First same-sex couple to marry in Seychelles at British High Commission
A same-sex wedding is to be held in the British High Commission in Seychelles.
Same-sex marriage is not possible in the island nation, and the two men will be wed in technically British territory, by the British High Commissioner, Lindsay Skoll.
One of the men holds duel British and Seychellois nationality, the other is British, and they will be wed tomorrow.
Ms Skoll said it would be “a significant first for Seychelles and indeed the whole of Africa, with the exception of South Africa”.=
Anglican Bishop James Wong, however said according to Today in Seychelles: “I believe Mrs Skoll is conducting this ceremony at the end of her mandate to do something that is illegal in Seychelles. The wedding of two men in Seychelles is illegal and shameful”.
He also described it as “disrespectful to Seychelles”.
However, the High Commission released a statement to say: “The High Commissioner is emphatic that this is in no way intended to show any sign of disrespect to the laws, values and beliefs of the people of Seychelles, but is hopeful that, as well as being a joyful occasion, it will also contribute to a healthy dialogue on the rights of non-heterosexual people in Seychelles.”
