UK May Use Marriage to Withhold Freedoms
Commentator Claude Skelton Cline has warned that the United Kingdom could press the issue of same-sex marriage in upcoming constitutional negotiations and potentially use it as leverage against the Virgin Islands. He urged residents to watch the talks closely, engage elected representatives, and insisted that decisions on marriage should be made locally, not imposed from outside.
Commentator Claude Skelton Cline has raised concerns that the United Kingdom may press the issue of same-sex marriage during imminent constitutional negotiations with the Virgin Islands and could use it as leverage in discussions over the territory’s future. Speaking on his Honestly Speaking radio programme this week, Skelton Cline told listeners to follow the talks carefully and to hold elected representatives to account on matters that could affect the BVI’s autonomy.
The constitutional negotiations are due to begin next month, and the commentator warned negotiators to anticipate contentious items and prepare accordingly. Skelton Cline acknowledged his personal support for people’s right to choose whom they love, saying, "You should love whoever it is you want to love.
I will fight for your right to love whomever it is you want to love." He also said he supports legal protections and benefits for same-sex couples, adding, "I will fight for your right in any civil union and to be the beneficiary of, the benefactor of, the partnership with the one you choose to love." Despite those remarks, Skelton Cline drew a distinction between civil rights and the legal definition of marriage, arguing that changes to marriage law should come from BVI residents and their elected representatives rather than being imposed externally. "What we should not accept is the UK — or anyone else for that matter — forcing us to accept something that contravenes our local cultural mores and using it to withhold any freedoms that are rightfully ours in the first place," he said. "You cannot negotiate with a gun to your head." The debate dates back to a 2021 Court of Appeal ruling that same-sex marriage could not be imposed through the courts and that any change to marriage law would require action by the House of Assembly.
Since then, discussions in the territory have focused on alternatives such as civil partnerships and broader legal protections for same-sex couples. Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has indicated his government is likely to seek recognition of same-sex relationships through civil partnerships while maintaining opposition to same-sex marriage.
The government had previously suggested a referendum as a means to decide the matter, though its current stance is unclear. As constitutional talks approach, the key message from Skelton Cline is for residents to stay informed and engaged. He urged the Virgin Islands negotiating team to prepare for the range of issues likely to arise and for the public to press their elected officials to defend local decision-making on culturally sensitive matters.
Primary source: BVI News