Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) on Monday, December 19, 2022, said the referendum was decided at a Special Meeting of Cabinet held on Friday, December 16, 2022, where Cabinet Members decided to refer the matter to the local electorate.

Resolution must first be voted on in HoA

“It is important to note that as a part of the process, a resolution must be prepared and then considered and voted on in a sitting of the House of Assembly. Once successful, the Governor, in consultation with myself, will affix the date of the referendum.”

Premier Wheatley said the referendum will be preceded by a portion of time dedicated to educating the population on the subject. 

“It is important to note that we are not the only Overseas Territory government to face a legal challenge on the matter of same-sex marriage. Both the Cayman Islands and Bermuda also had similar cases very recently," the premier added. 

This referendum will also consider the question of whether new legislation should be introduced to provide persons in a domestic partnership with certain legal rights, such as the ability to pass on one’s estate to their partner regardless of sex, in intestacy.

Protecting sanctity of marriage

Premier Wheatley said the approach takes into account the VI’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, while protecting the sanctity of marriage.

It is expected that in the new year, 2023, more details on the referendum will come from the Government as promised in the announcement from the Premier.