People with disabilities in Malta will soon enjoy stronger constitutional protections after Parliament unanimously approved a landmark amendment to the country’s highest law.The Bill, tabled by Minister for Inclusion Julia Farrugia, will add disability as a protected characteristic under the Constitution, allowing people with disabilities to seek constitutional redress if their fundamental rights are violated or if they face discrimination.While rights for persons with disabilities are already protected through Malta’s international commitments and other laws, the Constitution did not previously provide a direct avenue for constitutional claims based on disability discrimination.Describing the vote as a historic milestone, Farrugia said the amendment confirms “in the highest law of the country” that persons with disabilities are an integral part of Maltese society.She compared the move to the constitutional amendments introduced in 2014 that strengthened protections for LGBTIQ+ people, saying the latest reform also restores dignity and recognition to a community that has long fought for equal treatment.The minister stressed that the amendment is only one part of a wider package of reforms.Government plans also include expanding personal assistance services and personal budgets to promote independent living, alongside stronger anti-discrimination laws, improved enforcement procedures and better access to justice for persons with disabilities.The constitutional amendment was approved unanimously by Parliament, marking a rare show of cross-party support for strengthening disability rights in Malta.What do you make of this inclusion?•