In her first speech as Opposition spokeswoman for civil liberties, Claudette Buttigieg said that it was important to show great sensitivity whenever discussing the rights and privacy of persons who changed their gender but ways must be found of ensuring that any person marrying a transgender was fully aware of the facts before the marriage, failing which it would be null and void.

All must agree on the effort needed to stop discrimination. Silence might mean indifference but also lack of comfort

When a family accepted the feelings of its perceived boy or girl without reservations it was a show of great love because the reality could also be traumatic.

Ms Buttigieg said the Opposition agreed with the proposed amendments in principle, so long as they were discussed meaningfully and sensitively.

It was good that Minister Helena Dalli had referred to a change not just of legislation but also of mentality, a culture of bullying and discrimination in various ways, some obvious but others subtle. It was difficult to understand which hurt more.

It was also difficult to tell what was ‘normal’ or if one should attach any labels such as LGBT.

The Bill understandably instilled fear of change, of a loss of principles or values, a lack of security. Saying one had a problem of homophobia was a human right but anyone’s marriage was a civil right. Some might be comfortable with one but not with the other.

Ms Buttigieg said all must agree on the effort needed to stop discrimination. The debate was an important step towards the point many wanted to arrive to, a collective effort to break the silence. Silence might mean indifference but also lack of comfort.

She dedicated this first speech in her assigned role to Joanne Cassar and what she represented. She herself would seek to defend those who had rights while understanding those with reservations and to bring the two together through dialogue and persuasion.