What's life like for LGBTQ people in Bermuda?
Let’s take a look at some of the key equality indicators.
What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Bermuda? Let’s take a look at some of the key equality indicators.
Is homosexuality legal in Bermuda?
Yes. Homosexuality was decriminalised in 1994.
Are there anti-discrimination protections in place for LGBTQ people in Bermuda?
Yes. Since 2013, the Human Rights Act has prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Is there Marriage Equality in Bermuda?
The past few years has been a complicated picture for Marriage Equality in Bermuda. In 2017, a decision by the Supreme Court removed any legal barriers to Marriage Equality. However the government of Bermuda stepped in – passing legislation that removed Marriage Equality and replacing it with domestic partnerships for same-sex couples.In 2018, the Supreme Court struck down this legislation, and the Supreme Court’s decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal. The Bermudian government then appealed to the Privy Council - the highest legal authority on questions of law applying to Bermuda - and the Privy Council upheld the government's argument.
As it currently stands, there is legal recognition available for same-sex relationships but not Marriage Equality.
With legal avenues now exhausted, any further progress on Marriage Equality will require a legislative change.
What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Bermuda?
While progress has been made in terms of equality, Bermuda is a socially conservative society and homosexuality remains something of a taboo subject.
