PinkNews Exclusive
Gay couples who had booked marriage ceremonies onboard P&O cruise ships have been told their weddings cannot legally go ahead.
The company had announced earlier this year that it had begun taking bookings for legal same-sex weddings at sea, with ceremonies set to begin in January 2018.
As the company’s fleet is primarily registered in Bermuda, the on-ship marriages were to take place under Bermudan law.
However, Bermuda’s Parliament voted to reintroduce a ban on same-sex weddings this month after lobbying from anti-LGBT campaigners – leaving P&O with no option but to cancel the wedding bookings.
The company confirmed to PinkNews today that any already-booked same-sex weddings will no longer be able to happen.
Couples who have already made bookings will instead be offered a legally-unrecognised commitment ceremony.
A P&O spokesperson told PinkNews: “We were delighted by this decision as we have wanted to offer same sex ceremonies for many years.
“However, we have now been made aware by Bermudian Registrar General that the Government of Bermuda has entered into a process to change this recent law on same sex marriage.”
The statement added: “Although we are awaiting further information from Bermuda, it is unfortunately likely to be the case that Bermudian law will not permit a same sex wedding ceremony on board our ships after January 2018.
“We are very unhappy about this decision and we do not underestimate the disappointment this will cause those guests who have planned their weddings.
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