The Malta Gay Rights Movement presented its petition - supported by over 1,000 signatures - to all political parties contesting the General Elections of 8th March 2008. This is how the respective parties responded to each of the five requests made.

Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) - The Green Party

Meeting held on 18th February 2008 with Dr Harry Vassallo - Chairperson, and Dr Ing Patrick Attard - gay candidate.

1. Formal recognition of the rights of same-sex couples - In favour of civil partnerships that would grant rights akin to those enjoyed by married couples but marriage is excluded by definition.

2. Criminalisation of homophobic and transphobic bullying and a clear strategy addressing such bullying in schools - In favour, but no clear strategy proposed.

3. Legal protection against discrimination in the provision of goods and services - In favour.

4. Formal extension of the remit of NCPE to include sexual orientation - In favour; NCPE should act as the national equality body.

5. Gender reassignment surgery and hormone therapy under public health services - In favour, but other priorities need to be considered.

Azzjoni Nazzjonali (AN)

Meeting held on 27th February 2008 with Dr Josie Muscat - Leader, and Mr Angelo Xuereb - Deputy Leader.

1. Formal recognition of the rights of same-sex couples - In favour of civil partnerships that would grant some rights but no right to social benefits enjoyed by married couples. Marriage is excluded by definition. Adoption rights are strictly out of the question.

2. Criminalisation of homophobic and transphobic bullying and a clear strategy addressing such bullying in schools - In favour, but no clear strategy proposed.

3. Legal protection against discrimination in the provision of goods and services - In favour, provided that the State is exempted from any obligations.

4. Formal extension of the remit of NCPE to include sexual orientation - No official position on NCPE.

5. Gender reassignment surgery and hormone therapy under public health services - Against; Considers gender reassignment surgery to be similar to cosmetic surgery.

Malta Labour Party (MLP)

Meeting held on 3rd March 2008 with Dr Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi - President, and Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca - Shadow Minister for Social Soliderity.

1. Formal recognition of the rights of same-sex couples - In favour of recognition of same-sex families and same-sex partnerships. Adoption rights are not categorically excluded but marriage is excluded by definition.

2. Criminalisation of homophobic and transphobic bullying and a clear strategy addressing such bullying in schools - In favour, but no clear strategy proposed.

3. Legal protection against discrimination in the provision of goods and services - In favour; Would consider introduction of legislation to this effect.

4. Formal extension of the remit of NCPE to include sexual orientation - In favour; Would implement.

5. Gender reassignment surgery and hormone therapy under public health services - No official position; Has not yet been discussed at Party level.

Nationalist Party (PN)

Meeting held on 25th February 2008 with Joe Saliba - General Secretary, Dr Louis Galea - Minister of Education, and Dr Simon Busuttil - MEP.

1. Formal recognition of the rights of same-sex couples - In favour of recognition of rights of cohabitating persons. Distinction between cohabitating couples and siblings is vague. Marriage is excluded by definition. Adoption rights are out of the question.

2. Criminalisation of homophobic and transphobic bullying and a clear strategy addressing such bullying in schools - In favour, but no clear strategy proposed.

3. Legal protection against discrimination in the provision of goods and services - In favour in principle; Would support an EU Directive to this effect.

4. Formal extension of the remit of NCPE to include sexual orientation - In favour; Is part of Electoral Manifesto (Proposal No. 235).

5. Gender reassignment surgery and hormone therapy under public health services - No official position; Has not yet been discussed at Party level.