AN proposes to recognise same sex 'partnerships'

Azzjoni Nazzjonali said today that while it underscored the importance of the traditional family, it felt that same sex couples in a permanent relationship deserved to be recognised by being given the right to register a civil partnership.

This would give them the opportunity to have joint bank accounts and be able to file a joint tax declaration. They may also have joint insurance policies and the right of inheritance, AN leader Josie Muscat said.

Should the relationship founder, such persons would be obliged to inform the public registry to dissolve their partnership after agreeing the manner how to dispose of their property or settle their liabilities.

Muscat said at a press conference that such relationships should never be legally considered as a marriage and same sex couples should not have the right to adopt children.

Dr Muscat also spoke on the assistance which his party is proposing to strengthen traditional families, including cuts in income tax and succession duties, assistance to people who stayed at home to care for the children or elderly people, financial assistance to those who send their children to private schools, assistance to business start-ups and lower VAT on restaurant services.