Same-sex civil unions in contemporary Malta : a sociological understanding

Abstract

This is a research study of fourteen same-sex couples, six couples who are in civil union and eight who are not, conducted in Malta following the legalisation of same-sex civil unions in Malta in April 2014. The focus of this study is the experiences of same-sex couples in civil unions. It examines whether and how the legalisation of civil union impacted same-sex partners’ commitment to each other, their presentation to others as a couple, and their being treated as a family by others. This dissertation explores the meaning and impact of the Civil Unions Act for same-sex couple relationships, their decisions about entering or not entering in Civil Union. Since all participating couples who are in Civil Union have marked their commitment with a public ceremony, this study also examines the meaning of their ceremony of commitment. Decisions to legally commit themselves in Civil Union were based on gaining legal protections, presentation to others and acceptance as a committed couple. The study explores the link between politics and same-sex civil unions as well as the relationship between public spaces and the private and personal civil union experience.