Independent: AD calls for full equality for LGBT people

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=150010
02 September 2012

Following the announcement of the government’s draft Cohabitation Bill, Alternattiva Demokratika said yesterday that recent developments confirm that with regard to LGBT rights, “it is clearly the only party for full equality in all aspects of social and family policy, irrespective of one’s sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression”.

Addressing a press conference yesterday morning in Sliema, AD chairperson Michael Briguglio (right) said, “While other parties propose a bad deal or a hotchpotch of vagueness, AD is in synch with the proposals of MGRM for recognition of same-sex marriage. Only the right of marriage represents equality.

“Malta is in a situation where the Nationalist Party keeps its confessional approach towards LGBT people, while Labour sits on the fence and fails to propose clear policies on rights such as marriage.

“Equality can only be achieved by having one institution for both different-sex and same-sex couples. Recognition of same-sex couples in marriage would lead to strengthening the concept of the family. More and more societies and political parties are increasingly recognising this. In the EU, the influence of the European Greens is of great importance for such progressive change.”

AD said it was also supporting MGRM’s Gender Identity Act proposal, which calls for legal gender recognition and for gender reassignment procedures under the national health care service.

As regards the current IVF debate, AD believes there should be no form of discrimination to access this right. Hence, for example, one should not be discriminated against on the basis of one’s sexual orientation.

Mr Briguglio added, “Regarding adoption, AD believes that there should be no discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and every case should be considered on its own merits. Gender minorities such as transgender people should be protected against every form of discrimination, and the Constitution should be amended to prohibit any form of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.”