This morning Parliament unanimously approved the Civil Partnership Bill, which will bring the right for same-sex partners to formally establish legal unions. Both sides of the house welcomed the introduction of civil partnerships, being extremely verbal on their distaste towards discrimination against same sex couples.

Commenting on the bill, Chairman of the Equality Rights Group Felix Alvarez said, ‘We heartily thank the Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, the Deputy Chief Minister, Joseph Garcia, and all the Cabinet of Ministers, whether GSLP or Liberals, for delivering on their electoral promise to do justice to the LGB community. Their support and commitment has been both apparent and welcome. We would also be remiss if we did not thank both the local and international media whose role in bringing information to the people, and engaging the necessary social dialogue that has been necessary to bring change has been pivotal.’

Mr. Alvarez, who was present in parliament this morning along with a selection of other ERG members, added that it has taken almost fourteen years to bring justice to the gay and lesbian community of Gibraltar.

He continued, ‘Yet, there is a way to go. Of that there is no doubt. Goods and services anti-discrimination provisions still await introduction and we trust they will be enacted before the current parliamentary term comes to a close. But, above all, there is a way to go because today we signal our continuing determination to care for the human and civil rights of all in this community who are still aggrieved by injustice.

‘Caring cannot be limited to ourselves, but must extend to others. And we hope that this tangible proof that determination and fighting against injustice does, in the end, pay off will also inspire and strengthen others in independent civil society organisations to redouble their efforts. And for all of us to show solidarity with others across our population.’

The group has arranged for a Civil Partnership celebration Party to be carried out at The Island as from 11pm on Friday 28^th March.