Will Gay Marriage get the Go-ahead?

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Will Gay Marriage get the Go-Ahead?

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Opposition leader Simon Busuttil have both expressed support for the introduction of same-sex marriage in Malta. But how is this different from the introduction of same-sex civil unions in 2013? OurWedding asked MGRM to explain.

A few weeks ago, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat expressed support for the introduction of gay marriage, which the Opposition, led by Simon Busuttil, concurred with. However, this puzzled some people, who wondered about this statement – weren’t same-sex civil unions recognised in Malta in 2013? So what difference will the introduction of same-sex marriage bring?

“There is no difference between marriage and civil union in terms of legal rights and obligations. The only difference is that while anyone can enter into a civil union, only heterosexual couples can enter into a marriage,” Gabi Calleja, co-ordinator of the Malta Gay Rights Movement explained, adding that the introduction of marriage equality is an end in itself, as it gives all individuals, irrespective of gender, the right to marry. “I believe that most people today do not have any objection to the legal recognition of same-sex couples and possibly to marriage equality.”

“Most couples who entered into a civil union in the past two years had already been living together for years. Entering into a civil union, however, is often experienced as a commitment to and validation of the relationship not just because it takes place in the presence of family and friends, but because it is also recognised by the State.”

Ms Calleja adds that Maltese people on a wider level have become less homophobic over the years, and score better than many of their European counterparts when it comes to comfort and acceptance of people with different sexual orientations. “Attitudes towards LGBTIQ persons have changed for the better with Malta scoring higher than the European average where being comfortable with having gay and trans colleagues is concerned, to mention one example. While LGBTIQ persons may still face prejudice and discrimination, there is a strong legislative framework in place and visibility of LGBTIQ persons is much higher.”

“While coming out may still present some difficulties, today's LGBTIQ youth have role models to look up to in all spheres of life and need not limit their aspirations in both their personal as well as their professional lives.”