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Written question asked by Stephen Doughty (Labour) on Monday, 31 October 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 November 2022 (named day). It was answered by David Rutley (Conservative) on Thursday, 3 November 2022 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

British Overseas Territories: Marriage

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the Government's policy is on equal marriage in the Cayman Islands and the other UK Overseas Territories where it is currently not permitted.

Answer

The inhabited British Overseas Territories are separate, largely self-governing jurisdictions with their own democratically elected representatives. The relationship with the Overseas Territories is based on partnership. Policy on marriage law is an area of devolved responsibility.

The majority of Overseas Territories have legal recognition and protection for same sex relationships, either through marriage or through civil partnerships as is the case in Bermuda. In 2020 the Governor of the Cayman Islands enacted civil partnership legislation to recognise same-sex partnerships in order to comply with the Cayman Islands Court of Appeal. The UK Government continues to engage with and encourage remaining Territories that have not put in place arrangements to recognise and protect same sex relationships, to do so.

The UK Government remains open to further engagement with LGBT+ activists and organisations across the Overseas Territories to support increased recognition and protections for same-sex relationships in the Overseas Territories.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
74690
Session
2022-23
Subjects
British overseas territories Homosexuality Marriage
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk