Dear Sir,

I take this opportunity to pen my views regarding the June 23, 2016 referendum to gauge public support for same-sex marriage and civil unions.

After the vote, it was determined by the Parliamentary Registrar that the two questions would be deemed to be “unanswered” owing to voter turnout of less than 50 per cent.

Before the referendum, the Premier, Michael Dunkley had indicated that despite the referendum being non-binding, “any outcome is the will of the people and will guide their elected officials accordingly”.

In reviewing the results of the referendum, I believe that the setting of the 50 per cent registered voter requirement to be fundamentally flawed and the instruction given to the drafters of this legislation establishes conditions that require a rethink.

Reflecting on the results, it was noted that the registered voting population is 44,368.

During the referendum, 20,804 people cast their vote and this equated to 46.89 per cent of registered voters. Consequently, 1,380 additional registered voters would have been required to meet the 50 per cent prerequisite.

However, if the percentage of voters is less than 50 per cent of registered voters, two conditions should be considered.

During the referendum, 14,192 people, opposed same-sex marriage, with 6,514 voting in favour.

1, Calculate the number of voters shy of the 50 per cent requirement (1,380 or A)

2, Add that difference to the lower voting number (6,514 + 1,380 = 7,894 or B)

If B is less than the larger vote, the question is in fact answered.

If B is greater than the larger vote, the question is unanswered because one cannot determine how the registered voters, or A, would have voted.

If greater than 50 per cent of the registered voters cast a vote, let’s say 51 per cent (22,627), and the vote was 11,314 for and 11,313 against, the question would be considered answered despite not knowing how the remaining 49 per cent would vote.

In the words of outgoing British Prime Minister David Cameron, after the United Kingdom referendum to leave the European Union, “the will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered”.

Similarly, I believe that the Bermuda referendum is the will of the Bermudian people that must, in the words of our Premier, “guide their elected officials accordingly”.

TERENCE STOVELL

Pastor