(CMR) The Honourable Premier, Alden McLaughlin, has confirmed in the Legislative Assembly today that Cabinet has instructed the Attorney General to appeal the same sex judicial ruling handed down by Chief Justice Anthony Smellie on Friday and request an immediate stay of execution of the judgment pending the outcome of the appeal.
The members unanimously agreed to delay all other busines of the house to deal with the matter of same sex marriages. The speaker started with some preliminary comments followed by the Premier. In his comments he confirmed that after careful consideration Cabinet made the decision to instruct the attorney general to appeal the case.
The member from East End then moved a motion in which he supported the government's position and appeal the full ruling. He stated that the chief justice‘s decision demonstrated a lack of respect for the supremacy of the constitution and the legislative assembly. Anthony Eden, OBE (Savannah) seconded the motion with noted that
“It is my distinct honour and privilege to second the most important private member’s motion that will ever be debated in this Legislative Assembly.”
The basis of the appeal appears to be that the chief justice has no legal remit from behind the bench to change laws . In his lengthy comments he received numerous applauds from the galley of about 16 persons who were in attendance.
Prior to the LA starting several church protesters were at the front of the LA with placards. The protesters were small in number but extremely vocal during the proceedings reminiscent of a church including “amen”. They were also very vocal after the house took a break for lunch.
The house will reconvene at 2:00 pm after their lunch break; where McLean is expected to continue.
The Premier's full statement can be read below.
Premier's Statement to the Legislative Assembly
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