EPP-ED position on homophobia

Albert Gauci Cunningham (May 15) asked for an explanation regarding our abstention on a recent resolution in the European Parliament on homophobia. We had originally missed his letter so we apologise for our late reaction.

At the outset we make it clear that we reject homophobia and all other forms of incitement to hatred. There is no question about this.

Our reasons for abstaining on the resolution on homophobia were twofold.

Firstly, the resolution made unnecessary and gratuitous condemnations on a specific country based in no small part on statements that were categorically denied by the government concerned. We all resent it if our country is singled out for condemnation. So we should be very careful before condemning others impulsively.

Secondly, we cannot support resolutions that make direct or indirect reference to the legalisation or recognition of same-sex marriages. This is a policy position that our party, the PN, clearly spelt out in reply to a questionnaire from the Malta Gay Rights Movement prior to the European Parliament elections.

Despite the above reservations, since the main substance of the resolution was on homophobia, we opted to abstain rather than vote against the resolution.

Incidentally, in so doing, we also followed the position of our group, the EPP-ED group.

We appreciate that Mr Gauci Cunningham may disagree with our vote and with our policy position. And we would respect that. But we cannot be accused of inconsistency. Which cannot be said of MEPs who conveniently oppose same-sex marriage in Malta and vote in favour of it in Brussels.

We maintain that on sexual orientation, where policy options in Maltese public debate are still evolving, there is good reason to work together on issues where we can agree rather than argue endlessly and still remain divided.