Social Policy Minister John Dalli said today that an EU proposal for a directive on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment between persons, irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, was premature.

Speaking at a meeting of the EU’s Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, the minister said that although Malta backed the purposes of this proposed directive, its implications were very wide and needed long and detailed study.

The minister said there existed various interpretations and transpositions of existing anti-discrimination directives about which the member states were not clear.

Before moving forward, it was important that there was certainty on legal terms and competences.

Furthermore, Malta strongly felt that the proposal should not, in any way prejudice national practices in areas such as marriage, the family, sexual and reproductive rights.

In the talks which would be held, it was important that one considered the different realities in the various member states , Mr Dalli said.