In total, 153 couples have taken advantage of Malta’s 2014 law which legalised same-sex civil partnerships.

The law was introduced in April 2014, and legalised civil unions and adoption for same-sex couples.

It also meant recognition for marriages entered into abroad as civil unions, and recognition of foreign civil unions.

A parliamentary question answered by civil liberties minister Helena Dalli revealed that 120 couples have entered civil unions in Malta since 2014.

It also showed that 15 couples entered into civil unions abroad, returning to register their status in Malta.

A further 18 couples entered into same-sex marriages abroad and registered as civilly partnered in Malta.

Four same-sex couples have applied for and been approved for adoption in the country, and one couple had already adopted.