The Parliament of the Mediterranean
nation of Malta will consider recognizing the relationships of gay
and lesbian couples, Malta
Today reported.
Lawmakers in Malta, which consists of
three inhabited islands off the coast of Italy and 18 minor
uninhabited islands, will discuss the proposal “shortly.”
“The bill on co-habitation in regards
to same-sex unions will be discussed in Cabinet within the Parliament
Group shortly,” justice minister Chris Said told the paper. “It
will be presented to Parliament soon after.”
“Government's position is that the
relationship between gay couples should be regulated by the law
regulating cohabitation including the institute of civil
partnership,” the minister added.
Malta achieved independence from the
British Empire in 1964 and became a republic in 1974. The nation was
admitted to the European Union in 2004.
A 2006 survey found that only 18
percent of respondents support legalizing gay marriage. However, a
2011 survey of university students found a majority (56.5%) in favor
marriage equality.
Currently, the island nation does not
recognize the relationships of gay couples.