Dear Editor,

June 26th 2015 marked a momentous occasion for advocates of progress and change, with the Supreme Court of the United States deciding once and for all that people should be allowed to marry whomever they love, regardless of their sex.

The US has been painfully slow to make progress in this area, which now highlights the fact that Bermuda has been even slower. This change was not made through referendum. It was done by the Supreme Court on behalf of the people, the only way that it should be done.

Discriminated minorities have waited too long for the rest of their communities to decide to give them the equality they deserve. This is not a struggle that is unique to the LGBT community but rather it is one that many communities have fought with over the centuries — including sections of the Bermuda community that are now in the majority. I implore the lawmakers and the courts of Bermuda to consider this as well, and not because of what other ends may be achieved as a result of changes but because it is the right thing to do. Our officials, whether they be elected or appointed, have a responsibility to all citizens — not just the ones that look like them, think like them, or believe in the same God as them — to stand up for their rights.

That responsibility is amplified when it comes to the rights of those citizens in a minority position who have less bargaining power or less influence. I don’t care what you believe, personally. I don’t even care what the majority of voters believe.

If the Government (either through the courts or through parliament) cannot or will not protect the rights of the people, then they are a failure in my eyes. It’s time for all of them to step up to the wicket.

J BRANGMAN

Devonshire