Although there are people who are constantly defending ‘values’ while at the same time insisting that even the most basic rights for minorities are ignored, I have met many people who understand that everybody should be treated humanely and equally.
The picture of a conservative Malta is a façade maintained very well by certain parties, but the reality on the ground is thankfully very different.
One example is government’s and conservative candidates’ rhetoric about values. When push comes to shove these same people act differently. The maternity leave issue is a case in point, with the government resisting at EU level a respectable minimum leave period for all EU and thus for all Maltese and Gozitan mothers.
Another issue which needs addressing is the granting of rights to partners: those who choose to register their relationship officially. I cannot understand those who resist granting basic rights such as visitation rights in hospital, inheritance etc. to adult people of whatever gender or type of relationship, who choose, freely and willingly to commit themselves to one another in the eyes of the law. It is more about duties than rights in fact – a duty towards one another. Civil partnerships are a sign of a civil society.
Any comments?
If you wish your comments to be published in our Letters pages please click button below. Please write a contact number and a postal address where you may be contacted.
Search:
MALTATODAY
BUSINESSTODAY
Download MaltaToday Sunday issue front page in pdf file format
All the interviews from Reporter on MaltaToday's YouTube channel.
