Governor approves same-sex partnerships law

GEORGE TOWN, (CMC):

The governor of the Cayman Islands, Martyn Roper, on Friday approved a law making same-sex partnerships legal in this British Overseas territory.

“Today we will end the discrimination being suffered by Caymanians and others on our islands while protecting the institution of marriage,” said Roper.

“This action does not alter or undermine the strong Christian heritage and values of the people of the Cayman Islands. No one is being asked to change their long-held beliefs.”

The governor, in his statement, said this is in line with instructions from UK government ministers to use his reserved powers under Section 81 of the Constitution.

The changes to the law came into effect on Friday, after being gazetted.

However, the civil service requires a delay of 21 days before starting to accept and process applications for registration of civil partnerships.

The law, which was formerly titled the Domestic Partnership Bill, was defeated in the Legislative Assembly on July 29, when lawmakers voted down the bill, nine to eight.

But the governor, using his reserved powers to write legislation, opted to reintroduce the bill and assent to it following 21 days of public consultation.

In his statement, Roper said a number of amendments were made to the draft legislation discussed by the Legislative Assembly.

“These were aimed principally at strengthening the effectiveness of the legislation. As previously announced, the title has changed to Civil Partnership in response to feedback received. A number of pieces of consequential legislation have been updated to ensure they apply to those who enter civil partnerships,” he said.

Among the changes is a provision to view the names placed on the Civil Partnerships Register. The registrar may allow a person or organisation with an adequate reason to view the Civil Partnerships Register.

In deciding to grant access, the registrar must consider the nature of the applicant’s interest; the sensitivity of the information; the use to be made of the information; and any other prescribed factors.

The legislation also mandates that public notices of civil partnerships be displayed for seven days, down from a proposed 14 days.

Roper said he hopes that citizens can now move forward with their lives and come together as a community.

H urged everyone to “recognise that same-sex couples have the right to legal and financial protection like everyone else. Accepting diversity and difference shows to the world that we are a caring community based on mutual respect, tolerance and equality for all.”