Maltese president refuses to sign bill allowing gay civil unions and expanding gay adoption
VALLETTA, Malta , – The president of Malta, George Abela , has created shockwaves by citing “moral grounds” in refusing to sign a bill that would create homosexual civil unions and allow same-sex partners to jointly adopt children in the tiny Mediterranean country. Opposition politicians have accused the president of playing “divisive politics,” the Times of Malta reports . The delay will likely be short, however, with President-elect Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca having already said she will have “no problem” endorsing the bill. The former family and social solidarity minister, she takes office April 4. Maltese President George Abela “I was part of the Cabinet that approved that Bill and I know that it was an electoral commitment made by this government prior to the election so I will have no problem signing the Bill,” she told the Times . She added that since single homosexuals could already adopt children in Malta, the change in the bill was inconsequential. A colu