In Parliament, we are currently discussing the equal marriage bill. This is a law which has made history in all the countries around the world where the matter was always an issue of controversy. Malta is no different.
Germany has just passed a similar law. The New York Times said that, “the historic decision came with a swiftness rare in Germany’s usually staid politics, just five days after Chancellor Angela Merkel unexpectedly relaxed her party’s opposition to same-sex marriage.”
The discussion process in Malta, is taking an unexpected twist because Joseph Muscat, in his now very predictable style, has decided to throw in a political banana skin. Muscat, aware that the PN’s position had evolved from abstaining in the Civil Union Bill to a vote in favour of the marriage equality bill, decided to create a rift through the wording in the proposed law. In his typical double speak approach, Muscat decided to call for national unity while pushing for a law which presents a divisive linguistic approach.
The PN parliamentary group discussed the law at hand and agreed to vote in favour. However, the group also decided that the language used in the law should reflect the inclusion of all persons, couples and families.
This position is also backed by the Nationalist Party Forum for Equal Opportunities which welcomed the fact that Parliament is discussing the law about equality in marriage and described is as “a further step in the inclusion of the LGBTIQ community in the Maltese society.” The FOIPN has strived for inclusion in all sectors of society and has also worked relentlessly to eliminate any form of discrimination.
Unfortunately, the draft bill tabled in Parliament excludes words such as ‘wife’, ‘husband’, ‘mother’ and ‘father’ which are being substituted by other terminology. The choice to eliminate the mentioned terminology actually goes against proper inclusion.
Inclusion brings about more rights and should not be the elimination of certain rights. It is therefore vital for changes to be made to the current proposed bill so that the law reflects the wishes, rights and aspirations of all persons, couples and families.
Inclusion in law gives room for the promotion of diversity, it is the first step in changing culture. An inclusive law will more easily be enforced through education, both formally in schools and informally outside schools and through mass media. As FOIPN put it, “Education is the key for an open mind and a kind heart.”
The Nationalist Party Parliamentary Group will be presenting amendments to this effect at Committee stage. Of course, if Muscat really wants to honour the President’s speech delivered in the opening session of the new parliamentary legislature and act for unity and dialogue, then the Government should back these amendments.
The amendments are simple and clear. Where the law states “wife” or “husband,” the new law should not just state “spouse” but ideally should opt for the more inclusive “wife, husband or spouse.” Similarly, where the law states “mother” or “father”, the law should not opt for the non-inclusive and less diverse “parent” but should give all three options “mother, father or parent.”
In other words, by promoting inclusion and diversity we cannot opt to exclude the majority.
The PN parliamentary group will vote in favour of this law not only because there is an electoral mandate by both parties to do so but above all because the group believes in the two fundamental principles of love and respect for all. Love comes in all forms, shapes and sizes and this we must all respect.
We can all quote love songs and poems on the beauty of love, its diversity and intriguing magic but we would be hypocrites if we opt to disrespect love in its different forms. Let us stop believing that our differences make us superior or inferior to one another.
This is an important step for our country and we must unite in the name of love and respect.
Claudette Buttigieg is a Nationalist MP