Gay marriages bill sails through first vote - government to reject opposition amendments

The gay marriages bill sailed through the first vote in Parliament this evening, backed by both the government and the opposition except for Nationalist MP Edwin Vassallo, who voted against in the second reading stage. A group of some 30 people held a silent protest outside the House while the vote was held. At the closing of the debate, Opposition leader Simon Busuttil spoke strongly in favour of the bill, saying MPs had a duty to grant and safeguard rights for all members of the community. If that conflicted with their religious beliefs, he said, they could then personally opt not to exercise those rights. Dr Busuttil, however, reiterated the Opposition’s calls for references to ‘mothers’ and ‘fathers’ not to be deleted from the law. The word ‘parent’ could be added to achieve the gender neutral purpose of the bill, he said. But Prime Minister Joseph Muscat disagreed, saying people could not be ‘categorised’. Dr Muscat also announced that the final vote on the bill would be taken on Wednesday. While the debate was being held, a group of some 30 people gathered outside Parliament in protest.  None of those present wanted to give comments, insisting that the placards they were...