Anti-abortion campaigner Paul Vincenti has started a “virtual demonstration” against gay marriage and adoption.
In the wake of comments and commitments made by the political parties, Mr Vincenti set up a Facebook group to object, particularly against the legal adoption of children by same-sex couples.
“This group is not a movement set up against homosexual persons. We respect people who have different sexual tendencies. We are, however, against diluting the traditional family model and also against the adoption of children by same-sex couples,” the group description reads.
It also makes reference to “very worrying and vague positions” taken by “both political parties” this week.
Labour leader Joseph Muscat, who has pledged to introduce civil unions for same-sex couples, told The Times earlier this week he was not against adoption by gay couples as long as this was in the child’s interests.
“We don’t need to change any laws (for adoption) because what there is at present is a policy. What is crucial to me is the well-being of the child. If a social worker says it is in the child’s interest, then so be it... This situation is much better than being in an institute or abandoned in any way,” he said.
The next day, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi echoed Dr Muscat’s view: “The important thing is for experts to confirm the child will have a loving and caring family, irrespective of the adoptive parents’ sexual orientation. In all cases, the best interests of the child remain paramount.”
Meanwhile, Alternattiva Demo-kratika yesterday said it was in favour of full marriage equality, including the right to adopt and have access to IVF treatment.
The group started by Mr Vincenti, known for his Gift of Life movement calling for the banning of abortion in the Constitution, has more than 700 members, including politicians from the two main parties.
However, several people have complained on Facebook that they were added without their consent since the social networking site allows friends to invite and add each other to groups.
Amid complaints by several gay people who claimed the group was spreading hatred, Mr Vincenti has stressed that insults or derogatory remarks would not be tolerated.