The decriminalisation of minor drug-related offences is next on the list following the introduction of civil unions, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said yesterday.

Addressing a news conference at the party headquarters in Ħamrun a day after the enactment of a law giving same-sex couples the right to enter a civil union, Dr Muscat yesterday said Labour wanted to remain the agent of change.

He said that after addressing “taboo issues” like divorce and civil unions, the government’s next objective would be to deal with drug addiction. The system of imprisoning first-time offenders, or those found in possession of a small amount of drugs for personal use, “was failing our youths”.

Dr Muscat said he would not be discouraged if he had to face similar arguments made against civil unions and the overwhelming majority of people were against.

“This is our vision and the way we intend to make Malta a land of opportunity and equality,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the first step would be to discuss this reform at Cabinet level.

“Decisions will be taken following an informed discussion and with an open mind. However we will not postpone decisions any longer.”

Decriminalising the personal use of drugs was raised by Dr Muscat last year when he was closing the debate on this year’s Budget.

The subject was raised in the wake of a court judgment confirming a 10-year prison sentence to Welshman Daniel Holmes, who had been found guilty of growing cannabis at his Gozo apartment.