The Cohabitation Bill, due to be announced later today by Justice Minister Chris Said, will provide for some rights to gay couples, but it will be far from recognition of gay partnerships, informed sources said.

The Bill is expected to provide for registration of gay couples. As a consequence, a gay partner from a non-EU country would enjoy work and residence rights in Malta, the sources said.

Registered couples would also enjoy next of kin rights, such as hospital visitation rights when such rights are limited to immediate family.

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