The Supreme Court on the British overseas territory re-legalised same-sex marriage this week, overturning a ruling preventing LGBT weddings that was signed into law in February.
The decision followed a campaign spearheaded by Bermudians Rod Ferguson and Maryellen Jackson and campaign group OutBermuda, which was backed by Carnival, whose line’s P&O Cruises and Cunard are registered there.
Parent Carnival Corporation provided financial, public relations and civic support to legal efforts to challenge the destination’s same-sex marriage ban.
Authorities had first legalised same-sex marriage last May until it was repealed and replaced by the Domestic Partnership Act, restricting marriage to unions between men and women.
The new legislation revoked the right of LGBT couples to marry and instead offered them the option of a legally-recognised civil union.
The legislation saw Bermuda become the only country in the world to have allowed gay marriage and then revoked it.
Josh Weinstein, president of Carnival UK, said following the decision the company “will now be working closely with the Bermudan authorities to understand when we will be able to resume marrying same-sex couples onboard.
"We are delighted that the Supreme Court of Bermuda has decided that same-sex marriage is legal and we congratulate OutBermuda on its hard-won challenge.
“As a company committed to equality, inclusion and diversity, we believe everyone deserves equal dignity and respect, and we are proud to have provided our support to OutBermuda’s efforts to champion marriage equality.”
In a statement following the ruling, OutBermuda said: “Love wins again! Our hearts and hopes are full, thanks to this historic decision by our Supreme Court and its recognition that all Bermuda families matter.
“Equality under the law is our birth right and we begin by making every marriage equal."
Despite the legal victory, the ruling won’t go into effect for six weeks allowing the government time to decide whether to appeal, which it has indicated it will do so, according to Bermuda’s Royal Gazette newspaper.
