LGBT rights in Bermuda
Bermuda
Status	Legal 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
Military	Yes
Discrimination protections	Sexual orientation protections (see below)
Family rights
Recognition of relationships	Domestic partnerships since June 2018; Same-sex marriage was legal from May 2017 to June 2018 and again from November 2018 until March 2022
Adoption	Full adoption rights since 2015

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LGBT rights in the United Kingdom
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United Kingdom Scotland Northern Ireland
Crown dependencies Guernsey Jersey Isle of Man
Overseas Territories Anguilla Akrotiri and Dhekelia Bermuda British Virgin Islands Cayman Islands Falkland Islands Gibraltar Montserrat Pitcairn Islands Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Turks and Caicos Islands
Same-sex marriage by territory United Kingdom Scotland Northern Ireland Guernsey Jersey Isle of Man Akrotiri and Dhekelia Bermuda British Antarctic Territory British Indian Ocean Territory Cayman Islands Falkland Islands Gibraltar Pitcairn Islands Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Policy aspects
Sexual orientation Adoption Age of consent Blood donation Christian nation Civil partnership History of violence HIV/AIDS Military policy Same-sex marriage
Gender identity, sex and intersex Transgender rights Intersex rights NHS Gender Identity Development Service Gender Recognition Panel
Legislation
Criminality Buggery Act 1533 Offences Against the Person Act 1828 Offences Against the Person Act 1861 Labouchere Amendment Wolfenden report Sexual Offences Act 1967 Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1980 Homosexual Offences Order 1982 Section 28 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2000 Sexual Offences Act 2003 Policing and Crime Act 2017 Alan Turing law Merchant Shipping (Homosexual Conduct) Act 2017 Historical Sexual Offences (Pardons and Disregards) (Scotland) Act 2018
Protection and recognition Public Order Act 1986 Sex Discrimination (Gender Reassignment) Regulations 1999 Adoption and Children Act 2002 Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 Civil Partnership Act 2004 Gender Recognition Act 2004 Equality Act 2006 Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007 Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 Equality Act 2010 Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014 Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Act 2019 Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019
Litigation Corbett v Corbett (1969) X v United Kingdom (1978) Dudgeon v United Kingdom (1981) R v Brown (1993) Sutherland v United Kingdom (1994) Smith and Grady v United Kingdom (1999) Goodwin & I v United Kingdom (2002) HJ and HT v Home Secretary (2010) National AIDS Trust v NHS Service Commissioning Board (2016)
Culture
By city Brighton Cardiff London Liverpool Leeds Manchester
Gay villages Birmingham Gay Village The Calls Canal Street (Manchester) Old Compton Street Pride Quarter, Liverpool Vauxhall
Gay male Polari Saunas Cruising
Organisations
LGBT advocacy & support Stonewall Hall–Carpenter Archives Black Gay Men's Advisory Group Akt Naz and Matt Foundation FFLAG LGBT Foundation LGBT Network Outright Scotland Switchboard (UK) NUS LGBT LGBT+ Liberal Democrats LGBT+ Conservatives LGBT+ Labour Labour Campaign for Trans Rights Mermaids Press for Change The Gender Trust
Pride events BiCon (UK) Big Gay Out Birmingham Pride Bourne Free Brighton Pride Bristol Pride Doncaster Pride GFest – gayWise LGBT Arts Festival Glasgay! Festival Homotopia (Liverpool) Leeds Pride Leicester Pride LGBT History Month BFI Flare: London LGBT Film Festival Manchester Pride Mr Gay UK Mr Gay Wales Northern Pride Nottinghamshire Pride Pride Cymru Pride Glasgow Pride in Hull Pride in Liverpool Pride in London Pride Scotia Reading Pride Swansea Pride Worthing Pride
Former groups OutRage! Campaign for Homosexual Equality Homosexual Law Reform Society Gay Liberation Front Gay Rights Working Party Order of Chaeronea
History
Topics Timeline List of politicians First LGBT officeholders Violence against LGBT people HIV/AIDS crisis Death penalty
Timeline 342 MSM activity made illegal 1533 Death penalty introduced for MSM activity 1543 Buggery Act extended to Wales 1828 Offences Against the Person Act 1828 1835 James Pratt and John Smith executed 1861 Death penalty for buggery abolished 1885 Labouchere Amendment introduced 1889 Cleveland Street scandal 1895 Oscar Wilde found guilty of gross indecency 1912 The Cave of the Golden Calf opens 1921 Plans to make lesbian activity illegal defeated 1936 Mark Weston transitions 1952 John Nott-Bower begins crackdown 1954 Pitt-Rivers, Montagu, Wildeblood imprisoned 1954 Alan Turing commits suicide 1957 Wolfenden report released 1967 MSM activity made legal (England & Wales) 1972 First British Gay Pride Rally 1976 Jeremy Thorpe resigns as Liberal leader 1981 MSM activity made legal (Scotland) 1981 First case of AIDS reported in the UK 1982 MSM activity made legal (NI) 1983 Gay men barred from donating blood 1984 Chris Smith elected as first openly gay MP 1987 Operation Spanner begins 1988 Section 28 comes into force 1989 Stonewall UK forms 1994 Age of consent for MSM becomes 18 1997 Angela Eagle becomes first openly lesbian MP 1998 Bolton 7 found guilty 1998 Lord Alli becomes first openly gay Lord 1999 Admiral Duncan bombing 2000 Gay men allowed in HM Armed Forces 2001 Age of consent equalised to 16 2001 MSM activity involving multiple men legal 2002 Same sex couples granted equal rights to adopt 2003 Section 28 repealed 2004 Civil partnerships introduced 2004 Gender Recognition Act 2004 2006 Discrimination made illegal 2008 Equalised access to IVF for lesbian couples 2008 Incitement to homophobic hatred made a crime 2009 Public apology to Alan Turing 2010 Equality Act 2010 2011 Gay men allowed to donate blood (1 yr deferral) 2013 Nikki Sinclaire becomes first openly trans MEP 2013 Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 2014 First same-sex marriages take place 2016 MSM activity not grounds for military discharge 2017 Turing law implemented 2017 Blood donation deferral 3 months (excl. NI) 2019 MPs legislate for gay marriage in NI 2020 Gay marriage legal across UK, incl. NI 2020 Blood donation deferral 3 months (incl. NI) 2021 Blood donation deferral equalised
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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]

Law regarding homosexual activity

Prior to 1994, anal sex and oral sex (for both homosexuals and heterosexuals) were illegal and punishable by up to ten years' imprisonment. Lesbian activity has never been illegal in Bermuda. Following the passing of the Stubbs Bill in 1994, consensual sexual conduct in private was legalised in Bermuda, but with a higher age of consent for gay male sexual conduct at 18, than the age of consent of 16 for heterosexual and lesbian sexual conduct. This age of consent discrepancy was in clear violation of the European Convention on Human Rights.^[5] On 1 November 2019, a law took effect, amending the Criminal Code establishing a universal age of consent for consensual anal intercourse at 18 years.^[6][7][8][9] As of 2022, age of consent is still not equal, being at 16 for all persons and 18 for persons engaging in consensual anal intercourse.

A provision in the Criminal Code regarding gross indecency between men was repealed in 2019.^[9]

Recognition of same-sex relationships

Same-sex marriage is not legally available in Bermuda since 2022.

In November 2015, the Supreme Court of Bermuda ruled to allow binational same-sex partners equal rights in employment and benefits as all other spouses in Bermuda.^[10] In response, politicians decided to hold a non-binding referendum on same-sex marriage, which was held in on 23 June 2016.^[11][12][13] Voters were asked two questions; whether they were in favour of same-sex marriages and whether they are in favour of same-sex civil unions.^[11][12][13] Both proposals were rejected by 60–70% of voters, though the referendum was invalid as less than 50% of eligible voters turned out.^[14]

In early 2017, the Supreme Court deliberated on a case brought by a male same-sex couple (Winston Godwin and Greg DeRoche), who had their application for a marriage license denied in July 2016. In May 2017, Justice Charles-Etta Simmons made the historic ruling that the couple had been discriminated against and that the Marriage Act 1944 was inconsistent with the provisions of section 2 (2) (a) (ii) as read with section 5 of the Bermuda Human Rights Act, as they constituted deliberate different treatment on the basis of sexual orientation. The ruling had the effect of making same-sex marriage legal in Bermuda.^[15][16]

Following general elections in mid-2017, the new PLP Government passed a law replacing same-sex marriage with domestic partnerships in December 2017.^[17] The British Crown did not challenge the change, and the Governor of Bermuda gave royal assent to the law on 7 February 2018. The law went into effect on 1 June 2018, and Bermuda became the first territory in the world to effectively reverse marriage rights for same-sex couples by legislation.^[18][19] A number of international politicians and gay rights organisations criticised the change and argued that the move would damage the island's tourist industry.^[20]

By April 2018, two challenges against the law were filed with the Supreme Court.^[21][22] The court heard the matter in May 2018 and issued a ruling on 6 June 2018. The court revoked the parts of the law that prevented same-sex couples from marrying, though also agreed to stay the ruling to allow the Government to appeal to the Court of Appeal.^[23][24] The Court of Appeal upheld the Supreme Court's ruling on 23 November 2018, thereby allowing same-sex marriages to resume once more in Bermuda.^[25] On 14 March 2022 the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council ruled for the Attorney General, who was appealing the Court of Appeal’s ruling, banning same-sex marriage once again.^[4] In July 2022, laws were passed within Bermuda to retrospectively backdate same-sex marriage legality formally prior to March 2022.^[26]

Adoption and parenting

In February 2015, Judge Hellman J of the Supreme Court of Bermuda handed down a ruling, finding that direct discrimination had been found on the grounds of marital status and indirect discrimination had been found on the grounds of sexual orientation, when a same-sex couple had been denied the ability to apply for an adoption in Bermuda. As a result, the Adoption of Children Act applies equally to married and non-married couples (and consequently, same-sex couples).^[27][28] Same-sex couples are thus allowed to adopt.

Discrimination protections

In 2013, the Parliament of Bermuda approved legislation that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.^[29][30]

Prior to this legislation, Bermuda's Human Rights Commission had repeatedly recommended that the Government of Bermuda change discrimination laws to include sexual orientation.^[31] In late 2004, it promised to amend the Human Rights Act 1981 to cover sexual orientation,^[32][33] but by late 2005 the matter appeared to have been quietly dropped,^[34] until the following year. In 2006, an amendment to the Act was proposed in the House of Assembly, but the Parliament refused to even discuss the issue.^[35] In December 2006, an activist group called "Two Words and a Comma" was formed to pressure the Government of Bermuda into amending the act.^[31] Following his sudden resignation from Cabinet in 2009, former Culture Minister Dale Butler raised the issue of the amendment, saying that he had intended to table an amended bill in autumn 2009, but that it was now the responsibility of new Culture Minister Neletha Butterfield to do so. Butterfield responded that she was still being apprised of the workings of the Ministry and so could not comment on future plans.^[36] In November of that year, following a mention in the annual speech from the throne that the Human Rights Act was to be amended, a rumour circulated that this would include protection for gays.^[37] Premier Ewart Brown's press secretary appeared to confirm the rumour, but it was refuted by both the Human Rights Commission and Minister Butterfield, who commented that a sexual orientation clause was still under investigation.^[38] It wasn't until 2013 that the Human Rights Act was amended to include sexual orientation.^[29]

Bermudians had tried to appeal to the British Parliament regarding LGBT discrimination,^[39] prompting the Foreign Affairs Committee to recommend that the British Government should take steps to extend human rights in the British Overseas Territories (BOT), for which the United Kingdom is ultimately responsible.^[40]

Bermuda's human rights in general do not have a favourable reputation. In mid-2008, Bermuda was the only BOT to refuse to join a four-year human rights initiative organised by the Commonwealth Foundation.^[41]

Gender identity and expression

There is no legal recognition of transgender people, and thus, by omission, no protection from discrimination.^[39]

The ability of persons to express their gender identity is often difficult; for example, in 2006, the Government attempted to ban Mark Anderson, also known as the drag queen "Queen of Bermuda" Sybil, from participating in a parade, stating that he contradicted local mores and sensitivities.^[42] In mid-2009, it was announced that gay Bermudians would be participating in Pride in London, with an estimated 30 LGBT London residents from Bermuda marching,^[36] and that it hoped to follow in Anderson's footsteps and participate in a future Bermuda Day pride parade. Gay Bermudians doubted, however, that there would be large-scale participation due to fears of repercussions against their families.^[43]

Military service

The Bermuda Regiment does not discriminate on grounds of sexual orientation, as it is formed by random lottery-style conscription. Officially, members of the Regiment are prohibited from discriminating against or harassing LGBT soldiers.^[44] Such activities, however, have been reported as being tolerated by officers, to the extent that one conscript described the Regiment as "the most homophobic environment that exists".^[45]

Blood donation

Gay and bisexual men may donate blood with the Bermuda Hospitals Board if they haven't had sex with another man in the past 12 months. Likewise, women who have sexual relations with men who have sex with men are deferred for a period of 12 months.^[46]

Living conditions

Bermuda is a socially conservative society, though the younger generation is considered to be increasingly culturally liberal. Open displays of affection between same-sex partners may offend.^[47]

Several gay Bermudians, who have since moved to the United Kingdom, London in particular, have reported a climate of intense homophobia in Bermuda, where LGBT people are routinely bullied and discriminated against.^[48]

As of 2018, there are a number of gay-friendly venues in Bermuda, including restaurants, hotels and bars.^[47]

The first gay pride parade in Bermuda was held in the capital Hamilton on 31 August 2019.^[49][50][51] An estimated 6,000 people attended.

Tourism

Tourism is a significant aspect of Bermuda's economy. In 2007, LGBT R Family Vacations, with the support of Premier and Minister of Tourism and Transportation Ewart Brown,^[52] considered making Bermuda one of its destinations. A close ally of Brown, Andre Curtis, who ran a controversial "Faith-Based Tourism" initiative for the Premier, opposed the visit,^[53] organising some eighty churches into an interfaith group called "United by Faith" to protest the planned trip,^[54] alongside the country's African Methodist Episcopal churches.^[55] R Family decided to change the itinerary to replace Bermuda with two stops in Florida and a private island. One of the organisers stated:

"If we didn't have kids on board and there were protesters, we would go, but we did not want to expose kids to that hatred while they were on vacation."^[56]

Ironically, Bermuda has actually been the host of gay tourism for many years. The LGBT travel company Pied Piper, for example, has been organising trips – albeit on a smaller and much quieter scale – to the country since 1990, without incident.^[2]

Carnival Cruise Line, which has many ships registered in Bermuda, has expressed support for same-sex marriage and LGBT rights.^[57]

DVD gay porn court case

In November 2020, it was reported and discovered that the government of Bermuda spent approximately £150,000 to legally appeal an unconstitutional court case of an individual man who was charged and threatened with jail under the archaic "obscene behaviour law" for importing DVDs of gay porn into Bermuda.^[58]

Marriage polls in Bermuda

In September 2020, a Bermuda poll was conducted with 53% of individuals supporting same-sex marriage. This is the first time a poll showed a majority in support of same-sex marriage within Bermuda.^[59]

Summary table

Same-sex sexual activity legal	(Since 1994)
Equal age of consent	/ (Equal since 2019, but the age of consent for both heterosexual and homosexual anal sex is still higher than that for other types sexual intercourse)
Anti-discrimination laws in employment only	(Since 2013)
Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services	(Since 2013)
Anti-discrimination laws in all other areas (incl. indirect discrimination, hate speech)	(Since 2013)
Same-sex marriages	(Since 2022)
Recognition of same-sex couples	(Since 2016)
Stepchild adoption by same-sex couples	(Since 2015)
Joint adoption by same-sex couples	(Since 2015)
LGBT people allowed to openly serve within the military	(Responsibility of the United Kingdom)
Right to change legal gender
Access to IVF for lesbians
Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples	(Banned for heterosexual couples as well)
MSMs allowed to donate blood	/ (12 month deferral period required)[46]

See also

• LGBT rights in the United Kingdom
• LGBT rights in the Commonwealth of Nations
• LGBT rights in the Americas

References

Further reading

• Barker, Nicola (2016). ""I wouldn't get unduly excited about it": The Impact of the European Convention on Human Rights on the British Overseas Territories: A Case Study on LGBT Rights in Bermuda". Public Law. 2016 (4): 595–612. ISSN 0033-3565.

External links

• Two Words and a Comma Archived 6 June 2009 at the Wayback Machine — political advocacy group for protection from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation
• Rainbow Alliance of Bermuda - A space for allies and supporters of the LGBTQ community of Bermuda