Thursday, 3rd July 2008 - 10:09CET
AD calls for recognition of foreign same-sex partnerships
Alternattiva Demokratika said today that Malta should recognise same-sex partnerships formed abroad in the same way as it recognised marriages and divorces obtained in EU countries.
It said that recognition of same-sex partnerships would facilitate the entry and residence of such persons.
AD spokesman Patrick Attard said: "Since Malta is part of the European Union and party to the Schengen Agreement, it is obliged, in terms of Directive 2004/38/EC, to grant extensive rights of entry, residence and movement to European Citizens and to third country nationals given a right of entry or residence in any member state. Dependants of these persons are then given either identical rights or benefits depending on their form of dependence.
"The situation of LGBT partners however is an issue in that the EU Directive limits itself to considering as dependants those LGBT partners (and their own dependants) who, in the host state, are in a civil partnership considered equivalent to marriage. All other LGBT partners who are in a durable relationship are granted
'benefits' but not the full rights. The EU directive thus does not oblige member states to recognise foreign civil same sex partnerships as equivalent to marriage, however it does oblige them to facilitate the entry and residence of such persons - and Malta should comply. The EU is not only about free trade it is also about respect and inclusiveness," Dr Attard said.
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Comments
Why do you think that AD should be " ashamed" when they are simply standing up for people's rights? Just because you may not agree with the idea of same sex marriage doesn't mean it s something that will destroy society. In fact, your opinion on the issue, and incidentally my opinion too, has nothing to do with this situation. We are talking about a group of people who have to fight every time they want to be treated like other citizens.
The idea that homosexuality is wrong is something religious. The leaders and politicians of a country run a country, and not a religion. They should, therefore, make sure that each member of their country is treated eqaully and respected and leave the religious side of things to the religious leaders.
There is a difference between Religion and Politics. I think you, and the maltese in general, need to understand this.
Shame on you
Speaking of divorces obtained in other EU countries, in a Statement by government there was a number obtained in this way by Maltese Nationals showing that we are using two weights and to measures in rights of Maltese people. Those who can afford to pay or to go live temporarily abroad have an advantage over others who cannot pay or afford and go abroad.
It is about time something is done to rectify this state of affairs and not keep living in the middle ages.