Alternattiva Demokratika today praised the speeches given by PN MPs Mario de Marco and Karl Gouder in the gay marriage debate but criticized the one delivered by PN Whip David Agius.

“It is with satisfaction that Alternattiva Demokratika as a party which spoke up for marriage equality and respect for diversity, that Parliament will vote into law amendments to make the Marriage Act applicable to all different kinds of family, with the support of the parliamentary groups of the PL and the PN. This law will be recognizing the different forms of families in our society,” AD said in a statement.

Referring to the speeches, AD’s spokesperson Luke Caruana said:"The speeches in the Parliament of Mario De Marco and Karl Gouder from the Opposition show respect for the diversity in our society, a diversity which enriches us all. On the other hand, the speech of the Nationalist Whip David Agius was based on prejudices and misinformation. David Agius's speech played to the prejudiced and those who see diversity and respect as some kind of threat. It is important in democracy those voting in favour of a law - whatever it is - do so with conviction. It seems that some will only vote for this law for appearances sake, when in fact they are prejudiced and cannot accept that the state treats all its citizens as
equals."