Recognition of same-sex unions in Bermuda

Same-sex marriage has been legal in the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda since 5 May 2017. The Supreme Court of Bermuda issued a ruling on that date declaring that same-sex couples have a legal right to marry in the territory.

The Bermudian Government first made clear in 2004 that it would not consider the recognition of civil unions or same-sex marriages. In May 2006, Member of Parliament, former Tourism Minister Renee Webb tabled a private member's bill to add sexual orientation to the Human Rights Act. The bill was squashed when members of Parliament refused to discuss it. Socially, the situation was hard enough that some gay residents had chosen to emigrate, particularly to London in the United Kingdom (of which Bermudians are citizens), in order to be able to openly be in same-sex relationships. One such emigrant noted that same-sex relationships had to essentially be secret, with partners introduced only as "friends" and relationships between two Bermudians as being very difficult.

On 18 June 2013, newly elected Premier and leader of the OBA Craig Cannonier ruled out same-sex marriage in Bermuda, stating, "I can assure you that under my leadership this is not about same-sex marriage, and under my leadership that will not happen."

An amendment to Section 15 of the Matrimonial Causes Act, which requires marriage to be between a man and a woman was introduced to Parliament in 2016. The amendment would override the Bermuda Human Rights Act's anti-discrimination provisions on the basis of sexual orientation and retain language stating that marriage is limited to a man and a woman. On 8 July 2016, the House of Assembly passed the bill by 20 votes to 10. On 21 July 2016, the Senate rejected the legislation, in a 5–6 vote.

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