ILGA - Malta adopts same-sex civil union law

14 Apr 2014

Today Maltese parliament adopted same-sex civil union law thus making Malta the 22^nd European country to legally recognise same-sex unions and 10^th country in Europe to allow same-sex couples to jointly apply for child adoption.

ILGA-Europe congratulates Maltese politicians and Malta Gay Rights Movement for this important victory for human rights. Maltese civil union law grants same-sex couple almost all the same rights and protections as married heterosexual couples.

Additionally, the Maltese Parliament adopted country’s constitution to include sexual orientation and gender identity among the grounds of prohibited discrimination.

Paulo Côrte-Real, Co-Chair of ILGA-Europe Executive Board, said:

“We warmly welcome today’s historic vote for Malta and particularly pay tribute to Maltese politicians and Maltese LGBTI activists. The adoption of the civil union law is a result and an example of a successful partnership built between the decision makers and the civil society.

According to our 2013 Rainbow Europe Map, Malta was fulfilling only 35% of laws and policies ILGA-Europe would like to see being adopted and implemented by European countries. Today’s vote will significantly improve Malta’s record on our Rainbow Europe Map to be issues this May. We hope that the Maltese example of strategic partnership between the politicians and the civil society will serve as an inspiration to other neighbouring countries to progress on improving their countries’ record on LGBTI human rights.”