Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party said today that it is the only party for full equality on LGBT rights. AD said its manifesto will include proposals such as same-sex marriage, non-discrimination for IVF treatment and equal adoption rights for same-sex couples.
Angele Deguara, AD spokesperson for social policy and civil rights said, “Social justice, equality and civil rights are among the pillars on which AD is built. Just as AD was the first to put the right for divorce on the political agenda, it was also AD which came out with clear and progressive proposals in favour of LGBT rights.
“AD is in fact the only party which is fully endorsing all MGRM’s proposals. We believe that LGBT persons should be treated at par with heterosexual persons in every social aspect including where civil marriage, adoption and the right to IVF treatment are concerned. Rights, obligations, procedures and criteria which apply to straight persons and couples should also apply to LGBT persons and couples.
“This value of inclusion of the LGBT community should also be reflected in our schools. We also believe that the Constitution should be amended so that every form of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited. Above all we believe that politicians have the duty and the responsibility to raise public awareness about the rights of the LGBT community so that their inclusion will not take place only on a legal and political level but also on a social level, as it should.”
Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson, said, “Proposals such as same-sex marriage, non-discrimination for IVF and equal adoption rights for same-sex couples clearly show that AD is the only party for full equality regarding LGBT rights. AD welcomes the fact that both PN and PL have improved their policies on LGBT matters, but both parties still retain certain discriminatory policies. PN and PL have agreed to introduce IVF legislation which discriminates against persons such as lesbian couples and single persons.
“They also disagree with same-sex marriage and they have not taken AD’s proposal to change legislation to therefore clearly allow same-sex couples to adopt, if the couple is deemed fit for adoption by the experts of the government’s adoption and social services. Sexual orientation alone should not preclude couples from giving children the love and care that they need. Across the globe, it is not only the Greens who support proposals such as same-sex marriage but also other parties and politicians from different backgrounds, such as US President Obama, British Prime Minister Cameron and French President Hollande,” Michael Briguglio concluded.