This story was originally published by the WND News Center.

What essentially is a war has erupted in the island territory of the British Virgin Islands because a lesbian duo is demanding that its constitution be rewritten to accommodate them.

They were "married" in the United Kingdom and are demanding that that status be recognized in the BVI, where the law defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

It is Christian Concern that has documented the issue, which was the subject of a multi-day hearing that began this week.

A Christian coalition, in the territory, where 80% of the residents identify as Christian, is opposing the scheme.

The lawsuit was brought by Kinisha Forbes and Kirsten Lettsome and they are demanding a declaration that their "marriage," from 2019, be recognized as valid in the BVI.

"Furthermore, they are seeking a declaration that the prohibition of same-sex marriages by consenting adults with no familial relationships is contrary to the BVI constitution," the report explained.

The Christian Legal Center from the United Kingdom said it is helping with plans by the British Virgin Islands Christian Council to intervene in the case.

Lawyers for those organizations have argued that the BVI constitution is not delegated English law, so changes would have to be made by lawmakers there.

The dispute has developed just as the premier of the BVI, Natalio Wheatley, has called for a referendum on same-sex marriage.

Until then, he said, the government would be "vigorously defending our laws, which clearly provide that marriage should be between a man and a woman."

No date for the referendum has been announced.

Rosemarie Flax, of the BVI Christian Council, explained, "As a Christian body, the watchdog of our territory and the conscience of our community, the BVI Christian Council firmly believes that it is our duty to oppose any attempt to add conditions to marriage that change God’s teachings and standards.