The Opposition’s request for an impact assessment on adoptions by same-sex couples is discriminatory as no such need was ever expressed about couples of the opposite sex or single persons, gay rights activist Gabi Calleja claimed yesterday.
The Sunday Times of Malta reported PN leader Simon Busuttil saying the Opposition would call on the government to discuss the issue within Parliament’s family affairs committee.
While acknowledging that a gay person could already adopt, he argued that the question was whether to have adoptions by same-sex couples sanctioned by legislation. Before legislating for the introduction of civil unions, a social impact assessment should be carried out and decisions not based on studies produced in other countries.
He said the changes being proposed by the PN would not impinge on the rights of same-sex couples.
Contacted yesterday, Malta Gay Rights Movement coordinator Ms Calleja said that insisting on a social impact assessment in the case of gay adoptions would further stigmatise existing families with same-sex parents.
Any concerns could be addressed by ensuring that prospective adoptive parents were thoroughly screened.
This position was supported by both Joseph Muscat and Lawrence Gonzi during the election campaign, she noted.
“This process will in effect be strengthened through the legislation of same-sex couples adoption since there will no longer be a need to hide one’s sexual orientation or same-sex relationship from the authorities.”
The decision on whether to become a parent should not be determined by society or the government, she said, adding that such a thing would not be permissible if Malta wanted to respect human rights standards.
Insisting on a social impact assessment would further stigmatise existing families
Ms Calleja argued that banning same-sex couples from adopting would not prevent them from becoming parents, as various other options existed.
Public concern was based on a lack of knowledge about the issue, which could not be addressed through a social impact assessment but by education campaigns.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat issued a statement branding the PN leader’s request for an impact assessment as “a step backwards”.
He said the government’s proposal went much further as each case would be examined by specialised professionals and not by politicians.
Before the election, both party leaders had agreed sexual orientation should not be a factor in this debate.
Adoption was not a right in itself but rather people had a right to make such a request which would then be decided by experts.
Dr Muscat hoped the Opposition would not let its leader impose a more conservative position on this issue.