Junior Minister Says She'll Respect Same-Sex Marriage Vote
The Junior Minister of Culture & Tourism, Luce Hodge-Smith, stated that she personally disagrees with same-sex marriages but would respect a decision to legalize such unions if the majority of the public votes in favor of it through a referendum.
She expressed that the matter should be left to the residents of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to decide.
The Premier, Dr Natalio Wheatley, promised a referendum on the issue in light of an ongoing court case which concerns the validity of the marriage between two women in the BVI and whether any prohibition against same-sex marriage is contrary to the constitution of the Virgin Islands.
The issue always creates controversy, with many people opposed to same-sex unions in the BVI.
Recently, a businesswoman, Maris Hodge-Wright, put forward the position that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry because they pay taxes, which caused a stir in the community.
There is no clear indication of how the majority may vote if a referendum is called on the matter of same-sex marriages.
The Premier, Dr Natalio Wheatley, promised a referendum on the issue in light of an ongoing court case which concerns the validity of the marriage between two women in the BVI and whether any prohibition against same-sex marriage is contrary to the constitution of the Virgin Islands.
The issue always creates controversy, with many people opposed to same-sex unions in the BVI.
Recently, a businesswoman, Maris Hodge-Wright, put forward the position that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry because they pay taxes, which caused a stir in the community.
There is no clear indication of how the majority may vote if a referendum is called on the matter of same-sex marriages.
