our father the opportunity to continue our blessings .this gay marriage ammendment is going to cause many disasters to fall on every individual.

    CNS: What specifically did Caymanians do to upset God in 1932 to cause such a catastrophic hurricane?

    35
    38
    • Samuel sam says:

      god sent the 1932 disaster to show the people of the world that there was powerful god in charge .how many deaths were recorded in 1932 disaster .and how many deaths recorded in hurricane ivon or any others .so do now see with your eyes the blessing that god has provided for each and every one the country.

      20
      55
      • JDempsey says:

        What year was Hurricane Ivon? I don’t recall it.

        15
        9
      • Anonymous says:

        We have disasters every single year, in different countries and areas of the world. You cannot dictate what happens on earth because of “god”…disasters happen all the time to good and bad people. The fact of the matter is that we are now in the 21st century and you need to adapt to the new world. The younger generation are more open to accepting differences and will be the ones taking over. Stop using your religious beliefs as an excuse as to why things happened. We haven’t even implemented same sex marriage as yet and we’ve had the dump on fire, an earthquake, a full on pandemic… what is your excuse for those cause it can’t be the “same-sex law”… You should really have an open mind to the new world. It will come regardless.

        25
        4
        • Anonymous says:

          Could you explain how on earth Ibiza has never suffered of any God’s wrath given that it is the world capital of sex and drugs …. or is perhaps God’s preferred holiday destination when God is not on duty checking out what Caymanians are doing 🙂

          35
      • Anonymous says:

        Two people died as a consequence of Ivon. One of which was cause by a rather poor judgment in that the person decided to stay on a boat off shore during the hurricane – even god has limit when it comes to human stupidity.

        11
        2
        • Anonymous says:

          “…Ivan….” darn it – PLEASE don’t openly display the poor government educational system …….PLEASE learn to properly spell a “four letter word” 🙂

          I recall that the person swam out to a tethered boat on the night of hurricane IVAN. The second person passed away from a heart attack.

          14
          3
      • Anonymous says:

        That’s the problem now, no one fairs God anymore.

        6
        13
      • Anonymous says:

        “Ivan”…..not Ivon…

        …the opium of the people, keeps them in an educational stupor….

        11
        1
      • Anonymous says:

        I think you mean pain, suffering and death your powerful , imaginary god delivered.

        2
        1
      • Anonymous says:

        Maybe God sent us the opportunity to correct our past sins and bigotry by passing equal protections/marriage…. Yup, we blew that opportunity, but have no fear, God will continue to provide us with the means to repent, ask forgiveness and welcome Gays into a full and loving society.

        2
        1
    • Anonymous says:

      That storm came to wash away the gays I guess lol

      6
      1
      • Anonymous says:

        Hmm, maybe Ivan was sent to wash away the judgemental, self righteous persons who deny others equal rights, (hmm)…

        12
        3
    • Anonymous says:

      Samuel sam, welcome to earth. You are an uncivilized savage.

      12
      12
    • Anonymous says:

      Let us not forget that the earthquake and worldwide Covid pandemic were caused by and are a direct result of the hate speech delivered in our LA in November by two ‘Christian’ MLA’s and the jokes made in their wake by the Jackass’ in their company
      .
      The time line is irrefutable, by your own rules prove me wrong.

      15
      5
  11. Anonymous says:

    But you know what? Everyone is missing the bigger picture – our legislative assembly doesn’t respect the rule of law and doesn’t honor the rulings of our courts even though the government was granted their appeal. Whenever the legislative assembly/government now wants to get UK approval or support, this negligence will come back and bite us.

    28
    27
  12. Samuel sam says:

    Oh my god .I cant believe that that after decades of our beloved islands that god has given so much wonderful gifts to protection from disasters after disasters.and our government is going to give the green to two certain individuals who wants to change the constitution of gay marriage to pass .the day that it passes god will certainly remove all of his blessings and gifts that he has given to this country.

    46
    77
    • Anonymous says:

      Yes because Cayman is going to miraculously sink after this is passed. There are a thousands things going on in the world, I highly doubt God cares about two consenting adults that want to get married.

      44
      15
    • Anonymous says:

      Then you should have asked your MLA to vote yes to a bill which restricted same sex couples to domestic partnership rather than marriage!!
      It would be highly ironic if the UK forces same sex marriage and we end up with a worse result for those who are still intent on restricting constitutional rights for minorities.
      If I was in the Cayman Ministers Assoc right now I would be furiously rethinking my position and asking the MLA’s to find a way of bringing back the Domestic Partnership bill with small amendments which would allow for a face saving approach of getting it done.
      But they won’t. They are too proud. What is the saying “Pride comes before the fall….”

      35
      10
      • Anonymous says:

        They can’t put two and two together. Voting down the bill, they by default voted in same sex marriage. The bill was not about any marriage at all. This has been explained so many times. Well I guess it’s not about communication. It’s about compression. Marriage it is !

        24
        6
    • Bertie: B says:

      11:09 . You will be ok , trust me on that , God has not attacked any country that allows gay marriage , He may have done lots of damage to countries that do not allow gay marriage , or maybe that was all done by sixteenth century Bigots / Hypocrites / unstable nut cases / May i reference Al Queda Taliban and many others if you follow the news .So your safe to go to bed at night k .

  13. Anonymous says:

    Historically Cayman like the rest of the so called democratic world has and will continue to be ruled by the combination of church and state! Just look at our present consituition and see who had the greatest input and influence in drafting it! Was it not certain members of the clergy! Also if any wannbe politician or politician desire to hold or get into office he or she have to make sure they has the support of the church! Not the people that live a alternative lifestyle to that of heterosexuality! So the vote was not against that way of life as as extreme it would seem to be but about saving their own political careers of making sure the would not be alienated from the most influental voting bloc in any church and state run democracy! One example of the above statement! Look at the nation building fund fiasco a few years back and which insitutions was the biggest recieptants!Furthermore look at our National Festival called pirates week! We dress our little girls up as wenches (Prosistutes) and our boys up as pirates which represents the most debased actions of human beings including homsexuallity and to make it morally acceptable we say it’s just fun! Why there is no outcry from church and state about this so psychologically damaging phenomina on the the psyche of our people in terms of our cultural identity!We even have our school participating in this most wickedness era of human history! Remember history is a recurring decimal!

    27
    11
    • Anonymous says:

      I am that incensed by this subject that I will be the first to any civil unrest and will take action. Will there be free food available after and also I may be late as I have to check by one yard.
      I will probably have to go early too.

  14. Anonymous says:

    For those predicting ‘civil unrest’ and breakdown of Cayman society as we know it, please remember this is exactly what people said twenty years ago when homosexuality was decriminalised. The same bible-bashers were out in force then, the law changed and…nothing.

    47
    27
    • Anonymous says:

      Don’t forget the death penalty that had to be kept even though it had never been carried out by anyone locally. We spent huge sums building a gallows, and about $5,000 if I recall correctly for a special piece of hemp rope from somewhere in India, since the rope used for boat anchors just wouldn’t do the job.

      15
      11
    • Anonymous says:

      Too lazy not to mention it’s hot outside.

  15. Anonymous says:

    It would be deliciously ironic if as a result of this stupidity, the Cayman Islands becomes a gay wedding destination.

    Please, make it so!

    73
    36
    • Anonymous says:

      And it’s going to. Now. Me and my boyfriend will have a church wedding. I want to see any of them deny it.

      42
      22
      • Anonymous says:

        If it was the other way around you would be crying bigot and homophobe. Now you want to force the churches to believe in your opinion. Well, unfortunately for you Churches are exempt from performing Marriages outside their religious beliefs as it should be.

        11
        9
        • Anonymous says:

          Please inquire about ministers who are also marriage officers. Thank you.

          11
          1
        • Anonymous says:

          LMAO…force the churches to believe your opinion. Well if thats not the pot calling the kettle black!! WOW. Thats right up there with thinking that gays are forcing THEIR lifestyle on YOU or taking away YOUR rights or forcing YOU into submission. Ive never heard so much hypocrisy in my life!

          19
          5
          • Anonymous says:

            And this is why the bill was a perfect opportunity. Never touched marriage, but no…. nothing was good enough. UK will reinstate the full marriage. With all the rights coming out of it.

            14
            4
  16. MAICQAN says:

    I can guarantee you a gay pride parade would be more respectful than Batabanoo which is basically a street orgy. No complaints about that tho from the old mostly Jamaican uneducated, brainwashed, bible loving hyprocrites.

    52
    29
    • Anonymous says:

      Right, except we don’t forces churches to accept that behavior and bring it into the chuches, Tyrant.

      15
      21
    • Anonymous says:

      Way to go from woke to a xenophobe in just two sentences!

      15
      3
      • Anonymous says:

        Jamaicans literally murder other Jamaicans for being homosexual and proudly blare Jamaican-published songs about it. Truth hurts – that doesn’t make them a xenophobe.

        I, too, as a Caymanian was taught “batty man fi ded” from my Jamaican peers in school. I have nothing against them – this is just the truth and facts.

        20
        1
    • Anonymous says:

      So you’re telling me that all the ministers that voted no to the DP bill were Jamaicans? Omg wow…..can’t even accept blame when it’s your own caymanian ppl.

  17. from a gay person on Cayman says:

    Great article. Many thanks to the editors of CNS for being SO supportive of fairness and equality. Much appreciated!

    54
    26
  18. Anonymous says:

    Just let them be as miserable as the rest of us!

    15
    3
  19. Anonymous says:

    The politicians are smiling from ear to ear as their wishes came through. They are all in favor of the LGBT rights but fear the for the votes of the deadly Christian church holy rollers and prayer groups. So they will retain their votes by appearing to be against it and allow UK to impose the the rights. LOL

    26
    18
    • Anonymous says:

      You giving them too much credit especially Jon Jon

      23
      7
      • Anonymous says:

        No no. They figured out the numbers needed for exactly how they wanted this to go down. Every MLA played out their credible and expected part.

  20. Anonymous says:

    What is Stephen Doughty’s connection to the Cayman Islands?

  21. Anonymous says:

    As much as I believe in equality, I don’t think threatening someone is the way to get it..This whole situation is dividing us as Caymanians. There are even posts on social media now where people who have always been friends are blocking each other for differing opinions..I am so worried that we are becoming more and more like the United States with the hate and division amongst us.

    This whole process is going to spark civil unrest here in Cayman when it didn’t need to happen.

    CNS: When the UK stepped in to remove the law criminalizing homosexual sex, there was exactly the same fuss. Afterwards, everyone just got on with their lives. Getting people all worked up by predicting civil unrest is irresponsible.

    If Alden had done things properly, he could have met with all of the members of the House and hashed out something that worked for everyone but in his politricks way brought this during covid lockdowns and gave the other members 28 days to get the feedback of the people. He spent years and $10M+ dollars pushing a port project that once he asked his people he found out they didn’t want and even after that he doubled down and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on a road show that only proved the same thing.

    For those of you that don’t know the political art of Alden, he will come out smelling like a rose when England forces us into implementing same sex marriages. He can say, “I told you so” and his hands are cleaned although he orchestrated it just this way and we will elect him again..He has mastered this art of politics and how to play his people against each other to get the same result he wanted but we are too blind or naive to understand.

    I am also very worried about how the Governor has involved himself deeply into day to day politics and no one seems to understand that is not his role, nor do we same to care. Threatening us and telling us what the UK will do to us for misbehaving is like having a bully in the school yard.

    CNS: It wasn’t a threat, it was explaining the consequence. If you tell a student that if they don’t study for their exams, they will fail, that is not a threat, it is telling them the truth. Also, ignoring international conventions is not “misbehaving”.

    Has anyone ever wondered what happened to Governor Choudhury or why XXXX?

    CNS: This is none of your business but in any case you were told why. I’m not posting the conspiracy theory nonsense that comes after this either. Questioning the need for, or purpose of, a Cayman regiment is legitimate, but couching it in terms of a military takeover by the UK or to put down civil unrest is crazy unless you’re trying to stir it up.

    11
    10
    • Anonymous says:

      CNS. You Rock!

      54
      18
    • Anonymous says:

      What an ignorant post! If you believed in equality then you would believe in the fundamental constitional rights that the domestic partnership bill would have allowed.
      We are here because people are talking from both sides of their mouths. We saw how the politicians said they had nothing against same sex couple BUT that they could not be treated the same as the rest of us. That is simply not right. Christianity has never been about hating people or discriminating against them but it is being used as a reason we can’t have the domestic partnership bill.
      The next generation of Caymanians is looking on in horror because they have grown up in a world without discrimination and are witnessing their own elders discriminate in the most perverse way.
      Many Caymanians now in their 50’s, 60’s and 70’s will look back on this moment in shame, when, after 10 years the dust has blown over it and nothing bad really happened. I hope the younger generations will remind them they stood by and did nothing to stop the latent discrimination.

      16
      7
  22. Anonymous says:

    Cayman Islands: The Pakistan of the Caribbean.

    I am ashamed to be a caymanian. What an embarrassment.

    The problem is not the politicians, they are just opportunists.
    The problem is the stupidity and lack of education of my fellow caymanians.

    I feel so embarrassed.

    78
    20
    • Anonymous says:

      And Aunty Juju is in charge of making sure the education of Caymanians stays the same old same old style. I am embarrassed for you.

      43
      8
  23. Anonymous says:

    It’s ok, the “no” voters can tell their fellow fairy in the sky worshippers that it was not their fault, it was the English that forced this on Cayman. So pathetic but it is a by product of colonialism that they can always avoid taking full responsibility for ALL matters while bitching about the fact the “colonial masters” don’t allow them to do things that the locals want to do which are against international good governance or human rights principles.

    46
    11
  24. ELVIS says:

    those idiots just embarrassed themselves that’s all. it had to happen. i guess they just showing how they will be treated and dealt with going forward when its imposed.

    63
    8
    • David S says:

      Looks like no British OT would be forced tinto same sex marriage law If the European World court clearly explains that Same sex unions IS NOT, NEVER WAS A HUMAN RIGHT. The truth is out, Cat let out if Box, STOP trying to scare and fool people into foolishness that no OT should put on the table for a vote.lts just a circus parade and lawmakers are clowning just like the clowns that are demanding all these outlandish outrageous rights.
      *EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS: HOMOSEXUAL MARRIAGE IS NOT A HUMAN RIGHT*

      *Judgment of the Human Rights Court of Strasbourg -France*

      *Unanimously, the World Court of Human Rights has established, verbatim, that “there is no right to homosexual marriage.” The 47 judges of the 47 countries of the Council of Europe, which are members of the full Court of Strasbourg (the world’s most important human rights court), issued a statement of great relevance that has been surprisingly silenced by information progressivism and its area of ​​influence. In fact, unanimously, the 47 judges approved the ruling that “there is no right to homosexual marriage.” The sentence was based on a myriad of philosophical and anthropological considerations based on natural order, common sense, scientific reports and, of course, positive law.Within the latter, in particular, the judgment was based on Article 12 of the European Convention on Human Rights. This is equivalent to the articles of human rights treaties, as in the case of 17 of the Pact of San José and nº 23 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. In this historic but not disclosed, Resolution, the Court decided that the concept of family not only contemplates “the traditional concept of marriage, that is, the union of a man and a woman”, but also that they should not be imposed on governments to “obligation to open marriage to persons of the same sex”. As for the principle of non-discrimination, the Court also added that there is no discrimination, since “States are free to reserve marriage only to heterosexual couples.”*

      It is important and

      absolutely necessary to spread this kind of news because governments and sympathizers of such lobbies will not want people to know. Help spread if you want! Obviously, it does not interest the media to publicize this news.

      23
      16
      • Anonymous says:

        Oh David…do sit down…

        15
        12
      • Anonymous says:

        Mr XXXX, The Bill was not for same sex marriage but domestic partnership which doesnt even necessarily require both persons to be of the same gender and certainly does not require the act of sex to make it in any way valid . There are number of ways “domestic partnership” is sought to telieve many issues not related to being “gay”. But you have fallen into the same tunnel vision view as many who could only see this as being something for “homosexuals”, a term that only found its way into the Bible around 1946 and from a translation at that which is questionable in its accuracy.

        CNS: Judging from the writing style, I am absolutely sure that the comment was not written by who you think it was.

        3
        3
      • Anonymous says:

        Yes but you see the UK is no longer part of the EU so only UK law applies to Cayman now and in the UK same sex marriage is the law of the land not civil unions. Cayman has its change to do separate but equal and failed so ready yourself for full gay marriage….it will be fabulous darling.

    • Anonymous says:

      And they still wonder why O why are we still on the black lists Jesus? When will you come and save us by changing the will of the people to my will? I am still waiting!

      4
      4
  25. Anonymous says:

    Honestly speaking though, Suckoo had very valid concerns regarding the potential impact on our immigration, employment and concept of family. If the Bill had addressed those from the get-go, I would have been okay it it passed. I invite you to check out his debate on YouTube and draw your own conclusions.

    28
    82
    • Anonymous says:

      BS. It was only more faff trying to slow the process. Love will win. 🏳️‍🌈

      74
      37
      • Anonymous says:

        No. He made very valid points on the deficiencies in the government bill and the potential consequences of letting those deficiencies remain in the bill. You are obviously writing from an uninformed position. Watch his debate and you will see what the poster was talking about.

        9
        17
    • Anonymous says:

      Suckoo believes the same garbage that Anthony Eden does, he is just smarter about how he expresses it

      Reminder he left the PPM alongside Eden when Alden mentioned the issue to their caucus, this is not an issue he has ever wanted to have a debate or exchange of ideas regarding

      His belief just like Anthony Eden’s is that gay people Caymanian or not are below everyone else and should be lucky they are not hunted publicly and dealt with in the way that they would prefer

      46
      11
      • Anonymous says:

        Suckoo banned me from his Whatsapp group because when the Earthquake happened, everyone went off topic and started posting verses from Revelation.

        I’m a Muslim Caymanian (yea yea, call me paper and driftwood whatever) and posted a Muslim scripture.

        I was promptly banned from Suckoo’s Whatsapp group for posting Muslim teachings yet he allows Christian. I can’t help but fully agree with you 8:57 pm.

        31
        8
    • Anonymous says:

      I agree, and that is one of the reasons why it has to be marriage. Without it, countless other laws do not work.

      8
      5
  26. Anonymous says:

    This is going to get very messy. It is going to cause major social divisions and will end with us being in a very dark place for a long time to come.

    26
    77
    • Anonymous says:

      Or it won’t change anyone’s life except those who just want the same rights your ignorant arse already has.

      113
      25
    • Anonymous says:

      But only for you.

    • Anonymous says:

      You know what… let the divisions come! Everyone needs to choose a side. I will be on the side of full marriage equality.

      13
      4
    • Anonymous says:

      Nah, we’ll be fine. A few people will be hurt but they’ll eventually get over it since it literally does not affect them in any way.

      5
      1
      • Anonymous says:

        …how long will they stand outside GAB with the signs, their loud-speakers and their tents…1 month or so….?

        Then they’ll pick up and go home and live continues….

  27. Anonymous says:

    Good comes from bad, marriage equality was the ultimate goal anyways, just wish Cayman could have come out of the dark ages itself instead of making the UK forcing them

    79
    27
    • Anonymous says:

      much like a petulant child, we will be dragged kicking and screaming. I cant wait for the UK to come down on this like a ton of bricks.

      10
      9
    • Anonymous says:

      I think its a positive thing in some ways. I am all for LGBT rights, lets make that clear. But I really hope it makes the UK take a good look at this island and to have them hopefully step in and take over for a couple years. 3 to 5 years of UK rule is all it would take to get rid of most of the corruption, get rid of some old ways and let new groups of politicians come into play. I think it would be best for all of us if we could just take a small breather and press the reset button.

      5
      13
  28. Anonymous says:

    We need this to happen immediately. Love Wins !!

    74
    33
  29. Anonymous says:

    This new law and standard of equality could have been Cayman grown had they approved the proposed bill. Now the Uk will mandate the full protections of marriages for all couples, when you get upset that outsider are forcing their beliefs into Cayman, remember that is exactly what Christian missionaries did centuries ago, there is absolutely no difference so let that sink in.

    81
    11
  30. Anonymous says:

    Shame and disgrace.

    17
    26
  31. Anonymous says:

    I cannot wait for the first Gay Pride parade along SMB! The seethe fest by the troglodytes will be marvellous! Go Vicky and Chantelle! Have a fantastic wedding and a great life together: signed The Modern Thinkers.

    89
    52
    • Anonymous says:

      I support equality, but I don’t support deliberately provoking a reaction in those that don’t share my views. Having a liberal society means respecting all views and permitting free speech for all otherwise one is simply discriminating against those that are religious.

      We should all look to the example of Nelson Mandela.

      34
      17
      • JDempsey says:

        “Having a liberal society means respecting all views”

        I don’t believe you actually believe this.

        Your post could be deployed equally to argue against inter-racial couples holding hands in public…

        7
        10
      • Anonymous says:

        But batabano is fine? Hypocrites…

        18
        7
        • Anonymous says:

          Batabano, like disdain for homosexuals, is imported from elsewhere in the Caribbean. Neither are typical of Caymanian culture and heritage.

      • Anonymous says:

        Mandela blew up government property…. Sometimes you need Dr. King, other times you need Malcolm X

        6
        2
      • Anonymous says:

        It actually does mean “permitting free speach for all”

        Its exactly what it means

        Marching in a parade is pure freedom of speech and does not infringe on anyone’s rights

        5
        1
      • Anonymous says:

        Sure – but lets be clear, Nelson Mandels’ organistion the ANC, was responsible for bombings and shootings that killed and maimed civilians – children, men and women. Be careful as to which examples you allude to.

        4
        1
    • Anonymous says:

      Can’t really be much worse than the gong show that takes place during Batabano – where are the Christian values then?
      I don’t recall stories of Jesus whining and grinding his way through Jerusalem.

      102
      13
    • Anonymous says:

      Why should there be a gay pride parade? Why is it necessary to announce your private sexual choices?

      I agree with equal rights and wish the legislation had passed, but I don’t see it necessary for all that public song and dance.

      Your sexuality is your private business. Please keep it so. I don’t wish my sons and daughters to have this added confusion as they navigate their already tortuous and sometimes even torturous journey to adulthood.

      19
      8
  32. Nudger says:

    Trying to get this law accepted by the population of Cayman is akin to pushing a garden barrow uphill with a full load. It is a long slow climb and the solution is just not going to land in your palm.

    21
    19
    • Anonymous says:

      Most Caymanians support it, it’s just a small minority of church people that for whatever reason have a grip on the LA.

      105
      31
    • Anonymous says:

      It doesn’t need to be accepted. Laws aren’t just for the majority.

      66
      13
      • Anonymous says:

        Well said, HR law is especially about protecting minorities and those that may otherwise find themselves discriminated against by the legislature.

        The MLAs should each collectively reflect on where they may be if nobody had ever fought slavery, abolish race discrimination and give women the right to vote.

        56
        7
    • Anonymous says:

      They don’t have to accept anything. Someone else’s marriage is really none of anyone’s concern. People need to mind their own business and be mindful of who they discriminate against: it just as well may be their husband or wife.

      82
      10

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.