Boris may be forced into veto of Bermuda ban on gay marriage
BORIS JOHNSON is under pressure to veto a ban on same- sex marriage on the British overseas territory of Bermuda.
In May, the island’s Supreme Court l egalised gay marriage despite opposition from conservative groups. Politicians have since reversed that ruling.
For the law to take effect, it requires the signature of British Governor John Rankin, which is normally a formality. Before the governor can ‘withhold consent’, however, he must seek approval from the Foreign Secretary.
The Mail on Sunday understands Mr Rankin is taking advice on requesting Mr Johnson’s authorisation to veto the bill.
MPs last night called on the Foreign Secretary to allow the diplomat to withhold his signature. Labour’s Chris Bryant, a former Overseas Territories Minister, said: ‘Bermuda seems to want to have it both ways. It wants the protection of being a British overseas territory but it doesn’t want to uphold British values and principles.
‘A British citizen, regardless of f what part of Britain they’re from, , should have the same rights.’
If approved, the l aw would d make Bermuda the first country y in the world to cancel gay marrriage after previously allowing it. .
Mr Johnson’s position is fraught ht with difficulties. Any veto would spark uproar in self-governing Bermuda, with accusations of ‘ neocolonialism’. However, letting the new legislation go through is likely to provoke a boycott of the island, which relies heavily on tourism.
Gay islanders and human rights charities have pleaded with Mr Rankin to refuse to sign the bill – a power usually reserved for ‘exceptional circumstances’.
Winston Godwin, a gay Bermudian who won the original court battle that allowed same-sex marriage after arguing it violated the UK Human Rights Act, called on Mr Rankin to use his powers to stop the bill.
‘ In such a position we should always do what is right, not necessarily what’s easy,’ he said in a statement.
‘This bill effectively states that you are a second- class citizen because of who you love, and creates increased division within an already very divided country and within a minority all at once.’
A Foreign Office spokesman said last night: ‘The UK Government is a proud supporter of LGBT rights and continues to support same-sex marriage. While the UK Government is disappointed with the implications of this bill, this is a matter for the Bermuda government acting within the terms of the Bermuda constitution and in accordance with international law.’