The Rainbow Alliance of Bermuda has hit back at the Preserve Marriage group, branding its media campaign against same sex marriage as offensive and riddled with skewed statistics.

In a statement released this evening the Rainbow Alliance rejected the idea that the question of same sex marriage should be resolved by a referendum

The statement comes on the eve of a planned public demonstration by Preserve Marriage and a counterdemonstration by another group called “Love Wins” over marriage equality.

“For the many non-heterosexual young people and adults in Bermuda, Preserve Marriage’s homophobia is further entrenching the daily exclusion and alienation already faced,” said the Rainbow Alliance statement.

“It is unfortunate that with the multiple serious issues Bermuda is currently facing, a group of individuals would use such a significant amount of resources to advocate to prevent a recognised segment of the population from being able to benefit from rights and freedoms afforded to the majority.”

The statement added: “The Rainbow Alliance supports the rights of all people in Bermuda to have their consensual, loving relationships between two individuals recognised and protected — regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

“The Bermuda courts have already supported this position, ruling that refusing to recognise same-sex partnerships amounts to discrimination — a stance which we wholeheartedly stand by.

“A referendum on this issue disregards the struggle of minority groups in human rights issues. Why should an unaffected majority decide the extent to which an oppressed minority can access their rights? Fundamental rights and freedoms are in place to protect minorities against the shifting passions of the majority.

“Referendums pose a danger to the protections afforded to minority groups through legislative and judicial means. Preserve Marriage‘s rhetoric shows a need for a better understanding on how to be accepting of all persons, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”