Alternattiva backs gay rights

Alternattiva Demokratika leader Harry Vassallo said today that the recognition of gay rights would be a step forward, helping the political class to catch up with Maltese society

At press conference at the AD offices Dr Vassallo said that his party had always insisted that the recognition of gay rights was a sign of tolerance and civilization which Maltese society had achieved ahead of its political class.

Dr Vassallo made his comments following a meeting with the representatives of the Malta Gay Rights Movement who presented a petition signed by 1,063 people asking for the enactment of specific proposals in favour of the minorities they represent.

Miss Gabi Calleja explained that the petitioners were in favour of the formal recognition of the rights of same sex couples; for the inclusion of a Criminal Code provision against violence motivated by homophobia and transphobia and for a strategy addressing similarly motivated bullying in schools. The MGRM is asking for legal protection against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in the provision of goods and services as well as for the extension of the remit of the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality to include sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression issues. The MGRM petition also calls for transgender surgery and therapy to be included in public health services.

Dr Vassallo said Alternattiva Demokratika supported the MGRM request.