PN’s civil unions stance ‘dictated by political convenience’

The Nationalist Party’s decision to abstain on a crucial vote in parliament was down to “political convenience” and not out of conviction, according to the Labour Party.

Although all members of the PN’s parliamentary group abstained on the vote approving civil unions and adoptions by gay couples, PN MP Claudette Buttigieg said she tried convincing the rest of the group to vote in favour.

But due to the divergent opinions, the end solution was for the parliamentary group to abstain and remain united.

According to the Labour Party, the position taken by PN leader Simon Busuttil was “an insult” to everyone who supports and believes in equal rights for all.

“Simon Busuttil has chosen his party’s interests over the people. It is evident that the PN is divided over the issues that make of Malta a modern country,” Labour said.

Echoing the Prime Minister’s comments, the PL said Busuttil wanted “a la carte equality”, choosing which rights homosexual couples should enjoy. It added that the PN’s civil rights credentials had suffered a blow under Busuttil’s leadership.