Alternattiva Demokratika- The Green Party has congratulated MEPs Simon Busuttil and David Casa on their vote in the European Parliament in favour of the rights of non married couples.

Though referring to ambiguous wording in the amendments, the PL MEPs seem to be ultimately in favour of this legislation while the PN MEPs have voted in favour. AD said it welcomes the fact that the other parties are coming around to endorsing the beliefs it has been talking about for years.

Arnold Cassola, AD Chairperson and MEP election candidate stated, “We are extremely satisfied to see that the two Nationalist MEPs have voted in favour of amendments recognising the need for laws on cohabitation, including those of gay couples. This means that the two PN MEPs are now aligning themselves on the positions of Alternattiva Demokratika, that has been insisting for years that the social and legal rights of non married couple, including registered civil partnerships, should be granted immediately.”

Prof Cassola concluded, “This vote is also an example of the importance of having different political voices represented in the European Parliament, and the value of compromise and consensus across the board. The PN MEPs, in fact, voted in conjunction not only with the Socialists and Greens, but also with the Communists, who are at the antipodes of their political beliefs.”

Yvonne Ebejer Arqueros, Alternattiva Demokratika Spokesperson on Civil Rights and an AD candidate for European Elections, added, “Now that the Nationalist MEPs have voted in favour in Europe, it is time for the PN to apply concretely these measures in Malta. To start off with, non married couples, including same sex couples, should be included in the provisions of the rent law at present being discussed in parliament. AD will continue insisting on the introduction of civil-partnership legislation in Malta.”