The Cohabitation Bill, to be placed on Parliament’s agenda when it meets again in October, was today discussed between Justice Minister Chris Said and independent MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando.

In a statement this afternoon, Dr Pullicino Orlando said that during his meeting, issues on the rights of cohabiting couples in general and gay couples in particular were discussed and approved.

“I found Minister Said to be very receptive to the issues I raised. This should help to make the bill (due to be published imminently) more relevant to the realities of Maltese society in today's world.”

Dr Pullicino Orlando said he considered an IVF bill which guaranteed the full protection of human embryos and a cohabitation bill which gave due consideration to the rights of gay couples to be priorities when it came to issues Parliament should deal as soon as it reconvened.

“I am very satisfied that both these issues are being treated with the urgency they deserve by the Nationalist government. 

“I obviously reserve the right to present amendments to both bills, when government presents them in their final version, at the opportune moment if I feel that it may be necessary,” Dr Pullicino Orlando said.

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