The Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM) presented a petition to the Nationalist Party asking for formal recognition of the rights of same sex couples; the inclusion of an article in the Criminal Code regarding homophobic and transphobic violence, and a clear strategy addressing homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools; legal protection against discrimination in the delivery of goods and services expressly referring to the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression; the formal extension of the remit of the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality to cater for the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression; and the inclusion of gender reassignment surgery and hormone therapy for transgender persons as part of the public health services.

The meeting was attended by Education Minister Louis Galea, MEP Simon Busuttil and party general secretary Joe Saliba, an MGRM statement said. It was stated that the Nationalist Party is adamant that the definition of marriage is strictly that of a union between a man and a woman, and therefore same-sex marriage was out of the question. Nonetheless, the Nationalist Party is committed to addressing the rights of cohabitating persons – whether heterosexual couples, gay couples or siblings. The MGRM representatives made the point that the relationship between gay couples should not be equated to that between siblings.

The MGRM representatives said that they have contacted the Education Division with a proposal for a survey on anti-gay bullying in schools. Dr Galea indicated that such studies should ideally be conducted by the education authorities.

The PN representatives declared themselves to be in favour of anti-discrimination legislation relating to the provision of goods and services in principle, and stated that they would be willing to support an EU directive to this effect, the statement said.

The position expressed by the PN representatives during this meeting lays the groundwork for further constructive discussion in future. MGRM hopes that this will result in concrete policy actions should the Nationalist Party be re-elected, the statement said.