Introducing marriage equality was a matter of principles, not of political convenience, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said today.

Speaking during an interview on ONE radio, Dr Muscat said he could not understand the “panic” created by the Marriage Equality Bill.

Read: Gay marriage to be introduced in Malta soon

The proposed law aimed to make marriage open to same-sex couples, with all the rights and obligations this brings about.

Dr Muscat expressed his bewilderment at the way certain members of the Opposition had reacted to the Bill, particularly since Simon Busuttil had pronounced himself in favour of marriage equality.

The Prime Minister said it was his understanding that Dr Busuttil had expressed his position without having the backing of his parliamentary group.

Read: PN ‘will support’ gay marriage law, Busuttil insists

He said the government would not be accepting any of the proposed amendments by the Opposition, which sought to introduce a separate classification for gay couples.

“I cannot understand how the Opposition said it would vote in favour, yet almost half the members spoke against it”, Dr Muscat said.

Dr Muscat said if the Opposition really supported the law, they would not be in favour of any type of discrimination.

Introducing a separate category for LGBTIQ people was not acceptable, and it showed the Opposition did not believe in equality, Dr Muscat said.

Read: Different terminology for gay couples in Marriage Equality Bill all but ruled out

He said the government’s stance of not supporting any such amendment had nothing to do with its parliamentary majority.

Rather, it was about beliefs, he said.

While saying he could compromise on political matters, he stressed there was no compromise when it came to principles.

He said amendments which eroded equality could not be accepted.

Read: So what's this gay marriage bill all about?

Turning to Malta’s Presidency of the EU Council, Dr Muscat thanked all those who had contributed to its success.

He said Malta had received praise from several European leaders and institutions, with some saying the Maltese presidency would be a tough act to follow.

The Prime Minister said Malta had not been “abandoned” during the presidency, as evidenced by the strong economic results.

Recent economic data showed that unemployment was once against at record low, and employment levels were above the Eurozone average.

He said people were confident the economy would keep improving.

On social housing, the Prime Minister mentioned the €50 million loan granted to the government by the European Investment Bank and the Council of Europe Development Bank.

A total of 16 sites owned by the Housing Authority had been identified to construct new social housing units.

The sites are in Attard, Luqa, Siġġiewi, Qrendi, Birkirkara, Msida, Żurrieq, Kirkop, Cospicua, Naxxar and Żebbuġ.