The National Commission for Human Rights and Equality Bill failed to pass through Parliament on Wednesday after it did not secure the required two-thirds majority, following a walkout by the Nationalist Opposition during the final vote.
According to a statement issued by the Partit Nazzjonalista, the Government proceeded with the final parliamentary vote despite repeated calls from the Opposition and 26 civil society organisations for more time to allow wider consultation and parliamentary scrutiny.
In a statement issued before the vote, the Nationalist Party reiterated that it supports the principles behind the legislation and agrees that Malta should have a strong, independent and credible institution to protect fundamental rights and promote equality. However, it argued that a reform of such constitutional and institutional significance requires broader consultation before becoming law.
The PN noted that 23 civil society organisations, NGOs and entities working in the fields of human rights and equality have appealed for the legislative process to be extended. The party said these organisations share concerns that Parliament should allow more time for detailed scrutiny and consultation, insisting that this is “not delay for the sake of delay, but an investment in the quality of a law that will safeguard the fundamental rights of the people.”
Among the organisations that publicly called for a formal consultation period are the Secretariat for Catholic Education, the Church Schools Association, the Malta Chamber of Pharmacists, Doctors for Life, and Life Network Malta. In their joint statement, they described the proposed legislation as “a legislation of major importance that affects fundamental rights, equality, protection against discrimination, and constitutional principles,” arguing that it “cannot be rushed.”
The coalition maintained that the amended draft of the Bill was published only recently, leaving insufficient time for NGOs, stakeholders and the public to analyse its contents, consult internally and propose amendments. It also argued that consultation during the Committee Stage would come too late, as many provisions would already have been decided.
Separately, Radju Marija Malta also appealed for the Bill to include explicit protections for religious organisations.
The PN renewed its appeal for the Government to pause the legislative process and engage in wider consultation, arguing that additional weeks or months of dialogue would strengthen the reform and increase public confidence in the final law.
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