It is a matter of concern to learn from the chairman of the Adoption Board that the board was not consulted before gay adoptions became part of the Civil Unions Bill. He moreover used strong words stating that “it was introduced in the most disgusting way possible” and “surreptitiously”.

It is a matter of greater concern to learn from the chairman that the board had received an e-mail from “the ministry” instructing the board members not to express an opinion in public about adoption of children by same sex couples.

It so happens, however, that the Adoption Board falls under the remit of the Family and Social Solidarity Ministry, which at that time was headed by Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who has since been made President of Malta.

Now without any intention of being disrespectful to the presidency, Ms Coleiro Preca ‘the minister’ has been unwittingly drawn into a controversy, the more so since prior to assuming the presidency she declared that she would have no problem in signing the Civil Unions Bill.

So, if the information in hand, as reported, is correct, who should bear the responsibility of barring the Adoption Board from expressing an opinion in public?

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