The past few days marked a very important milestone for the Nationalist Party. On Monday, the parliamentary group as well as the party’s executive committee agreed to vote in favour of the Civil Union Bill but propose a number of amendments aimed at distinguishing this kind of union from marriage and at making it a better law.

The ensuing discussion was very interesting. It shows that the party’s regeneration is on course and that it is truly a party where the ‘unity in diversity’ is engrained in its DNA.  We now look forward to contribute to the discussion that will take place in Parliament in the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, last Wednesday, Parliament started debating the Private Member’s Bill proposed by MP Claudette Buttigieg, approved by our group, which will lead to the entrenchment in our Constitution of the principle that no one can discriminate against any LGBT person on the basis of sexual orientation. From how the discussion evolved it seems that gender identity will also be included, which, in my opinion, is also something very positive.

Unfortunately, despite all the openness and personal freedom today’s society boasts of, we are still faced with numerous cases of discriminatory acts against LGBTI persons. We have heard of cases where gay teachers were not allowed to work in particular schools simply because of their sexual orientation. No one could point a finger at them. No one could accuse them of acting indecently or abusing their power. However, simply because they were gays, they were discriminated against.

The health sector is another area where cases of discrimination have surfaced. I have learned of instances where hospital receptionists and health professionals quizzed gay people either because they were perceived to be gay or because they were openly gay. I am truly amazed that almost 30 years since the emergence of AIDS and HIV, gay people are still not allowed to donate blood because they are classified as a high-risk group. I admit that my medical knowledge is limited, but I am baffled how, with all the advancement in medical equipment, the emphasis on precaution and with the increase in information and education on this condition, in all these years we haven’t found a solution to this situation which must be very embarrassing to responsible people who happen to be homosexuals.

It is worrying that a survey published last year by EU showed that almost 50 per cent of the LGBTI community in the EU perceive discrimination on the basis of orientation and gender identity. On the other hand, the EU has made great strides over the years in combating discrimination on many fronts including sexual orientation and gender identity. It is imperative that such a momentum is kept so that we will truly achieve an EU where all citizens feel comfortable living and working.

The Nationalist Party’s stand on both issues augurs well for further development in the party’s policies in other areas that affect society. Admittedly, such evolvement may not go down well with all. It may also be misunderstood or interpreted as a dismissal of principles or beliefs. I don’t think so. The Nationalist Party has always put the person at the centre of all the policies and initiatives it has taken. With these important steps we are ensuring that individuals are given the necessary legal protection irrespective of the choices they make in their life. The steps we have taken should also be seen as the continuous opening up of the party to all those who want to be part of it. It is only by doing this and by remaining a person-centred party that we ensure that the PN remains ‘a people’s party’, as it has always been throughout its history.

Charlo’ Bonnici is the PN spokesperson for sustainable development and the environment