Pitcairn legalises same-sex marriage

Transcript

Pitcairn has become the second island in the region to pass a law allowing same sex marriage.

Guam became the first US territory to do so last month.

The British territory's Deputy Governor Kevin Lynch says the Island Council unanimously passed the Same-Sex Marriage and Civil Partnership Ordinance last month after the British government requested it consult on the issue.

Kevin Lynch told Esther Zweifel how the law change came about.

KEVIN LYNCH: This was driven by the same sex marriage legislation which was happening in England, Scotland and Wales in the United Kingdom and the government in the United Kingdom requested the governors office to go to the Pitcairn Islands council to see for consultation on this same sex marriage legislation which ended up in a unanimous vote for. We drafted it and it has been passed as you know.

ESTHER ZWEIFEL: Who decided to enact that, was it a vote with Pitcairn Islanders or with people in Britain?

KL: The governor enacts all laws on the Pitcairn Islands and the governor is the High Commissioner to New Zealand Jonathan Sinclair.

EZ: And what was the reaction from the population?

KL: Well as I say I wasn't there it was a unanimous vote by the council which I suspect reflects the vast majority of the council of the population sorry .

EZ: Are there any same sex couples on the island who are likely to take advantage of this?

KL: None, none that I am aware of.

EZ: Doesn't really mean much for change, for regular Pitcairn Islanders then?

KL: I think it is quite a substantial change that reflects their standing in the world and bringing them into the line with modern legislation which is happening in quite a few countries across the world. I think it is a good thing.