Malta does not currently legally recognise same-sex unions. However, in the past few years, there is increasing debate on the issue.
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Political party viewpoints
Before the 2008 elections, the Malta Gay Rights Movement sent a survey to all major political parties asking them for their views on the recognition of same-sex unions.
None of the parties supported same-sex marriage. However, all of them supported recognition of same-sex unions to some extent. The governing Nationalist Party supports extending some rights to cohabitating same-sex couples. The Labour Party supports recognising "same-sex families and partnerships", although it is unknown whether this would be in the form of unregistered cohabitation or registered partnership. National Action supports civil partnerships that would grant to same sex-couples some of the rights extended to married couples, not including welfare benefits. Democratic Alternative/Greens supports civil partnerships providing all of the rights of marriage.[1]
On March 28, 2010, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi announced that the government was working on a bill to regulate cohabitation. He said it was hoped the bill would be completed by the end of the year.[2][3][4] On July 11, Gonzi confirmed that the bill would be presented in parliament by the end of 2010.[5][6]
Public opinion
A Eurostat poll conducted in 2006 showed Malta at 18% support for same-sex marriage.[7]
However, support among young people appears to be much higher. An October 2009 poll showed that 49% of university students supported same-sex marriage, while 35% were opposed and 16% were undecided.[8]
See also
References
- ^ Political Front - Malta Gay Rights Movement
- ^ Government drafting law on cohabitation
- ^ Cohabitation law in the works - PM
- ^ Feedback sought on cohabitation Bill
- ^ New cohabitation law to be presented in Parliament by end of year
- ^ Cohabitation bill to be moved by end of year - PM
- ^ Eight EU Countries Back Same-Sex Marriage
- ^ Half of University students agree with gay marriage - survey