Despite a huge shift of opinion across the UK and Ireland, the Isle of Man is still holding out on its LGBT+ population.
The Isle of Man’s, Chief Minister has signalled that laws surrounding same-sex marriage are to change, but how long will same-sex couples have to wait?
Situated in the northern Irish Sea, the Isle of Man is home to around 85,000 people and is a Crown Dependency, allowing it to make its own laws over domestic matters and with regards to same-sex marriage.
The Chief Minister, Alan Bell has signalled his support for same-sex marriage, however, the island still remains one of the few places that have not equalised the laws with regards to same-sex marriage. Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey authorities have continued to block progress in equality for the LGBT community. Mr Bell announced his intention to repeal the law that bars same-sex marriage on the island.
In the past Mr Bell has spoken out at the inequality for LGBTs on the Island. Speaking out about how one couple was forced out of their rented home by their landlord because of their sexuality he said,
“I am extremely disappointed that this type of ugly, out-dated prejudice survives after all the work that has been done over the past 20 years or so to make the island a more tolerant place”
Consultation on the Isle of Man’s Equality Bill 2015 ended in November.
Speaking to 3FM the Chief Minister said,
“I believe in same-sex marriage.” Mr Bell added “equality and human rights must prevail.”
