The first ever civil union in Malta since the new law was voted in earlier this year has been registered.

In April the Maltese parliament voted to allow same sex couples to enter civil unions and adopt children, as well as amending its constitution to forbid discrimination against transgender people.

Kristina Galea Cavallazzi and Clara Borg were the first to enter into a civil union, and registered on Friday.

The Malta independent reported that the couple made vows to care for one another in front of friends and family.

The Civil Unions Act, which was signed in mid-April by President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, will also ensure that same sex couples who get married or enter into a partnership in another country will have that union legally recognized in Malta.