WATCH: HUNDREDS CHEER AS MALTA LEGALISES GAY UNIONS

Hundreds of people celebrated in the streets of Malta’s capital Valletta as same-sex civil unions were legalised in the tiny European nation on Monday.

Minutes earlier, the Maltese parliament had passed legislation allowing same-sex couples to enter into partnerships and adopt children.

As pro-gay legislators, some waving small rainbow flags and one wearing a rainbow scarf, walked out onto Palace Square outside Parliament, around 1,000 people erupted into joyful cheers and celebration.

The new law will ensure same-sex couples have the same benefits and rights as heterosexual married couples and controversially will also allow gay people to adopt children as a couple.

The crowd also booed opposition lawmakers who had abstained from voting on the legislation as they left the parliamentary building.

Located near Italy in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is one of the world’s smallest and most densely populated countries.

Watch the celebrations below.