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Last year, Bermuda made marriage equality legal. Now, the British overseas territory now stands as the first jurisdiction in the world to go backward on the decision.。

Signed into law by Bermuda's governor John Rankin on Thursday, the legislation strips the right for LGBTQ couples to get married -- instead allowing them to undertake civil partnerships only.。

LGBTQ couples who married overseas or under Bermuda law will still have their marriages recognised. This new legislation follows a landmark decision by Bermuda's Supreme Court last May that ruled in favour of a gay couple who wanted to get married. 。

Of 63,000 residents in Bermuda, eight couples were able to get married in the period it was legal, according to the  。 Of 63,000 residents in Bermuda, eight couples were able to get married in the period it was legal, according to the。Royal Gazette 。

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Bermuda's government pointed to the majority vote against same-sex marriage in a 2016 referendum, although not enough people turned up to vote to make the referendum valid.。

"The Act is intended to strike a fair balance between two currently irreconcilable groups in Bermuda, by restating that marriage must be between a male and a female while at the same time recognising and protecting the rights of same-sex couples," a statement reads.  。

A 'shameful' decision
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Foreign Office minister Harriett Baldwin added, "It would not be appropriate to use this power to block legislation," and that it would only be done "in exceptional circumstances." 。

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The reversal has also faced criticism from human rights and LGBTQ groups, with Human Rights Commission Global director Ty Cobb labelling it a "deplorable action."。

"The fight for marriage equality in Bermuda will continue until the day when every Bermudian is afforded the right to marry the person they love," Cobb added.。

GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said Bermuda's reversal was "shameful," noting it comes during a rise of anti-LGBTQ activism.。

"LGBTQ couples and their children in Bermuda should know that the global community of LGBTQ people and allies will stand with them in rectifying this unjust and hurtful news. Love can never be rolled back," she added.
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