Malta: Parliament to kick off with gay marriage debate

Parliament will instantly start debating a bill to introduce gay marriage as soon as it reconvenes on 26 June, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat confirmed.

Speaking on One Radio, Muscat said that Marriage Equality Bill is being polished up and will be presented for both its first and second readings as soon as Parliament reconvenes for what will be its 13th legislature since Malta’s Independence.

The Marriage Equality Bill will not only legalise gay marriage but streamline marriage legislation across the board, a move that will allow husbands to adopt their wives’ surnames.

“This Bill is a dream of mine and we have now been given a very strong mandate to continue improving equality in this country,” Muscat said. “My aim is for the Bill to pass into law before Parliament breaks for summer recess.” Read more via Malta Today