Gay rights movement ‘optimistic’ about same-sex marriage legislation

MGRM to present political parties with position paper on legal framework for gay marriages.

13 January 2012, 12:00am
by Bianca Caruana

1 min read

The Malta Gay Rights Movement says same-sex couples must have equal marriage rights and obligations as heterosexuals.

The Malta Gay Rights Movement has presented a position paper advocating the best options for the legislation of same-sex marriage and families in Malta.

The author of the paper, aditus chairman Neil Falzon, said the movement was feeling more optimistic about the introduction of same-sex marriage in Malta since the introduction of divorce.

The paper provides a legal framework for same-sex couples to be married and enjoy the rights and obligations that are incumbent upon married couples.

"Marriage is no longer being defined as a lifelong commitment," Falzon said referring to the recent divorce law introduced last year. "This means it can be revisited again and be redefined to include same-sex marriages."

MGRM coordinator Gabi Calleja said that calling such relationships 'civil unions' would be still discriminatory because it would be seen as different from heterosexual marriages.

"Marriage for same-sex couples is the gateway for a host of rights and obligations which heterosexual couples enjoy. It would allow same-sex marriage to enjoy these same rights and obligations."

The position paper will be presented to the political parties and the LGBT community.

"We hope the paper will give rise to a reasoned and much needed debate that is respectful of our relationships and the families we create, and that it is based on secular values and human rights, rather than religious discourse."

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Emmanuel Mallia •

Gay marriages, or the destruction of a social order ! The destruction of society ! Instead of seeking medical help to reverse their queer condition, gays have influenced MEPs and other politicians, to convince us that being queer is natural and normal !

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to maltesecross: Since when is marriage only about "producing offspring"? Lots of straight people marry after they are too old to have them, some younger couples marry and have no intention of ever having children. Your "criteria" is nothing more than a smokescreen for bigotry. Semantics isn't as important as equal rights under the Constitution; you don't like the "terminology"? Well, get used to it;if you must, just remove the word "gay" and call it a marriage. No more semantic problem. Sheesh!

Priscilla Darmenia •

Like “Thor” I too am of the opinion that the nomenclature “same sex marriage” is not appropriate. If the MGRM insists on “same sex marriage” I would give it to them if they can prove that if two men or two women living together can produce an offspring. I am sure they can not so I am not in favour of “same sex marriage”. However I do agree to a sort of “same sex civil union” where this gives them certain rights.

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I'm hopefull that this will pass. Malta will join almost every w. European country except italy and greece, in giving gay people the legal benefits of marriage. and 6 countries in latin america, Canada, part of the USA, 3 in E Europe, And coutries as diverse as Israel, Nepal , south africa, and Canada etc. there is so little love in this world with all the religious extremism we see. Isnt it time we recognized and respected love among our gay friends and neighbors

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Before anyone starts decrying how this would "destroy the institution of marriage" or some other similar red-herring ("destroying tradition", "dangerous for children"... whatever...), I'd like to say two things. First of all, "tradition" is the reason for such "wonderful" practices as excision in Africa, and stoning adulterers to death in places like Saudi Arabia... Do we really want to start braying about "tradition"? Secondly, gay marriage has already existed for over ten years in some countries, and is flourishing quite nicely, thank-you, in approximately ten, worldwide. NONE of the arguments used against gay marriage have been shown to be valid for any of these countries! It hasn't destroyed traditional marriage (straight people are doing that all by themselves, thank you you very much!) morality hasn't disappeared, children are just as well off as before - even those raised by gay parents. In other words, the ONLY real question is: are we living in a democracy which guarantees equal treatment for all citizens or not? If so, then there isn't even need for a debate. Time to vote it in and get on with enjoying life as best we can in the knowledge that we have done something decent and positive for democracy, and for our fellow humans.

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Same sex marriage is misleading better same sex civil contract.

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To: falzonalfred6: The only difference between a heterosexual and a homosexual is that the first loves a person of the different sex and the latter loves a person of the same sex. Otherwise there is no difference at all, physically and mentally. WE ARE ALL MALTESE CITIZENS UNDER THE MALTESE CONSTITUTION AND SHOULD BE TREATED WITHOUT ANY DISCRIMINATION.

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But Gabi correct me if I am wrong. There seems to be a slight difference between being heterosexual and being homosexual.