Loretta Butler-Turner

Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner said in a statement last night after it became apparent that the four questions in yesterday's constitutional referendum had failed miserably, that the vote represented "a dire lack of trust in the leadership of Prime Minister Perry Christie and the PLP".

"The results of the referendum reflect the will of the Bahamian people," said Butler-Turner, who voted yes to the four questions.

"In another exemplary display of our democratic heritage, thousands of Bahamians voted in a peaceful and orderly manner, a hallmark of our ever deepening democracy. In a democracy, even though one may disagree with the results of a vote, that vote must stand as the expressed wish of the electorate. It is unfortunate that voter turnout was low."

Butler-Turner noted that for those who campaigned for a 'yes' vote the results are deeply disappointing.

It is also disappointing for those who will continue to experience constitutional discrimination, she said, adding, still, the work for equality continues.

"Throughout history the fight for equality often takes generations," Butler-Turner said.

"We still have work to do to ensure equality for all our citizens, including constitutional equality. I continue to hold the convictions I have held regarding the struggle for equality and justice. We must always maintain the courage of our convictions."

Butler-Turner pointed to the "poisoning of the referendum process by the PLP in 2002".

She also said that the actions of the government in 2013 "reverberated with great force in the equality referendum".

In 2002, when similar measures were presented, the Progressive Liberal Party supported the referendum bills in Parliament, then campaigned against them in public.

The referendum failed.

Christie has said repeatedly that the PLP had concerns about the "process".

In 2013, the Christie administration held a gambling referendum. The majority of voters voted no to the regularization of web shops and the establishment of a national lottery.

The government ignored the results of the referendum and regulated web shops anyway, with the prime minister expressing concerns about an unregulated industry possibly fueling money laundering.

Regarding yesterday's referendum, Butler-Turner said, "Many Bahamians did not vote or voted no because of a lack of trust in the PLP, who bear the utmost and the ultimate responsibility for the failure to ensure constitutional equality."

She added, "I express admiration for those who engaged in an honest and spirited debate on the questions presented to the Bahamian people. Let us in the spirit of love and unity continue to work for the good of our country and our people. And let us pray God's blessing on the Commonwealth of The Bahamas."

Bill one would have enabled a child born outside The Bahamas to become a citizen at birth if either his or her mother or father is a citizen of The Bahamas by birth.

Bill two would have enabled a foreign man married to a Bahamian woman to secure the same access to Bahamian citizenship that a foreign woman married to a Bahamian man enjoys.

Bill three would have allowed an unmarried Bahamian man to pass on his citizenship to his child born to a foreign mother subject to legal proof that he is the father.

Bill four would have made it unconstitutional to discriminate based on sex.

Candia Dames, Guardian Managing Editor

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