LGBT rights in Bermuda

LGBT rights in Bermuda
StatusLegal since 1994
age of consent equalised in 2019, but the age of consent for both heterosexual and homosexual anal sex is still higher than that for other types of sexual intercourse
MilitaryYes
Discrimination protectionsSexual orientation protections (see below)
Family rights
Recognition of relationshipsDomestic partnerships since June 2018;
Same-sex marriage was legal from May 2017 to June 2018 and again from November 2018 until March 2022
AdoptionFull adoption rights since 2015

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory, face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Homosexuality is legal in Bermuda, but the territory has long held a reputation for being homophobic and intolerant.[1][2] Since 2013, the Human Rights Act has prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Bermuda has been in the international spotlight in recent times over the legalisation of same-sex marriage. Such marriages were first legalised by the Supreme Court in May 2017. However, the Government subsequently passed a law banning same-sex marriage and replacing it with domestic partnerships.[3] This law was then struck down in June 2018 by the Supreme Court and again in November 2018 by the Court of Appeal, and since the latter ruling same-sex couples have been free to marry in the territory.[3] On 14 March 2022, however, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council ruled against the Court of Appeal, banning same-sex marriage once again.[4]

  1. ^ "Gay Bermuda - GayTimes". Archived from the original on 29 September 2006.
  2. ^ "Gay cruisers will still come to BDA". Bermuda Sun. 20 April 2007.
  3. ^ a b Duffy, Nick (23 November 2018). "Bermuda has legalised same-sex marriage for the second time". PinkNews.
  4. ^ "Bermuda's ban on same-sex marriage is allowed, UK judges rule". TheGuardian.com. 14 March 2022.

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