A coalition of NGOs and civil society organisations has called on the Maltese Government to introduce a formal public consultation period on the Equality Bill published on 7 July 2026, arguing that the legislation is too significant to be rushed through Parliament.
In a joint press statement, the organisations describe the proposed law as “a legislation of major importance that affects fundamental rights, equality, protection against discrimination, and constitutional principles.”
They insist that such legislation “cannot be rushed,” stressing that it requires sufficient time for meaningful public discussion before any final parliamentary decision is taken.
The statement notes that the amended draft was published only days ago, making it unreasonable to expect NGOs, stakeholders and members of the public to properly analyse the text, consult on its implications and submit amendments within such a short timeframe.
It argues that while the Government had months to prepare the legislation, civil society and Parliament should be given the same reasonable opportunity to examine it.
The coalition also maintains that consultation during the Committee Stage would come too late, as many clauses and amendments would already be decided. It therefore urges that stage to be deferred to allow an open, transparent consultation process so that public input can be properly reflected before Parliament votes.
The statement is signed by representatives of the Secretariat for Catholic Education, the Church Schools Association, the Malta Chamber of Pharmacists, Doctors for Life, and Life Network Malta.
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