Dutch Supreme Court Allows Gay Marriage in Aruba and Curaçao
NL Times that he had not expected same-sex marriages to be permitted so soon. “I was thinking of 2030 because the Supreme Court may take a little longer about it or because we had to take new steps,” he said.The lifting of the ban on same-sex marriage took effect immediately, though it remains to be seen how many people will take advantage of this new freedom in its first full week.Human Rights Caribbean released a statement celebrating the Dutch Supreme Court decision as a “historic victory for the dignity and rights of LGBT people in Curaçao and Aruba” and a “crucial milestone” in the organization’s four-year fight for equality under the law.“After a long and intense legal battle of four years, we can finally close this chapter,” the organization wrote in a Facebook post thanking members of the legal team that challenged the prohibition on same-sex marriages and various civic groups.The organization also noted that the decision only implicated civil marriages.
Religious groups and churches can still set their own internal practices or requirements for marriage.“Congratulations to the lesbian couple who bravely started this legal procedure with us.
They can now finally say yes to each other,” Human Rights Caribbean said. “This [ruling] opens the door to a future in which love and commitment between same-sex people are fully recognized and celebrated.
