Alternattiva Demokratika is the natural choice for those who believe in civil rights and civil liberties, chairman Michael Briguglio said this morning.

Addressing a news conference he said the party has constantly been on the forefront for the introduction of civil rights and liberties in Malta.

“In issues such as divorce, free speech, decriminalisation of drugs for personal use, LGBT rights, minority rights and secularisation, AD has a historic role to speak up for such issues."

AD was also calling for separation between Church and State, as is the case in modern democracies.

“In parliament we will propose the revision of Article 2 of the Constitution. While recognising the fact that Christianity has contributed substantially to the development of the Maltese community, it should place all religions and beliefs on an equal footing. We also believe that children should have the right to learn about different religions at school as well as the right to learn ethics without being monopolized by a particular religious belief or philosophy."

Candidate Silvan Agius said AD is proposing a holistic national strategy for equality covering various grounds, including gender, sexual orientation and gender identity, disability, age, religion or belief, and race or ethnic origin. Candidate Robert Callus said AD was reiterating its call for a review of the country's failed drug policies especially the decriminalisation of drugs for personal use as well as a classification between soft and hard drugs.