UOM Students in Favour of SameSex Marriage

A MOVE survey held between 3/10/11 and 7/10/11 among 704 correspondents showed that the majority of university students are in favour of same sex marriage but against adoption by same sex couples. The survey boasts a percentage of 56.5% in agreement to same sex marriage, while a staggering 51.1% are in disagreement towards adoption by same sex couples.

In a debate held this afternoon, Sliema’s deputy mayor and LGBT activist Cyrus Engerer said that he was happy to see that university students are in touch with the current reality; despite the mind set which exists within parliament. Labour MP Owen Bonnici reiterated Engerer’s delight: “It is a pleasure to see reason taking the place of prejudice when it comes to such issues.”

The survey showed a clear rise in progressive thinking in comparison to surveys held in 2009 and 2010 as hailed by Nationalist MP Karl Gouder. Also present throughout the debate was MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando who linked such issues to the divorce debate. JPO showed displeasure towards the segmentation of minorities throughout the political parties – with a direct reference towards the Labour Party’s LGBT segment.

Labour’s Owen Bonnici described Labour’s LGBT section as a “necessary evil” which is of long term benefit, in response to the urgency to raise awareness of such issues. While Cyrus Engerer raised concern with regards to the contrast between the policy taken abroad to the laid-back attitude taken in Malta. Speaking on the behalf of the Nationalist Party, Karl Gouder ratified that PN are discussing the issue and the need to do more.

University of Malta’s LGBT student organisation ‘We Are’ were unable to attend the debate due to other commitments, commenting that despite they have not yet formed their understanding on the issue – they are pleased to receive such an initiative.