Local NewsNews Government to recognise ‘a form of civil unions’ for same sex couples by Barbados Today 15/09/2020 written by Barbados Today Updated by Fernella Wedderburn 15/09/2020 2 min read A+A- Reset Share FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail 1K Government has revealed that it is prepared to “recognise a form of civil unions for couples of the same gender” so as to ensure that no human being in Barbados will be discriminated against, in exercise of civil rights that ought to be theirs. However, Governor General Dame Sandra Mason who made the announcement during this morning’s Throne Speech, at the opening of the new session of Parliament held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, emphasised that “my Government is not allowing any form of same sex marriage, and will put this matter to a public referendum. “My Government will accept and be guided by the vote of the public as promised in the manifesto,” Dame Sandra stated. The Governor General explained that legal systems of modern societies recognise many different forms of human relationships and Barbados was now “increasingly finding itself on international lists”, including within the multilateral system, which identify the country as having a poor human rights record. “Barbados does not conduct business, trade with itself or give itself loan funding. In some cases, our human rights record, when viewed against modern international standards, impacts these other issues and how we are viewed amongst the global family of nations. “On this matter, the world has spoken. If we wish to be considered amongst the progressive nations of the world, Barbados cannot afford to lose its international leadership place and reputation. Nor can a society as tolerant as ours, allow itself to be ‘blacklisted’ for human and civil rights abuses or discrimination on the matter of how we treat to human sexuality and relations. You Might Be Interested In Crystal Beckles-Holder, 2nd runner up in regional competition GUYANA: Body of child found after gold mine collapses Barbadians asked to help with return tickets for Haitians “My government will do the right thing, understanding that this too will attract controversy. Equally, it is our hope that with the passage of time, the changes we now propose will be part of the fabric of our country’s record of law, human rights and social justice,” Dame Sandra said. Barbados Today Stay informed and engaged with our digital news platform. The leading online multimedia news resource in Barbados for news you can trust. You may also like CXC Examination locations January 21-24, 2024 20/01/2025 Tickets for Caribbean Music Festival 2025 Featuring Vybz Kartel Are Live –... 20/01/2025 Wanderers to battle Boscobelle for Intermediate Cup 19/01/2025