The government of the British Virgin Islands is defending a proposal to explicitly prohibit same-sex marriage in the territory’s new constitution, which is currently being developed through a series of public consultations.
The recommendation, put forward by the constitutional review commission and accepted by elected leaders, would define marriage as a union between two people “of the opposite sex at birth.” If adopted, the provision would formally bar the legal recognition of same-sex marriages in the British Overseas Territory.
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The proposal has generated debate both locally and internationally, particularly as the territory awaits a court ruling in a landmark legal challenge concerning the current definition of marriage.
During a recent public consultation, Premier Natalio Wheatley declined to comment directly on the ongoing case, saying he did not want to prejudice the court’s decision.
“I don’t want any of my comments to impact the court proceedings,” Wheatley said.
At the same time, the Premier acknowledged that the government is mindful of international human rights standards, including the European Convention on Human Rights, while also emphasizing the importance of preserving the territory’s cultural values and traditions.
“What I can assure you is that adhering to fundamental principles, particularly those reflected in the European Convention on Human Rights, is foremost in our minds,” Wheatley said. “At the same time, we must ensure that we defend and represent our culture, our heritage, and our way of life.”
He added that he believes both objectives can coexist within a tolerant society.
The final outcome remains uncertain, however, because the British Virgin Islands is a British Overseas Territory, meaning the United Kingdom retains ultimate authority over constitutional changes. Any new constitution must receive approval from the UK government before it can take effect.
As public consultations continue, the issue of same-sex marriage is expected to remain one of the most closely watched and potentially contentious aspects of the constitutional reform process.
