Malta Today: Civil unions to be equal to marriage in all but name

Equality minister says civil unions bill enters second reading in parliament

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Equality-minister-presents-civil-union-bill-20131014
Monday 14 October 2013 - 09:33 by Jerome Caruana Cilia


L-R: MGRM coordinator Gabi Calleja, LGBT consultative council president Cyrus Engerer, Equality minister Helena Dalli, and aditus chairman Neil Falzon

A bill regulating civil unions for gay couples will enter its second reading in the House of Representatives tonight, equality minister Helena Dalli said.

Flanked by human rights lawyer Neil Falzon, Dalli said the three-page draft law was based on a Danish equivalent.

"We will make sure that children start understanding the equality of rights and obligations of marriage. This law will necessitate a culture change in government and society," Dalli said.

On his part, Falzon underlined the importance of a parity of not just rights, but also obligations for gay unions.

Malta Gay Rights Movement coordinator Gabi Calleja said the civil unions bill was an important step towards the recognition of gay marriage, although she acknowledged the law as it is put civil unions at par with heterosexual marriage.