A radio discussion on same-sex marriage is to be hosted by Age Concern on Tuesday.

The seniors’ advocacy group, describing itself as impartial on the issue, is also seeking a list of volunteers to drive the elderly to polling stations on Thursday, when same-sex marriage and civil unions are put to a referendum.

Charles Jeffers, the group’s advocacy chairman, is to host the panel with same-sex marriage advocates OUTBermuda, and Preserve Marriage representatives advocating for marriage to remain defined as a union between a man and a woman.

The 90 minute broadcast, with members of the public invited to call in during the second half, will run at 1.15pm on the Bermuda Broadcasting station Inspire 105.1FM.

According to Age Concern’s executive director, Claudette Fleming, members had expressed a wish to hear more on the issue of same-sex marriage during the recent bye election.

“It is not a request that we expected,” Ms Fleming said.

“However, we are very cognisant of the fact that seniors represent a large percentage of voters and therefore have a great deal of responsibility and influence on issues that impact the entire country.

“In approaching both sides of the spectrum, we have found representatives from OUTBermuda and Preserve Marriage to be extremely accommodating to our request for more information. I suppose whatever side of the discussion you are on, the one thing that we can agree on is that we are all growing older. Most of us want Bermuda to be a place where we can age successfully. A place where our values, rights and beliefs are considered and a place where we are not taken for granted or prevented from practicing what we believe.”

Ms Fleming encouraged listeners to get the information they may need from either side, in order to make an informed decision on June 23.

Anyone wishing to volunteer transportation should contact Age Concern on 238-7525, or e-mail ageconconcernmem@northrock.bm.

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