Yesterday the Government capriciously denied the country a unanimous vote in favour of civil unions for the gay community. A unanimous vote was within reach but the government was determined not to let it be. This was an act of political bullying at its worst.

The Government barged ahead even though one of its own, President Emeritus Abela, informed the Prime Minister that he was not ready to put his signature to this bill. Labour MPs who internally showed their discontent were told to shut up. Since this was the attitude reserved for the Labour flock no one should be surprised that more of the same, and worse, was in store for the Opposition and the majority of the people was wanted a postponement of the measure on gay adoptions.

Both parties were in favour of civil unions. Both promised this measure in their respective electoral programmes. Government’s intention to create a rift was evident from the very beginning. In its electoral programme it promised civil unions. Then, probably as a result of a pre-electoral behind the scenes deal (undoubtedly one of many) proposed a bill for gay marriage in all but name. During the debate in Parliament it progressively increased the dose of insults hurled at the Opposition spokespersons. Government even refused to accept even technical amendments which would have manifestly improved the bill.

This notwithstanding the Nationalist opposition was ready to vote in favour of the bill, rightly reasoning out that the safeguarding of the members of the gay community was a measure for the common good which outweighed the technical and other shortcomings of the bill.

Eighty per cent of the population asked government to hold its breaks on the question of gay adoptions. People wanted more peace of mind that such a measure was in the best interest of children. The Opposition gave a voice to this massive but silent majority. Government did not give one hoot. It was bent on creating division.

Given this scenario the vote of abstention of the Opposition was the best possible option.

The Nationalist Opposition besides asking government to reach a consensus proposed its own measure in favour of the gay community. It proposed a constitutional amendment banning all discrimination based on sexual orientation. This very important constitutional provision was unanimously approved yesterday. Unfortunately the media all but ignored it giving all importance to Government’s divisive barging ahead and the charade organised for a few hundreds in St George’s Square.