Malta Today: Gender identity bill passes into law

A Bill aimed at protecting the rights of trans, genderqueer and intersex people to their self-determined identity has passed into law

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/51371/gender_identity_bill_passes_into_law#.VRxeRPyUfQ1
1 April 2015, 6:36pm by Tim Diacono



A Bill aimed at protecting the rights of trans, gender queer and intersex people to their self-determined identity has been enacted into law, with both sides of the House in Parliament voting in favour of it.

The law has removed the need to undergo sex reassignment surgery before official documents – such as an ID card or passport – are changed to reflect the holder’s gender identity. It will give people the choice of not declaring their sex or gender identity on identification documents through the introduction of an ‘X’ marker.

It has rendered gender reassignment surgery a valid reason for sick leave, hate crimes will be expanded to include hate crimes against gender-queer and intersex people, and trans-people will be allowed to change their identity while they are married.

Parliament: Civil Unions Bill & Amendment to the Constitution [Final Votes]

14.04.2014, Parliamentary Sitting 141, 12th Legislature

[Excerpt of the Audio Recording] [Complete Audio Recording].

Parliament voted for the introduction of Civil Unions in Malta
Bill [20/2014] - 37 votes in favour, 30 absentions, 0 votes against
http://www.parlament.mt/sittingdetails?sid=4650&legcat=13&forcat=12

Parliament voted for Constitutional Amendment [Sexual Orientation] in Malta
Bill [18/2014] - 67 votes in favour, 0 abstentions

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ORDNIJIET TAL-ĠURNATA

Abbozz ta’ Liġi dwar l-Unjonijiet Ċivili – Abbozz Nru 20 – Tielet Qari – Ministru għad-Djalogu Soċjali, Affarijiet tal-Konsumatur u Libertajiet Ċivili.

Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Kostituzzjoni ta’ Malta – Abbozz Nru 18 – Tielet Qari – Onor. Claudette Buttigieg.

Malta Today: Civil Unions Bill passes committee stage

A number of amendments proposed by the Opposition during this evening’s sitting rejected.

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Civil-Unions-Bill-passes-committee-stage-20140225
Tuesday 25 February 2014 - 22:23 by a Staff Reporter

In the final sitting of the Consideration of Bills Committee discussing the Civil Unions Bill, the Opposition proposed a number of amendments to the bill, which in their view, would refrain "possible detriments to our society."

The main amendments proposed were intrinsically related to Article (2)(a), which said that a number of articles found in the Marriage Act will apply mutatis mutandis (changing only those things that need to be changed) to the Civil Unions Act. This meant that the same restrictions and allowances found in the Marriage Act would be found to the Civil Unions Act.

News Book: Jgħaddi minn stadju ta' kumitat l-abbozz ta’ liġi dwar l-unjoni ċivili

http://www.newsbook.com.mt/artikli/2014/2/25/live:-l-ahhar-laqgha-dwar-l-unjoni-civili-fil-parlament.15255
Stefan Pullicino - 25/02/14 06:33 PM



Fil-Parlament illejla tlaqqa’ għat-tielet u l-aħħar darba il-Kumitat għall-konsiderazzjoni ta’ abbozzi ta’ liġi biex jiddiskuti l-liġi dwar l-unjoni ċivili.

Fi tmiem dan il-kumitat, ġie approvat minn stadju ta' kumitat l-abbozz ta' liġi li jirregola l-unjonjiet ċivili.

Din hija sekwenza kronoloġika ta' dak li ġara llejla f'dan il-Kumitat:

20.45 Jgħaddi minn stadju ta' kumitat l-abbozz ta’ liġi dwar l-unjoni ċivili.

Parliament: Civil Union Bill - Committee Stage

http://new.livestream.com/committeemeetings/billscommittee/videos/42742013

S017 - Consideration of Bills Committee - 18.2.14

S016 - Consideration of Bills - 4.2.14

News Book: Adozzjonijiet mill-koppji omosesswali: qatt ma sar studju lokali – Prof. Angela Abela

http://www.newsbook.com.mt/artikli/2014/2/18/live:-illejla-t-tieni-laqgha-tal-kumitat-dwar-l-abbozz-ta%27-ligi-tal-unjoni-civili.15000

Stefan Pullicino - 18/02/14 05:36 PM



Fil-Parlament illejla tlaqqa' għat-tieni darba l-Kumitat għall-konsiderazzjoni ta’ abbozzi ta’ liġi li iddiskuta l-liġi dwar l-unjoni ċivili.

Is-sessjoni tal-lejla kienet dominata mill-intervent tal-Kap tad-Dipartiment tal-Familja fl-Università ta' Malta il-Prof Angela Abela.

Iż-żewġ rakkomandazzjonijiet ewlenin tagħha ffukaw fuq edukazzjoni akbar dwar koppji omosesswali mis-soċjetà in ġenerali, kif ukoll proċess riġidu ta' screening qabel ma koppja tingħata l-addozzjoni tat-tfal.

Dan huwa rapport kronoloġiku ta' dak li ġara fit-tieni sessjoni ta' dan il-Kumitat:

Independent: Gay couples: This is not a 'plumbing matter' – Minister Dalli

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2013-12-16/news/civil-unions-debate-continues-3478388737/
Monday, 16 December 2013, 21:00, UPDATE 1



In her winding up speech the Civil Unions Bill, which passed through second reading stage, the Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties, Helena Dalli said this sends a clear message for those in a minority due to their sexuality, showing that legislators are ready to be on their side and the government is being consistent with promises made to the LGBT community before the election.

This is happening while the PN is taking a step backwards which shows PN leader Simon Busuttil is less liberal than his predecessor Lawrence Gonzi.

Parliament: Civil Union Debate [2nd Reading]

Listen to the Debate here:

22nd October, Session 65. 

Listen to the excerpt here: 22nd October 2013
[Read the transcript of Hon. Dr Dalli's speech here.]
Complete recording:
http://www.parlament.mt/filebank/audio/audiopublic/12thleg/Plenary/Plenary%20065%2022-10-2013%201800hrs.mp3

11th December, Session 102. 

Listen to the excerpt here: 11th December 2013
Complete recording:
http://www.parlament.mt/filebank/audio/audiopublic/12thleg/Plenary/Plenary%20102%2011-12-2013%201800hrs.mp3

Times: Housing rights for same-sex couples

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20131113/local/housing-rights-for-same-sex-couples.494567#.UpDb4dKsiSo
Wednesday, November 13, 2013, 20:32

Family Affairs Minister Marie Louise Coleiro Preca has said in Parliament that although the Housing Authority has no specific policy regarding same-sex couples, there were already some benefits that such couples may apply for.

These include rent subsidies if both are recognised inhabitants of the place; VAT refund if both have bought the place together; and subsidies on repair or enhancement of places occupied by owners or tenants.

Parlament: Diskors tal-On. Dr Helena Dalli rigward il-Preżentazzjoni tal-Abbozz tal-Unjoni Ċivili

(UNEDITED)

ESTRATT MINN SEDUTA 065 LI SARET FIT-22 TA’ OTTUBRU, 2013

ORDNIJIET TAL-ĠURNATA

ABBOZZ TA’ LIĠI DWAR L-UNJONIJIET ĊIVILI

CIVIL UNIONS BILL

MR SPEAKER: Rimarki? Il-Ministru Helena Dalli.

ONOR. HELENA DALLI (Ministru għad-Djalogu Soċjali, Affarijiet tal-Konsumatur u Libertajiet Ċivili): Sur President, nipproponi t-Tieni Qari tal-Abbozz ta’ Liġi dwar l-Unjonijiet Ċivili.

Times: Busuttil: PN decision on civil unions was another step forward

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20131022/local/busuttil-proud-of-pn-decision-on-civil-unions.491507#.UmgAaXCkHD4
Tuesday, October 22, 2013, 20:33


File photo

Opposition leader Simon Busuttil said in Parliament this evening that he was proud of the position adopted by the Nationalist Party yesterday in favour of a law on civil unions.

He said the decision was a step forward from the past, when, maybe, not enough was done in this sector by the party. However the PN too had promised recognition of civil partnerships.

Bill 18/2013: AN ACT to amend the Constitution of Malta. [Sexual Orientation]

View the pdf version in English and Maltese here.

Motion: 53 - Private Members Motion - Constitution (Amendment No. 1) (Amendment) Bill - Presented by Hon Claudette Buttigieg

 

A BILL

entitled

AN ACT to amend the Constitution of Malta.

BE IT ENACTED by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the House of Representatives in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same as follows:-

Short title.
1.    The short title of this Act is the Constitution of Malta (Amendment) Act, 2013, and this Act shall be read and construed as one with the Constitution of Malta, hereinafter referred to as "the Constitution".

Amends article 32 of the Constitution
2.     In article 32 of the Constitution, for the words "creed or sex" there shall be substituted the words "creed, sex or sexual orientation".

Parliament: [Bill 20/2013]: Civil Unions Act, 2013 [English]

View the complete document [here]. [English / Malti]

Presented by the Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties - Hon. Dr Helena Dalli

A BILL

entitled

AN ACT to regulate civil unions and to provide for matters connected therewith or ancillary thereto.

BE IT ENACTED by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the House of Representatives in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same as follows:-

Short title.
1.    The short title of this Act is the Civil Unions Act, 2013.

Interpretation.
2.    In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires -

Parliament: Motion No. 67 - Civil Unions Bill - 1st Reading - Presented by the Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties

http://www.parlament.mt/Motiondetails?mid=758&legcat=13

Motions - Twelfth Legislature (2013 - )

Motion No. 67 - Civil Unions Bill - 1st Reading - Presented by the Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties Presented on Monday, 23 September 2013 Debated in Sitting No. 55 - Monday, 30 September 2013 Plenary Session Bill No. 20 - Civil Unions Bill

President Abela's Speech on the Occasion of Opening the 12th Parliament

HIS EXCELLENCY DOCTOR GEORGE ABELA PRESIDENT OF MALTA ON THE OCCASION OF THE OPENING OF THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT
6.4.13

Mr Speaker,

Honourable members of the House of Representatives,

We have opened a new chapter in the history of this people. The time for pique, partisanship, arrogance in leadership, at all levels of administration, must become a part of the past. This will be a Government that looks towards building the future, rather than copying the past. This will be a Government which will lead with a sense of humility and will be ready to take decisions.

With the sign that it gave in the last general election the Maltese public has made it clear to all of us that it is tired of the politics of the past. It is a message to the political class and to all those who will form part of this administration and of this Parliament.

Pink News: Government publishes same-sex marriage bill for England & Wales

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/01/25/government-publishes-same-sex-marriage-bill-for-england-wales/
25 January 2013, 10:48am by Scott Roberts

Culture Secretary Maria Miller is responsible for the bill

The government’s Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill for England and Wales has officially been published.

It has been presented by Culture Secretary Maria Miller and is supported by Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Chancellor George Osborne, Home Secretary Theresa May, Education Secretary Michael Gove, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles, Minister for Sport Hugh Robertson, International Development Minister Lynne Featherstone, and equalities ministers Helen Grant and Jo Swinson.

Times: Cohabitation among 15 Bills put on hold

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121211/local/Cohabitation-among-15-Bills-put-on-hold.449085
Tuesday, December 11, 2012 by Christian Peregin



Cohabitants and whistleblowers will have to wait until the next legislature for the legal protection they have been promised for years, due to the outcome of last night’s failed Budget vote.

The Bills to regulate cohabitation and grant protection to whistleblowers are among 15 legislative changes, which will be dropped due to the expected dissolution of Parliament.

We Are Family @ Parliament

https://www.facebook.com/events/358049944281850/?fref=ts
18.10.2012 by Dr Ing. Patrick Attard

Date: Monday 22nd October 2012
Time: 19:30 - 21:30
Location: St. George's Square Valletta, in front of Parliament

This is NOT a protest.

This is a truly historic moment. It is the first time that the dignity of our relationships is being discussed in Parliament. Our relationships can be as respectful and dignifying as heterosexual ones.

We should go in front of Parliament dressed ELEGANTLY in order to show respect to the Highest Institution of OUR country and to demonstrate that we are respectable people too.

Parliament: Bill 120 / 2012: Civil Partnerships and Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act

http://justiceservices.gov.mt/DownloadDocument.aspx?app=lp&itemid=23949&l=1
18.10.12 [Malti / English] - [SECOND READING] 
[View the FIRST READING here.]

[PDF Version]

A Bill

entitled

AN ACT to provide for the regulation of cohabitation.

BE IT ENACTED by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the House of Representatives, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same as follows:-

Short title and commencement.
1. (1) The short title of this Act is the Civil Partnerships and Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act, 2012.

(2) This Act shall come into force on such date as the Minister responsible for justice may by notice in the Gazette appoint and different dates may be so appointed for different purposes or provisions of this Act.

Malta Government Gazzette: 18,976

http://gov.mt/en/Government/Government%20Gazette/Documents/10/Government%20Gazette%20-%2016%20October%20extra.pdf
16.10.2012

"It is notified for general information that the following Bill [is] published in the Supplement to this Gazette: Bill No. 120 entitled the Civil Partnerships and Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act, 2012".

[The Supplement hasn't been uploaded so far.]
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The Bill can be seen on the Parliament's Agenda: