2016 Bermudian same-sex union and marriage referendum

none April 2022 Bermuda 23 June 2016 180px Are you in favour of same-sex marriage in Bermuda? For 31.46 Against 68.54 Are you in favour of same-sex civil unions in Bermuda? For 36.97 Against 63.03 A non-binding referendum on same-sex marriage was held in Bermuda on 23 June 2016.Bermuda same-sex marriage referendum set for June 23 https://web.archive.org/web/20180907221256/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Bermuda-same-sex-marriage-referendum-set-for-June-23 7 September 2018 Jamaica Observer, 12 May 2016Referendum (Same Sex Relationships) Act 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161026161317/http://www.bermudalaws.bm/Laws/Consolidated%20Laws/Referendum%20(Same%20Sex%20Relationships)%20Act%202016.pdf 26 October 2016 Bermuda Laws OnlineReferendum (Same Sex Relationships) Notice 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161025032450/http://www.bermudalaws.bm/Laws/Annual%20Laws/2016/Statutory%20Instruments/Referendum%20(Same%20Sex%20Relationships)%20Notice%202016.pdf 25 October 2016 Bermuda Laws Online 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. While majority of voters voted against both proposals, the results were invalid as the turnout of 47% was below the 50% requirement.Voters roundly reject same-sex marriage The Royal Gazette, 24 June 2016 Background Historically, same-sex relationships were not legally recognised as valid in Bermuda. In 2015, the Supreme Court of Bermuda ruled that non-Bermudian same-sex partners must have the same right to live and work on Bermuda as married couples.https://www.royalgazette.com/court/news/article/20180515/wrong-decision-made-in-landmark-bermuda-bred-case/ Wrong decision made in landmark Bermuda Bred case Owain Johnston-Barnes 15 May 2018 31 May 2026 In 2016, the One Bermuda Alliance-led government of Bermuda declared that they would call a referendum on recognising same-sex unions in Bermuda as a result of the court case, but formally supported the existing legal definition of marriage as between one man and one woman.https://www.royalgazette.com/politics/news/article/20160301/oba-to-call-referendum-on-same-sex-marriage/ OBA to call referendum on same-sex marriage Sarah Lagan Royal Gazette 1 March 2016 31 May 2026 Opinion polls A Global Research poll, conducted between 6 and 13 June 2016 for The Royal Gazette, found that 49% of registered voters opposed same-sex marriage, 41% were in favour and 10% did not know. A separate question on the same survey found that 52% supported civil unions for same-sex couples, 39% were against and 9% did not know.https://www.royalgazette.com/same-sex-referendum/article/20160617/majority-votes-no-in-same-sex-poll 2026-05-31 Majority votes 'no' in same-sex poll The Royal Gazette 17 June 2016 Results In the referendum, the voters by a majority rejected same-sex marriage or civil unions in Bermuda. However, due to the turnout failing to reach the 50% threshold for the referendum to be accepted as legally quorate, the results were invalidated and viewed as a public opinion poll only.Whittaker James https://www.caymancompass.com/2016/06/27/bermuda-voters-reject-same-sex-partnerships/ Bermuda voters reject same-sex partnerships Cayman Compass 2016-06-27 2026-05-31 QuestionForAgainstInvalid/blankTotalvotesRegisteredvotersTurnoutOutcomeVotes%Votes%Are you in favour of same sex marriage in Bermuda?6,51431.4614,19268.549820,80444,36746.89InvalidAre you in favour of same sex civil unions in Bermuda?7,62636.9713,00363.0317520,80446.89InvalidSource: Government of Bermuda Aftermath Despite the results and the government's position, in 2017 another Supreme Court case ruled that same-sex couples had the right to marry under the Human Rights Act 1981, thus legalising same-sex marriage in Bermuda.https://www.royalgazette.com/other/news/article/20170505/landmark-same-sex-ruling/ Royal Gazette Landmark same-sex ruling Simon Jones 6 May 2017 31 May 2026 The Parliament of Bermuda responded by passing the Domestic Partnership Act 2018, which recriminalised same-sex marriage but created domestic partnership civil unions for same-sex couples.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/12/14/bermuda-become-first-territory-legalise-ban-same-sex-marriage/ Bermuda becomes first territory to legalist - then ban - same-sex marriage Telegraph 2026-05-31 2017-12-14 The Governor of Bermuda considered withholding Royal Assent but after consulting with the British government, signed it into law on the constitutional convention that the British government would not interfere with decisions taken by the local legislature.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42990122 Bermuda same-sex marriage: Government will not block bill 8 February 2018 31 May 2026 BBC News See also Same-sex marriage in Bermuda LGBT rights in Bermuda References Same-sex Category:Referendums in Bermuda Bermuda Bermuda Category:LGBTQ rights in Bermuda Bermuda Category:Same-sex marriage referendums