'Let the people decide' on same-sex marriage issue- Talk show hosts - support plan by Gov't to hold referendum

BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- A conversation on same-sex marriage saw various views being expressed during the Talking Points show aired on ZBVI 780 AM and live-streamed on Facebook on May 8, 2023.

The conversation was centred around the recent announcement by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) who noted that a referendum on same-sex marriage will soon be carried out in the [British] Virgin Islands prior to a court case involving a same-sex couple seeking to have their marriage recognised in the Territory.

Referendum 'is a good thing'- Violet Thomas-Gaul

Co-host of the show Mrs Violet Thomas- Gaul, like many Virgin Islanders, said she supports the referendum but is concerned about United Kingdom (UK) interference.

“There’s also the fact that the UK is looking at it, and should they put anything through with the Territories they’re going to try and force whatever they put through down everybody’s throat whether you like it or not. This is a good thing he’s [Premier] doing. Let the people decide,” she stated.

Local businesswoman Maris Hodge- Wright who was a guest on the show said she does not agree with the church marrying LGBT persons but as citizens who pay taxes they should be allowed to be married under any governmental agency licenced to do so.