Carnival Corporation Dives Into Bermuda Same-Sex Marriage Controversy

Carnival Corporation (Carnival) is taking direct action in Bermuda’s same-sex marriage controversy. Bermuda’s Domestic Partnership Act (DPA) which will take effect there in early June. The DPA results from a court ruling in February that bans same-sex marriage, reversing a landmark legalization law passed in May of 2017.

Six of Carnival’s nine cruise line brands will call upon Bermuda in 2018, making a total of 59 stops. Carnival’s Cunard and P&O Cruises are registered in Bermuda. Those lines can no longer conduct same-sex marriages, regardless of where they may be sailing.

The repeal of same-sex marriage has drawn strong criticism from activist groups.

"The repeal of marriage equality in Bermuda is a denigrating and unnecessary strike against loving and committed LGBTQ couples in Bermuda as well as others around the world who would consider vacationing there," GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement.

"It is now imperative for international businesses that play major roles in Bermuda's economy, such as cruise lines and the travel industry, to make their voices heard."

Carnival did so in a statement dated today.

“Carnival Corporation believes our employees, guests and the public at large deserve equal dignity and respect,” the statement began.

It went on to cite past commendations by organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign. That influential group gave Carnival perfect scores in 2018 and 2017, as one of the top companies to work for LGBTQ equality.

“We applauded the May 2017 ruling in Bermuda’s Supreme Court allowing and recognizing same- sex marriages on the island. The court decision allowed cruise companies to begin offering same-sex wedding packages. Beginning in summer of 2017, we began booking onboard wedding packages for same-sex couples. As a company committed to equality, inclusion and diversity, we were disheartened by Bermuda’s subsequent reversal of the May 2017 ruling,” said Carnival.

Accordingly, the company says it is “actively engaged” in supporting the efforts by OUTBermuda, a registered charity that promotes LGBTQ interests on Bermuda. Those efforts include a legal action to challenge portions of the DPA as a violation of Bermuda’s constitution.

Carnival says it will provide financial, civic and public relations support to OUTBermuda, as well as company involvement. It will also file an affidavit supporting the legal action.

"OUTBermuda is proud to work with Carnival Corporation, which includes cruise line brands such as Cunard, P&O Cruises, and Princess Cruises, as the company has a long history of commitment to equality, inclusion, and diversity," OUTBermuda said in a statement.

Carnival added, “We are sensitive as to why some travelers may consider avoiding Bermuda while this ban is in place. While we always abide by the laws of the countries we sail to and from, we believe travel and tourism brings people and cultures together in powerful ways. As a result, we believe it is important to stand by the LGBTQ community in Bermuda and its many allies to oppose any actions that restrict travel and tourism.”

The line is also taking part in meetings with LGBTQ community organizations based in Bermuda.

“As part of this effort, we are actively seeking out and supporting local community organizations working for positive change,” said Carnival.