Gary Simons, the deputy chairman of Preserve Marriage Bermuda, has resigned from his position at the group that has campaigned against same-sex marriage for the past two years.

Prominent in the group since December 2015, Mr Simons declared a month later that the group’s “twofold purpose is to ensure that marriage remains between a man and a woman for the betterment of society, and ensure that the few do not decide for the many to redefine marriage in Bermuda”.

Mr Simons also opposed the granting of civil unions as “the answer to alleged discrimination”, saying they “inevitably” led to the redefinition of marriage.

Preserve Marriage released a statement yesterday that confirmed the church pastor had quit.

The group said: “The executive committee of Preserve Marriage would like to advise its supporters that it has received and accepted the resignation of its deputy chair/spokesperson Gary Simons.

“The board will continue its relentless efforts to reverse the recent court decision that allows for same-sex marriages to be performed in Bermuda and plans to keep its many thousands of supporters informed of the progress of its efforts.

“Moving forward, Melvyn Bassett will continue to chair the Preserve Marriage board and speak on its behalf.”

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