Same-sex marriage: ‘We never imagined that this would happen in our lifetime’

Elaine and Roann Micallef Avallone look back on how their lives were changed by the introduction of same-sex marriage five years ago. 

Five years ago, as the sun began to set on another hot sweltering day, Castille Square was buzzing with people.

The once beige and grey square transformed into an explosion of colour, as people carried rainbow flags, waving them proudly in the air or wearing them as capes.

Elaine (left) and Roann on their wedding day in 2019. Photo: Therese Debono

Just a stone’s throw away, MPs were casting a vote to introduce same-sex marriage through the new Marriage Equality Act.

Parliament approved the bill by an overwhelming majority, with just one MP, the PN’s Edwin Vassallo, voting against.

Malta became the 15th EU state to introduce same-sex marriage, four years after bringing in civil unions to same-sex couples and just six years after the introduction of divorce.

Auberge de Castille lit up in rainbow colours and sported the words “We made history”, as fireworks illuminated the night sky.

Among the hundreds celebrating were Elaine Micallef and Roann Avallone. Celebrating the huge milestone with them, was their eldest daughter and other family...