A crowdfunding appeal launched this morning to raise money for a legal challenge against a new law designed to replace same-sex marriage with domestic partnerships.

A spokesman said: “Gay Bermudian, Rod Ferguson, is bringing a legal action against the Attorney-General in the Bermuda Supreme Court.

“The case will be heard on May 21 and May 22 by Chief Justice Ian Kawaley. The case, if appealed, could go all the way to the Privy Council.”

The Domestic Partnership Act was passed by Parliament in December and given Royal Assent by John Rankin, the Governor, on February 7.

The legislation reversed a Supreme Court decision last May that enabled gay people to wed on the island and on Bermuda-registered cruise ships around the world.

The spokesman added: “Bermuda is the first country in the world to remove the right to marry for gay and lesbian couples.

“We truly believe that this action is inconsistent with the rights bestowed upon Mr Ferguson and the rest of the LGBTQ community under the Bermuda Constitution.

“Everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, is entitled to the same services and rights.”

As of 10am, the online appeal on CrowdJustice had raised £100.