This Saturday, Curaçao will make history as two women become the first same-sex couple to marry in the country. This landmark wedding follows a Supreme Court ruling on July 12 that legalized same-sex marriages in both Aruba and Curaçao.
The ruling has sparked a wave of engagement announcements, with at least eight other couples in Curaçao planning their weddings. In Aruba, however, the process will take a bit longer due to scheduling issues at the registry office, with ceremonies expected to begin in October.
The Supreme Court’s decision, which upheld a 2022 ruling by the Joint Court of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint-Maarten, Bonaire, Sint-Eustatius, and Saba, has been met with mixed reactions. In Aruba, opposition from religious groups remains strong, though activist Egmar Irausquin notes a gradual decline in negativity.
In Curaçao, Janice Tjon Sien Kie from the Human Rights Caribbean Foundation reports a similarly mixed reception. Despite some resistance, efforts to promote queer acceptance and educate the public continue to move forward.
While challenges remain, including a company’s refusal to engrave champagne glasses for the wedding, the upcoming marriage marks a significant step towards greater equality and acceptance in the Caribbean.
You may also like
-
Dance Under the Stars: Brussels’ Bal National Lights Up July 20
Every year on July 20, the heart of Brussels beats to the rhythm of the Bal
-
Vigna in Nice: Where Queer Books Breathe and Memories Live On
Right in the heart of Nice, there’s a bookshop where stories don’t just sit quietly
-
The BGS Winter Retreat: 12th Edition in Serre Chevalier
Every winter, a vibrant tapestry of familiar and new faces gathers from the BGS LGBTQIA+
-
“The Bundestag Is Not a Circus Tent”: Chancellor Merz Faces Backlash Over Rainbow Flag Refusal
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is at the center of a political storm after backing the
-
Épicentre: Inclusive Health and Well-Being for All in Brussels
Located in the heart of Saint-Gilles, Brussels, Épicentre is a multidisciplinary center dedicated to care,