First bill in parliament will constitutionally protect people with disabilities

The first bill tabled to parliament this legislature plans to amend the constitution to protect people with disabilities from discrimination, the minister responsible Julia Farrugia, said. 

The new parliamentary session was inaugurated on Saturday, following last month's general election. At the end of the session, disability rights minister Farrugia tabled the bill. 

“This law will amend the constitution so that no person in our country can be discriminated against on the basis of their disability,” she said. 

Farrugia said once the law is published, the opposition and stakeholders will have seven days to analyse the bill before the parliamentary debate on the amendments begins. 

Since the bill would change the constitution, the opposition would also have to back the amendments, as two-thirds support from the House will be needed if it is to go through. 

It is understood that the bill, currently in its earliest stage of the parliamentary process, would amend the section of the constitution related to fundamental rights. 

Currently, the law explicitly prohibits discrimination based on: race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, creed, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

The changes as currently envisaged would include disability in that explicit list.