Recognition of same-sex unions in Barbados

In September 2020, the government announced its intention to enact civil unions for same-sex couples, providing several of the rights, benefits and obligations of marriage.

[2] Governor General Sandra Mason (since 2021 the President of Barbados) said in a speech to the Parliament that the country must have a "frank discussion" and "end discrimination in all forms".

[4][5] Bishop Michael Maxwell said that no priest within the Diocese of Barbados would be permitted to officiate at a civil union ceremony, "The position really is that our church continues to stand against what it considers to be same-sex marriages.

"[6] In June 2016, Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite said the Government of Barbados was not considering changing the law to allow for same-sex marriages; "As a lawmaker, if Jane decides she wants to live with Janice, that is their business as far I am concerned.

(...) in accordance with articles 1.1, 2, 11.2, 17, and 24 of the American Convention, it is necessary to guarantee access to all the existing figures in domestic legal systems, including the right to marry.