Hundreds turn out to support equal marriage rights

Monday 14 July 2014

Jersey's first rally for equal marriage and gay rights has been hailed a success by organisers.

Around 300 people turned out for the Equality Parade on Saturday which saw attendees gather in the Royal Square before walking through town to Liberation Square for speeches and entertainment. The organisers, Deputies Montfort Tadier and Sam Mezec said it had been "absolutely amazing".

The rally was called following the decision by States' members to take more time to decide whether there should be a change in the law which would allow gay couples to marry.

Same-sex couples have been able to marry in the UK since March this year, but Jersey’s legislation only allows civil partnerships. If a married gay couple from elsewhere moves to Jersey, their relationship here is still only recognised as a civil partnership.

Deputy Sam Mezec said, "Everything went to plan, the whole purpose was to get across the message that Jersey people are tolerant and respectful of diversity and that was made clear. We had been hoping for a cross section of Jersey people and that is exactly what it was. The only disappointment was that we would have hoped for more States members to be there."

The National Union of Teachers, Jersey, tweeted that their Secretary and President attended the rally in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender teachers (LGBT).  Martin Gavet from Liberate which campaigns for better rights for LGBT Islanders in Guernsey addressed the crowd along with Jersey States members including Senator Philip Ozouf in what was a relaxed, good natured event.

Deputy Mezec says they are already planning the next step, "Jersey needs its own LGBT campaign group as Guernsey does so that's the first thing we need to be getting on with."