Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/841483
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 25 JUNE 2017 6 News JURGEN BALZAN A landmark law introducing full marriage equality for same-sex couples will be the first deed of the second Joseph Muscat administra- tion. The Marriage Act and other Laws (Amendment) Act, that will also allow husbands to adopt their wife's surname, will be the first Bill to be debated in the House when Parliament convenes for its first sitting tomorrow. The law is set to be unanimously approved, with all parties in Parlia- ment agreeing with the introduc- tion of marriage equality. In comments to MaltaToday policy chief Silvan Agius explained that the amendments will not only take into account the rights of ho- mosexuals, but also those of het- erosexuals. "Firstly it is important to clarify that the adoption of the Marriage Act and other Laws (Amendment) Act, 2017 will not lead to the end of civil unions as an institution," Agius said, adding that following its adoption the existing exclu- sion of gay and lesbian couples from the institution of marriage will cease. "Indeed, following the introduction of civil unions and cohabitation rights during the past legislature, all couples, regardless of sexuality or gender, will now be able to select the form of institu- tion that is most appropriate for them," he said. Moreover, Agius said that the Bill is not limited to marriage equality for same-sex couples. "The surname regime for married couples will move away from the current patriarchal model where in heterosexual marriages only the wife may assume the surname of her husband. This Bill therefore brings about equality for hetero- sexual couples too, at least in terms of the surname regime." In addition, the law envisages the modernisation of marriage cer- emonies and will allow among oth- Marriage equality not limited to same-sex Policy chief Silvan Agius (left) and equality minister Helena Dalli (right) piloted the marriage law amendments