Maltese Politician: Legal Rights Cannot Be Reduced to Plumbing

Helena Dalli

Helena Dalli

Malta’s Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs, and Civil Liberties quoted Sr. Jeannine Gramick of New Ways Ministry in that nation’s debate over a civil unions bill now being considered.

Minister Helena Dalli’s remarks were made after the bill passed a second reading in parliament, which she commended. Malta Independent reports:

“Quoting a Catholic nun, she said the argument that gays cannot be a couple because their bodies do not fit together and they do not procreate reduces everything to a matter of ‘plumbing’.

“Ultimately, the aim of the Bill is to bring about recognition of all couples, including gays. Scrutiny is being increased as gay couples, rather than individuals, will appear before the Adoptions Board. Moreover, children being brought up by a gay couple are being due respect.”

Sister Jeannine Gramick

Sister Jeannine Gramick

Sister Jeannine had made the comment when she spoke at meetings in Malta on a visit there in 2011, sponsored by Drachma, an LGBT Catholic group on the island nation.

Dalli has previously spoken out for LGBT equality in the heavily Catholic nation, saying discrimination must be actively worked against for all enjoy the right to a happy life.

Elsewhere, the proposal to legalize civil unions has caused one auxiliary bishop to make harsh comments against the LGBT community, including one which said Pope Francis was “shocked” about gay couples adopting. Drachma and its partner organization for parents of LGBT people, Drachma parents, have released statements endorsing the bill as faithful Catholics and saying that ‘Being gay is a gift from God.’

–Bob Shine, New Ways Ministry

3 replies
  1. Friends
    Friends says:

    As to the above remark, I need to quote the comment of the famous (and proudly gay) Canadian singer-songwriter, Rufus Wainwright:”You tell me that the pieces don’t fit? Oh, believe me: they fit!” Enough said…LOL!

    Reply

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  1. […] They helped consult on the civil unions law, pushing back against a bishop’s criticism, They hosted Sr. Jeannine Gramick in 2011 to educate about LGBT equality in the church. They also hosted […]

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