Skelton-Cline: Love Who You Want
Claude Skelton-Cline says people should be free to love whom they choose while opposing any external mandate forcing the BVI to legalise same-sex marriage. His comments come as the territory prepares for constitutional talks with the UK in July, where same-sex marriage and civil recognition for couples are expected to be discussed.
Claude Skelton-Cline has told listeners he will defend the right of people in the Virgin Islands to love whom they choose, while also arguing the territory should not be forced to recognise same-sex marriage by outside authorities. Speaking on the June 16, 2026 episode of Honestly Speaking on ZBVI 780 AM, Skelton-Cline acknowledged the sensitive balance the territory now faces as a constitutional review team prepares to meet UK representatives in July.
Wheatley, has said the subject of same-sex marriage will be raised during the first round of negotiations. "Now as for me, Claude Skelton-Cline, I am not here to tell you who you should love, you should love whoever it is you want to love," he said. He added that while the Virgin Islands follows a Judeo-Christian tradition where marriage is viewed as between a man and a woman, that cultural stance should not deny civil rights to those in same-sex relationships.
Skelton-Cline endorsed the idea of legal recognition short of marriage, such as civil partnerships that would allow surviving partners to access social security benefits, inheritance rights and other legal protections. He said he would "fight for your right in any civil union and to be the beneficiary or the benefactor of the partnership with the one you choose to love." The Premier has previously suggested that although same-sex marriage is not currently accepted in the territory, the existing constitution does not explicitly discriminate against same-sex couples and that a civil partnership law could provide a framework for recognition and benefits.
Skelton-Cline warned against external pressure. "I will not support the UK or anyone else telling the VI that they are mandated to marry same-sex couples by law," he said, adding the territory should not be put in a position to accept policy "with a gun to your head." He urged local Christian communities to consider that it is possible to hold traditional views on marriage while also supporting civil liberties and equal rights for those in other kinds of committed relationships.
As constitutional talks approach, debate in the BVI is likely to intensify. Residents can expect discussions about cultural values, legal protections, and whether change should come through local referendum, legislation or external direction as the negotiating team meets UK officials in July.
Primary source: VINO