Hundreds expected to march for equality in Jersey

Saturday 12 July 2014

The organisers of todays 'Equality Parade' say more than eight hundred people have signed up for the event on Facebook. The march is being staged by the political party, Reform Jersey, and was sparked by the States refusal this week to allow gay couples to marry.

That proposal was brought by party Chairman, Deputy Sam Mézec who is one of the main organisers of today's event, along with Deputy Montfort Tadier.

Deputy Tadier described it as, "...an inclusive event and one that will send the message to government that there is nothing to be feared from adopting Equality at the heart of all our legislation, but everything to be gained.”

This week states members voted 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. And if a married gay couple from elsewhere moves to Jersey, their relationship here is still only recognised as a civil partnership.

The decision to delay the debate on equal marriage has disappointed many including the founder of a new group supporting transsexual, transgender, genderqueer, androgynous, bigender and intersex Islanders.

Trans*Jersey’s  Vic Tanner Davy said:  “It was clear from a number of speakers that they felt ill-prepared to vote on the issue. I hope that, having been given plenty of warning now, they will take the opportunity of the summer recess to do their homework, research the issue and understand the arguments from both sides.

“This is a wake-up call to States members that they need to ensure they are informed of the facts regarding equal marriage ready for the autumn elections where it will be an issue that they will be asked by the electorate to come out for or against. This is not something that is going to go away.”

Deputy Mézec said the itinerary for today is for Islanders to meet at midday in the Royal Square, and then at 12.20 pm the march will start down King Street to the esplanade, and then back to Liberation Square for music and speeches.