Bermuda gov't continues fight against same-Sex marriage

HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC) – The Bermuda government has launched a last-ditch legal attempt to restore a ban on same-sex marriage in the country, even though it has already lost three times in court on the issue.

Notice has been given to the Court of Appeal to ask permission to take the case to the London-based Privy Council.

The Progressive Labour Party (PLP) government said that the matter is important to the population and involves complex legal points that should be heard by the highest court of appeal for Bermuda.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban said, “Constitutional issues are important issues, and this government wants to get it right.”

The decision to try to take the case to the Privy Council came after a ruling by the Court of Appeal made same-sex marriage legal again last month.

The application was made just before a 21-day deadline was reached.

The Court of Appeal last month dismissed the government’s claim that former Chief Justice Ian Kawaley was wrong to strike down parts of the Domestic Partnership Act (DPA), which was passed to replace same-sex marriage with a civil-partnership arrangement.

A packed courtroom erupted in cheers as Sir Scott Baker, president of the Court of Appeal, announced the decision.

The Court of Appeal also has the role of deciding if permission is given for a plaintiff to go to the Privy Council.

The Privy Council then considers if an appeal has merit and if it will hear the case or not.

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