Bermuda becomes first country in world to repeal same-sex marriage

British island territory swaps marriage for domestic partnerships for LGBT couples in move criticised as attack on equal rights

Bermuda has become the first country to legalise and then repeal same-sex marriage, in what critics have called an unprecedented rollback of civil rights by the British island territory.

Bermuda’s governor on Wednesday approved a bill reversing the right of gay couples to marry, despite a supreme court ruling last year authorising same-sex marriage.

Governor John Rankin said he was seeking to balance opposition to same-sex marriage on the socially conservative island while complying with European court rulings that ensure recognition and protection for same-sex couples in the territory.