Human Rights and Equality Bill Fails to Pass Parliament Amid Gender Protection Concerns
· Updated
In brief
- A proposed Human Rights and Equality Bill did not pass through Parliament, with NET News reporting the government "hardened its stance."
- The Malta Women’s Lobby had warned that a specific change in the bill could weaken existing gender equality protections.
- Another group, UDN, criticised the legislative proposal, stating it would increase discrimination rather than reduce it.
A proposed Human Rights and Equality Bill has failed to pass through Parliament. NET News reported that the bill did not advance after the government "hardened its stance" on the legislative proposal.
Earlier, the Malta Women’s Lobby (MWL) had expressed concerns that a major change within the new Human Rights and Equality Bill could inadvertently weaken existing gender equality protections. While generally supporting the establishment of Malta’s first National Commission for Human Rights and Equality, the MWL highlighted specific aspects they believed could be detrimental.
Further criticism came from UDN, which described the legislative proposal as one that would "increase discrimination and injustice instead of reducing them." These concerns from civil society groups appear to have played a role in the bill's parliamentary outcome.
The Human Rights and Equality Bill was defeated in Parliament today after members of the Opposition walked out during the vote. This development follows widespread calls for further consultation on the proposed legislation.
Earlier, the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry had urged Parliament to postpone the vote, citing concerns that the bill required more discussion. Similarly, the UĦM Voice of the Workers appealed for consultation, joining other non-governmental organisations and insurers who had expressed disappointment and raised concerns about the bill's implications.
The Spin Room
Medium media divide. NET News highlighted the widespread calls for consultation and disappointment from NGOs, framing the bill as contentious and problematic. MaltaToday reported the factual outcome of the bill's defeat and the Opposition's walkout, while also noting the concerns raised by various groups. Some outlets did not cover the bill's defeat or the calls for delay/consultation.
- NET News: Emphasised the 'chorus of condemnations' and the appeals from NGOs and the UĦM for consultation, suggesting significant opposition to the bill.
- MaltaToday: Focused on the bill's defeat in Parliament due to the Opposition's walkout, and reported on the concerns raised by the Malta Chamber, NGOs, and insurers.
Updates
- : Updated with reactions from ADPD, Repubblika, and Equality Minister Rosianne Cutajar following the bill's failure in parliament.
- : Updated with criticism of the bill from political party Momentum and The Shift News, who raised concerns about its lack of safeguards and substance.