Opposition present bill prohibiting disability discrimination

The Opposition this afternoon presented a constitutional amendment to Article 32 to legally prohibit discrimination against persons with disability.

MP Stephen Spiteri, accompanied by PN deputy leader Mario de Marco and Parliamentary whip David Agius, said the party wanted social equity and inclusivity through empowerment.

"We felt the need to be proactive for the safeguarding of rights belonging to persons with disability. This would follow the Equal Opportunities Act (2000) and the Guardianship Act (2012), even though the latter has not been implimented yet," Spiteri noted.

It is expected that this amendment will provide redress to victims of discrimination in areas which at present do not include an obligation of equality on grounds of disability.

"With this amendment, the Opposition is showing it is not simply reactive by utilising the tools at our disposal. We believe that this amendment will bring a series of positive changes, such as the recognition of the sign-language as well as the introduction of the trusted friend, where the visually impaired may have the assistance of a person of their trust when voting," Mario de Marco said.

The Speaker Anglu Farrugia thanked the opposition and said that this showed that both sides of the House wanted to contribute for the constitutional development.