In reply to the PN Secretary General’s speech on Civil Unions, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat tonight said that whilst there could be a compromise on the details of the Bill, he will never compromise on his principles.

“This is about the principle of equality. I will not budge on the matter, even if I end up being the only one beleiving  in it.”

Dr Muscat said that he is always open for consensus, but consensus does not mean that only one side has to compromise. “We can compromise on certain details but we cannot compromise on principles. If we did that we would be undermining the fundamental value of equality. I will not be part of that.”

The Prime Minister insisted that the country should move in the direction of a liberal society.

“Unlike the PN, we were always consistent. The PN leader is trying to keep his party united on the subject. He is struggling to keep everyone on board because there is no single line of thought within the party.”

‘PN changed its tune on adoptions by gay couples’

Dr Muscat said that there is no automatic right to adoption, only a right to apply for adoption. Up till now only married couples and individuals can apply. The Bill will make same sex couples also eligible to apply.

“Same sex couples are already adopting children unofficially. Is this the way the PN wants to protect children’s rights? By making their parents lie to the system?”

Dr Muscat said that two months before the election he had publicly said that he was in favour of gay adoptions. Two days later Lawrence Gonzi said practically the same thing. And six days later the PN said that it was ready to change the law to allow gay couples to adopt if this was in the best interest of the child. But now the party has now changed its tune and doesn’t want gay couples to adopt.  

Dr Muscat criticised the PN for wanting to study adoptions by gay couples. He insisted that the PN was already prejudiced against gay adoptions. “What are you worried about? I don’t think that any dangers to adopted children would be linked to the sexual orientation of the parents.”