The Nationalist Party has launched its own open consultation process on the Bill on establishing the Equality Act and the National Commission for Human Rights.
The announcement comes just over a month since the PN Opposition blocked this Bill from passing by staging a walk-out when it was time to vote for its approval.
The Bill required a two-thirds majority, though the Opposition had blocked the Bill's enactment into law after repeated calls were made by independent NGOs to take the Bill back to the drawing board.
Just prior to the walk-out, Opposition Whip Ivan Castillo had stated that the government was ignoring public calls for an open consultation to be opened on this Bill, telling Parliament that "if the government decides to remain stubborn and go for a vote, we will be walking out to force this to go out for consultation."
"The government ignored these appeals and continued to insist on putting the Bill to a final vote. The Bill failed to secure the required two-thirds majority and therefore did not pass through Parliament," the PN said.
On Wednesday, over a month since this episode, the PN has launched its own dedicated platform where it is inviting social partners, civil society organisations, experts, professionals, affected communities and all interested individuals to submit their views, concerns, and proposals for this reform.
"The Nationalist Party is now doing what the government failed to do: listen," it said.
It said that it believes in safeguarding human rights, promoting equality, and combating all forms of discrimination.
The Nationalist Party said it also believes "in the need for a strong, independent and impartial National Commission that enjoys public confidence and can fulfil its responsibilities without political interference."
"However, a law that affects fundamental rights, employees and employers, educational institutions, businesses, professionals and society as a whole cannot be drawn up and passed hastily, without genuine consultation," the PN said Wednesday.
The party noted how earlier in July, the government "attempted to rush this Bill through crucial parliamentary stages within a matter of days, shortly before Parliament adjourned for the summer recess," doing so despite appeals being made by the Opposition itself and numerous organisations.
These organisations - which included social partners, human rights organisations, employers' representatives, trade unions, church schools and professional bodies - had publicly requested for more time to be given for the proper analysis and consultation of this Bill.
The PN said that its consultation process looks to collect a broad range of experiences and concrete proposals that relate to, among other things, "the Commission's independence and composition, the protection of fundamental rights, investigation and redress procedures, legal certainty and the law's practical impact on different sectors."
"All submissions will be considered by the Nationalist Party and will help shape its position and any amendments that may be tabled when the legislative process resumes," the PN sai.
Parties and individuals interested in participating in the PN's open consultation on this Bill can do so through this link. The deadline for submissions is Friday, 18 September 2026.
The PN is inviting everyone interested in this reform to share their views and submit proposals through this consultation platform.
"Serious reform is not built by the Government deciding everything in advance and then expecting everyone else to accept it. It is built through dialogue, the expertise of those working in the field and a fair balance between everyone's rights and responsibilities," the PN concluded.
The statement was signed by the Opposition's Shadow Minister for Equality and Civil Rights, Graziella Attard Previ.