L-Erbgħa, 1 ta’ Frar 2012

Flimkien: Iltqajt ma' persuna....gay

M'għandna dritt inpoġġu lil Ħadd ġo ghetto
http://ms.maltadiocese.org/WEBSITE/2012/FLIMKIEN/Flimkien_Frar.pdf
Frar 2012, Numru 87, pġ 9, minn Ftaħt Għajnejja

Iltqajt ma’ persuna … mimlija sentimenti sbieħ, b’qalb li taf tħobb, edukata, b’ħajja mimlija valuri u b’potenzjal kbir; persuna li tieħu gost tkun magħha. U skoprejt li din il-persuna hi … gay.

U ħassejtni nistħi minni nnifsi. Ħassejt sens ta’ ħtija talli ħsibt li kelli d-dritt niġġudika, nikkundanna u nwaqqa’ għaċ-ċajt lil persuni gay, u talli npoġġi lil kulħadd fl-istess keffa.

Qed ngħid hekk għax kont naħseb li kull persuna omosesswali kienet rappreżentata
biss fil-parati tal-gay pride u f’dak li hu pervers, u nsejt li anki l-eterosesswali (dawk li mhumiex gay) xi drabi jagħmlu hekk u anki agħar.

Kont naħseb ukoll li persuna tkun omosesswali tort tagħha, għax kienet tgħix ċertu tip ta’ ħajja, imma skoprejt li bejn l-10 u t-12 fil-mija tal-popolazzjoni jitwieldu hekk. Skoprejt ukoll li l-familja fejn tkun trabbiet m’għandha tort ta’ xejn u l-persuna gay m’għandha l-ebda kontroll fuq jekk għandhiex tkun gay jew le għax fl-aħħar mill-aħħar tkun twieldet hekk.

U jekk m’għandi l-ebda dritt (anzi ħaġa ta’ min jikkundannaha) li naqta’ missoċjetà u nidħak b’persuna li hi differenti minni jew għandha xi diżabbiltà, għaliex naħseb li għandi dritt nagħmel hekk lil persuna li twieldet omosesswali?

Ħassejt li għandi nikteb għax dan l-episodju lili tani tbeżbiża qawwija.

Għaliex ngħidu li aħna nsara jekk minflok komprensjoni, tolleranza u mħabba lejn il-minoranzi li jkunu għaddejjin minn tbatija kbira, nagħmluha tal-maġistrati u tal-imħallfin?

Bħal ma qal saċerdot Taljan dan l-aħħar fuq it-televiżjoni waqt diskussjoni fuq is-suġġett: “Aħna m’għanda dritt inpoġġu lil ħadd ġo ghetto; m’għandniex id-dritt naqtgħu lil xi ħadd mis-soċjetà. Imma d-dover tan-nisrani fuq l-eżempju ta’ Kristu hu li joħroġ, jiltaqa’, jisma’ u jgħin lil kull
bniedem emarġinat.”

Dan hu l-appell li nixtieq nagħmel lil kull saċerdot u lil kull nisrani: Bħalma qegħdin nippruvaw nagħdru, inħobbu u ngħinu liddrogati, il-prostituti, il-ħabsin, ir-rifuġjati u minoranzi oħra, ejjew nippruvaw nagħtu jdejna lill-persuna gay li kull ma tixtieq hu li tgħix ħajja verament umana, fil-paċi.

Tajjeb niftakru li dak li jidher ‘il bogħod minna, jista’ jkun viċin ħafna tad-dar u l-għeżież tagħna.

[Flimkien hi Rivista ta’ kull xahar maħruġa mill-Kulleġġ tal-Kappillani u titqassam b’xejn lill-familji Maltin kollha.]


Times: Minister, gay movement to meet over hate crime

Talks follow attack on two girls
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120129/local/Minister-gay-movement-to-meet-over-hate-crime.404259
Sunday, January 29, 2012, by Sarah Carabott



Protestors in Ħamrun on Thursday called against all forms of hate crime. Photo: Jason Borg

The Justice Minister will this week meet Malta Gay Rights Movement members to discuss the inclusion of gay hate crime in Maltese law.

The social network community has been calling for more extensive legislation which includes hate crime on the basis of sexual orientation.

The pressure grew after The Sunday Times reported last week that two girls were attacked by two teenage boys because of their sexual orientation.

On Thursday, nine organisations and NGOs, in collaboration with the Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM), presented proposals for more inclusive legislation.

When contacted, a Justice Ministry spokesman said the legislation being demanded forms part of Bill 97/2010 called 'An Act to amend various laws relating to criminal matters'.

The House Business Committee has yet to decide when to bring it up for the second reading. But although the organisations are calling for amendments to some five articles of the law (and the Press Act), the Bill is proposing amendments to two.

The ministry spokesman directed the newspaper to two proposed amendments, which include adding 'homophobia' to 'xenophobia' as motivation for an offence.

The proposals presented by the organisations are more comprehensive and include the 'Condoning, denying or trivialising crimes against peace against a group' section.

A ministry spokesperson said Justice Minister Chris Said will this week meet members of the Malta Gay Rights Movement to discuss various issues, including legislation of hate crime on the basis of sexual orientation.

Currently, the only legal protection gay people have refers to discrimination in terms of harassment. The part of the law that speaks about hate crime is limited to racial hatred.

[Click on the hyperlink above to view the comments on the Times' website.]

Times: Big electoral issues that will be tackled (1)

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120123/letters/Big-electoral-issues-that-will-be-tackled-1-.403489
Monday, January 23, 2012, by Henry Pace, Sliema

The year 2011 was turbulent with the electorate being called to vote on the divorce issue.

A backbencher on the government side presented a Private Member's Bill to the Speaker of the House. It was considered by one and all, as Archbishop Paul Cremona said, "a bolt from the blue".

The Prime Minister seemed to be held to ransom unless this Bill were discussed in Parliament or put to a referendum. The Leader of the Opposition took every opportunity to make this issue his own because since taking the leadership of the Labour Party he pronounced himself in favour of a divorce law even though at the same time he declares that he is a practising Catholic.

Archbishop Cremona stated (March 19, 2011 "The Church expects and urges those who profess to be its members, to contribute to this debate according to their Christian values as proclaimed by Our Lord Jesus Christ; otherwise they would be living a contradiction".

The question put to the electorate was rushed through Parliament and seemed to be a dishonest one. Only 73 per cent went out to vote.

The result is known to all, as 53 per cent were in favour of the divorce motion as presented by the Leader of the Opposition with the support of a government MP who had presented the Private Members' Bill the year before.

The general election beckons in the coming months or so. It is to be said that soon after the divorce law was enacted new ideas were cropping up on the issue of gay and lesbian rights where it is being proposed that "same-sex" unions should be legalised.

The Leader of the Opposition expressed himself in favour of new legislation to give these people such rights.

Whenever such issues are pronounced by the Opposition party it seems that it has no other election issues of importance other than the utility bills. Political parties should be going to the electorate with a clear vision and a well-formulated electoral manifesto. However, these issues will be decided by the electorate when the time is ripe. The most important issue in the next general election for those who consider themselves as truly practising Catholics are the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Catholic voters of goodwill would be looking for the truth to enable them to decide who to vote for. People get confused when they hear certain personalities prominent in political parties and around our Church hierarchy expressing themselves in favour of such legislation. We may recall what took place when certain "learned" theologians spoke in favour of the divorce law.

Prima facie, the majority of the Maltese declare themselves to be practising Catholics.

However, a well-formed Christian conscience does not permit one to vote for a political programme or a politician that contradicts the fundamental contents of faith and morals. Some things are always wrong, and no one may vote in favour of them, directly or indirectly. Citizens vote in favour of these evils or in favour of candidates who propose to advance them. Thus, Catholics should not vote for anyone who intends to push programmes or laws that are intrinsically evil.

The five non-negotiable issues are abortion, euthanasia, foetal stem cell research, human cloning and homosexual marriage.

When political manifestos are presented to the electorate, the electorate should openly ask and demand clear replies to all those prospective candidates knocking at our doors. What is their position regarding all the above, so as to confirm the candidates' beliefs of their Catholic faith? In all probability they will all say they are not in favour, however, when elected, will they all toe the party line unless given a "free" vote?

[Click on the hyperlink above to view the comments on the Times' website.]

European Parliament LGBT: President of the European Parliament and MEPs pledge support for LGBT rights

http://www.lgbt-ep.eu/press-releases/president-of-the-european-parliament-and-meps-pledge-support-for-lgbt-rights/
January 26th, 2012

Yesterday the President of the European Parliament and dozens of Members gathered in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people's rights. MEPs reiterated their commitment to mark the middle of the current mandate.


Members of the European Parliament marked the middle of their five-year mandate by taking part in a gathering for the rights of LGBT people. ILGA-Europe* and the LGBT Intergroup in the European Parliament jointly organised a two-day event to reminding MEPs of political priorities to uphold LGBT people's rights in the EU.

After the event, a total of 184 Members of the European Parliament had signed ILGA-Europe's Be Bothered Pledge, a 10-point manifesto first launched during the 2009 European elections. Signatories from 23 Member States and six different political groups committed to upholding the rights of LGBT people in their votes.

Support for the LGBT Intergroup in the European Parliament also increased. Several MEPs joined the Parliament's second largest intergroup, with 127 members from 22 Member States and 5 political groups.

Martin Schulz MEP, President of the European Parliament, addressed MEPs declaring his support for the pledge and declared that "as the President of the European Parliament, you can count on me to join the fight for the goals of equality laid out in the Be Bothered Pledge."

Ulrike Lunacek
and Michael Cashman MEPs, Co-presidents of the LGBT Intergroup in the European Parliament, commented: "We are pleased so many colleagues turned up, and of course that our new president added his important support. LGBT rights are gathering ever more allies from across the political spectrum, and the next two and a half years will be crucial to achieve much-needed progress in Europe."

Martin K.I. Christensen, Co-Chair of the Executive Board of ILGA-Europe, continued: "We are very pleased that MEPs increasingly support the human rights of LGBT people. So far the Be Bothered! Pledge has been signed by MEPs from all but one political group. Europe is witnessing an increase of extreme and intolerant views. Therefore MEPs' support and commitment are crucial for keeping the EU free from extremism, hatred, and discrimination."

Read more:

*: ILGA-Europe is the European region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association

Elected Members of the European Parliament (2009-2014)

6 of 6 elected Members of the European Parliament from Malta have signed the Pledge:

Candidates

11 candidates from Malta have signed the Pledge:

Louis Grech

Socialist Group

I agree with the main thrust of the petition.


Simon Busuttil

Partit Nazzjonalista (PN)

I am signing this declaration as a further manifestation of Partit Nazzjonalista's commitment to combat all forms of discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation.

Our party has already expressed this commitment in Government by transposing the relevant EU legislation on non-discrimination into local legislation and we remain committed to support initiatives taken at the level of the European Parliament aimed at combatting discrimination.

We also remain committed to our party's 2008 electoral pledge to propose legislation that will protect couples in cohabiting relationships.

Likewise, we remain committed to our views on the definition of marriage and of the rights of children as enshrined in our national legislation and we consider these to be matters that lie within the competence of individual Member States.

It-Tlieta, 31 ta’ Jannar 2012

Times: Focus on gay hate crime

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120127/local/Focus-on-gay-hate-crime.404100
Friday, January 27, 2012 , by Sarah Carabott


A group of some 50 people yesterday met in protest, calling for the concept of gay hate crime to be included in Maltese laws.

The peaceful demonstration was held at Fra Diego Square in Ħamrun, the same village where a lesbian couple was earlier this month attacked by two teen-age boys.

The Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM) yesterday urged for a more inclusive culture.

“The incident is a reminder of the fact that being part of a minority continues to pose certain risks: that being gay, lesbian or part of an ethnic minority or sometimes just being a woman can put one at risk of being assaulted, violated and discriminated against.

“No one should become a target because of their identity and when this basic right is threatened then measures should be in place to ensure that justice is done,” MGRM coordinator Gabi Calleja said.

“Raising awareness is important, but during this demonstration we’re insisting on political responsibility. We’re asking for legislation which covers more than racial hate,” Ms Calleja told The Times.

A 16-year-old lesbian last week was sitting on a bench with her girlfriend when two young men – aged about 17 and 19 – attacked them.

The incident allegedly started when the boys started hurling insults at the girls, calling them “lesbians” and “twisted”.

The girl ended up at a health centre with a fractured nose, a grazed face and bruises on her breasts.

Two teenage brothers will soon appear in court to face charges of assaulting and injuring the girls, the police said earlier this week.

The attack provoked calls for the concept of gay hate crime to be included in Maltese laws.

The only legal protection gay people have refers to discrimination in terms of harassment. The part of the law that speaks about hate crime is limited to racial hatred. Last year the Justice Minister announced there were plans to extend this to include homophobia.

Ms Calleja said the government needed to establish an implementation deadline, as this would assure con-crete commitment.

She added that the incident’s exposure had encouraged silent people to voice their concern.

“It’s also worth noting that condemnation has stemmed from all directions, including the religious camp,” Ms Calleja said.

The incident was condemned by the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice and the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality among others.

A Facebook group called The Amy Initiative, was also set up calling for a more inclusive Maltese law.

The demonstration, held for the same reason, was organised by MGRM in collaboration with Drachma,University student organisation We Are, Aditus, Integra, Moviment Graffitti, LGBT Labour and Alternattiva Demokratika Żgħażagħ Malta.

They collectively presented suggestions to amend the criminal code.

People yesterday crowded Fra Diego Square in Ħamrun, where nine NGOs called for more extensive Maltese laws, including the recognition of hate crime on the basis of sexual orientation. Photo: Jason Borg

[Click on the hyperlink above to view the comments on the Times' website.]

Independent: AD calls for action against hate crimes

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=138871
27 January 2012

Alternattiva Demokratika expressed support for the “Right to Feel Safe: Demonstration for Hate Crime Legislation” demonstration organised by LGBT NGOs.

AD’s deputy chairperson and spokesperson for civil rights, Yvonne Arqueros Ebejer, said full sexual and gender equality should be achieved in Maltese society without fear of discrimination on the basis of one’s sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression”.

Malta Star: LGBT persons demand the right to feel safe

http://www.maltastar.com/pages/r1/ms10dart.asp?a=19555
27 January 2012 05:20

Around 100 persons braved the cold on Thursday evening in St Paul’s Square Hamrun to call on the Minister of Justice to extend the scope of crime legislation to include other grounds such as hate crimes against Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and trans gender (LGBT) persons. Three weeks earlier in the same square three young people insulted and attacked a young lesbian couple for being lesbian.

Nine NGOs organized the activity: Aditus, AD Malta, Drachma, and Drachma Parents group, Graffiti, Integra Foundation, LGBT Labour, The Malta Gay Rights Movement and We Are. Labour MPs Evarist Bartolo and Owen Bonnici also attended.

Several speakers from the NGOs present addressed the crowd with the central message “that being part of a minority continues to pose certain risks… No one should become a target because of identity.”

Gabi Calleja of MGRM said that while changing the law may not be enough to prevent violence against LGBT persons, “it shows those of us who could be victims of such hate crime that justice and the law are on our side.”

Calleja also stressed that any change in the law needs to be backed up by education to build “a culture of respect that celebrates diversity in all its forms.”

Malta Today: GWU joins call against homophobic violence

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/GWU-joins-call-against-homophobic-violence-20120127
Friday 27 January 2012 - 14:58

Union says sexual orientation forms part of modern and democratic society make-up.

Share this The General Workers Union has joined a call to condemn all forms of violence on gay people, in the light of the attack on a gay woman in Hamrun.

"Sexual orientation is no excuse for violence or discrimination. It should be the standard in a society that is truly modern and inclusive especially for a country that prides itself of being democratic and European," the GWU said in a statement.

The GWU said it joined the solidarity call by NGOs which yesterday held a symbolic demonstration against homophobic violence.

A 16-year-old gay woman last week was sitting on a bench with her girlfriend when two young men - aged about 17 and 19 - attacked them.

Some 50 people yesterday met in protest, at Fra Diego Square in Hamrun, where the couple was attacked.

[Click on the hyperlink above to view the comments on Malta Today's website.]

GWU: Mibgħeda fuq orjenzjazzjoni sesswali għandha tkun reat kriminali

27.1.2012 minn Charles Vella

Il-General Workers Union tikkundanna bla riserva kull vjolenza hi ta’ liema forma hi. Iktar u iktar tikkundanna vjolenza li tkun relatata ma’ mibgheda razzjali, orjentazzjoni sesswali jew xort’ohra. F’dan il-kuntest u b’dan il-hsieb, il-GWU tinghaqad ma’ dawk l-organizazzjonijiet kollha li qed jippressaw biex il-mibgheda fuq orjentazzjoni sesswali tigi dikjarata reat kriminali fil-ligijiet ta’ pajjizna.

L-ahhar kaz ta’ vjolenza li sehh fuq koppja lesbjana sempliciment minhabba l-orjentazzjoni sesswali taghha mhux biss hu ksur tad-drittijiet tal-bniedem imma jixhed ukoll l-urgenza kbira li tezisti ghal tibdil mehtieg fil-ligi biex kull cittadin ikollu mohhu mistrieh mill-protezzjoni ghal persuna tieghu hi x'inhi l-orjentazzjoni sesswali tieghu.

Il-GWU tqis li l-orjentazzjoni sesswali m’ghandhiex tkun skop jew skuza ghal vjolenza jew diskriminazzjoni, anzi l-orjentazzjoni sesswali ghandha tkun accettata bla ekwivoku halli s-socjeta tkun verament wahda inklussiva u moderna iktar u iktar meta pajjizna llum jiftahar li hu demokratiku u Ewropew.

Ghaldaqstant il-GWU turi s-solidarjeta taghha ma’ dawk kollha li b’xi mod qed isofru minhabba l-orjentazzjoni sesswali taghhom. Fl-istesswaqt tinghaqad ma’ dawk l-organizazzjonijiet kollha mhux governattivi fl-ghajta taghhom ghar-rispett u l-harsien tad-drittijiet tal-minoranzi.

Il-GWU tistqarr dan fid-dawl tat-twemmin taghha illi kull persuna titwieled hielsa u bl-istess drittijiet u dinjita. Dan it-twemmin taghha il-GWU kienet ghamlitu car f’policy paper li adottat ftit zmien ilu li fih esprimiet li d-dritt ta’ kull persuna li tghix hielsa irrispettivament mill-orjentazzjoni sesswali taghha huwa dritt inaljenabbli u ghandu jkun rispettat il-hin kollu.

Ghaldaqstant il-GWU tishaq fuq l-awtoritajiet biex jassiguraw li d-drittijiet tal-minoranzi jkunu protetti bil-ligi daqs u xejn inqas mill-kumplament tas-socjeta.

Times: Clampdown on 'gay cure' clinics

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120127/world/clampdown-on-gay-cure-clinics.404107
Friday, January 27, 2012, 09:42 , by PA

Ecuador will investigate and act forcefully against any clinics found to be trying to force homosexuals to change their sexual orientation, a Health Ministry official said.

Gay rights activists in the South American country say four clinics that engaged in coercive practices, three in the capital Quito, have been shut down in recent months but that others still to operate clandestinely.

"Sadly, authorities have not yet taken the corrective measures necessary to regulate the work of clinics that offer 'de-homosexualisation' treatment," said Efrain Soria, director of Fundacion Equidad, an anti-discrimination group.

Health Ministry official David Troya said the agency will deal firmly and drastically with any clinics that offer such treatments, which have been denounced by critics as abusive.

Newly named Health Minister Carina Vance, who studied at the University of California and has publicly defended gay rights, is hiring someone to work exclusively on the issue, said Mr Troya, an adviser to Ms Vance.

"We are going to take the necessary measures in a firm and drastic manner as regards this subject," he said.

The ministry is "clear and emphatic" that in line with the World Health Organisation findings, "homosexuality is not an illness and that as such a cure can't be suggested, so that whoever offers treatments is deceiving people and acting illegally", Mr Troya said.

Paola Concha said that her family sent her in 2006 to a clinic to "cure" her of homosexuality.

"I received physical and verbal aggression during the 18 months I was interned in one of these centres," she said. "Nearly daily they beat me, and many times I was handcuffed to a pipe."

[Click on the hyperlink above to view the comments on the Times' website.]