Dear Sir,

Ordinary people in Bermuda were apparently consulted by referendum about this matter in 2016 whereas ordinary people in Great Britain were not, and many ordinary people opposed the redefinition of marriage. Well in excess of 100 Conservative MPs voted against redefining marriage.

The Government of Bermuda in respect of ordinary people should be able to decide upon this matter, namely the definition of marriage, and if it wishes to keep marriage as the union of a man and a woman — and nothing else — then that should be its right.

Just as that part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, has decided upon this matter to uphold marriage as the union of a man and a woman — and nothing else.

Bermuda is a British territory, as it has been since the 17th century AD, and indeed rightfully so Bermuda has much rich British heritage and many Bermudians have served the Crown.

But Bermuda is self-governing, and that means a large amount of self-government under the Crown, including upon the definition of marriage.

ROBERT LEE SHIPLEY

Kent, England