Thursday 31 May 2012

Malta Today: MT survey Astounding 41% agree with same-sex marriage

60% of under-35s agree with same-sex marriages, overall support up by 13 points since 2007 survey.

http://maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/data/MaltaToday-survey-Astounding-41-agree-with-same-sex-marriage-20120530
Thursday 31 May 2012 - 08:15 by James Debono


The survey shows support for gay marriage increasing by 13 points since 2007, when the first MaltaToday survey on this issue was conducted.

60% of 18 to 34-year-olds agree with the introduction of marriage for same-sex couples, in a clear indication of a generation gap in values that finds just 23% of those over 55 years in similar agreement.

The survey shows support for gay marriage increasing by 13 points since 2007, when the first MaltaToday survey on this issue was conducted.

Wednesday 30 May 2012

Times: Gays in God’s eyes (2)

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120530/letters/Gays-in-God-s-eyes-2-.421999
Wednesday, May 30, 2012 by Joseph A. Muscat, Ta' Xbiex

Every now and then we are regaled with an item of foreign news calculated to raise our spirit at this time of a tottering eurozone.

A recent press release proudly announced that the NHS in the UK would be funded for fertility/IVF services requested by gay and lesbian couples living in England and Wales.

This would mean a substantial increase in such services as artificial insemination donor, IVF involving surrogate mothers, sperm donations to lesbian couples, etc.,

The permutations and combinations of techniques used in assisted human reproduction are numerous and come at no mean cost to the state. The failure rate is not negligible nor should one set aside the anxieties suffered by the persons concerned.

All this is anathema to Catholic teaching

The great idea of a national health service is thus being seriously dehumanised and debased, a result of a misguided, totally secular concept of the state which excludes the existence of God.

It is a path that leads to self-destruction of what has been termed an over indulged behemoth, which the NHS is becoming.

We would do well to avoid going down the same road, one full of risk and peril of added human misery.

Times: Gays in God’s eyes (1)

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120530/letters/Gays-in-God-s-eyes-1-.421998
Wednesday, May 30, 2012 by Anthony R. Girard, Sliema

Every now and again, Jacqueline Calleja dreams up more dogmatic excerpts directed at homosexuals. Her latest epistle (May 23) catalogues more and more chapters and verse aimed at vilifying homosexuality and portraying homosexuals as perverts unworthy of God's love.

A few quotes from her latest diatribe, such as "... homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered..." (if I remember correctly Cardinal Ratzinger had declared this and the word he used at the time was evil and not disordered), are shockingly out of touch with what our Church believes today and I very much doubt whether His Holiness would use that same declaration today, having been elevated to the throne of St Peter.

Another: "... legal recognition of homosexual unions or placing them on the same level as marriage would mean not only the approval of deviant behaviour..." This is far from the truth. Homosexuality is not deviant and this has been recognised by the DSM IV, the "bible" (if Ms Calleja would excuse the pun!) of the psychological profession the world over.

It would be far, far better and more Christian were Ms Calleja to profess the love of Christ than to fling moral codes at fellow Catholics. If I remember correctly, it had been the Scribes and the Pharisees who used to shove these at the Lord's face when He was on his mission of love on this earth.

God has made every single one of us as His true image and likeness and if we dare criticise and object to even a fraction of God's handiwork, then we would be saying we know better than God... now that would really be intrinsically disordered.

Times: Attacks on the family

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120530/letters/Attacks-on-the-family.421996
Wednesday, May 30, 2012 by Ramon Casha, Qormi

Rarely have I seen such a vicious attack on the family as was reported recently coming from Gozo Bishop Mario Grech. In his attempt to redefine the word "family" to refer exclusively to his own preferred definition, he was attacking the families of all single parents and their children, all unmarried couples and their children, all childless couples, all same-sex couples with or without children.

In fact, since according to him, a necessary attribute of families is procreation between the couple, not even Joseph, Mary and Jesus were a family.

Could it be that while declaring that "nobody spoke directly against the family" he didn't realise that this is precisely what he was doing with his own words?

Independent: IVF and cohabitation bills - JPO lashes out

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=145062
29 May 2012  by Keith Micallef

PN backbencher Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando lashed out at the government for procrastinating to legislate for the introduction of IVF and a cohabitation bill including some form of legal recognition to same-sex unions.

Addressing the media, on the occasion marking the first anniversary of the divorce referendum in which the majority voted in favour of the introduction for this right, Dr Pullicino Orlando used harsh words for several members of Cabinet accusing them of buckling under the pressure of the ecclesiastical authorities.

The Nationalist MP, who in July 2010 had tabled the private members’ bill for the introduction of divorce, claimed that the Prime Minister had not kept his word as he had promised to introduce a law regarding IVF exactly a year ago. Regarding the cohabitation bill, he quoted Justice Minister Chris Said who had publicly said that the bill would be enacted by the beginning of next month.

Times: Government ‘appeasing’ Gozo Bishop on IVF, claims pro-divorce campaigner

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120529/local/Government-appeasing-Gozo-Bishop-on-IVF-claims-pro-divorce-campaigner.421767
by 
Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando: “Naprotechnology... is as if I were to give baked beans a new, fancy name.” Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi
Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando has accused the government of pandering to the Church’s wishes by delaying legislation on in vitro fertilisation and instead championing natural family planning methods.
The political class should not pander to the threats of Bishop Grech
Producing a can of baked beans, the MP criticised Health Minister Joe Cassar and Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono for launching naprotechnology at the Gozo hospital as an alternative to IVF.
“Naprotechnology is simply a modern word to repackage the natural family planning method that people have used for ages. It is as if I were to give baked beans a new fancy name.”

Independent: Divorce referendum - one year later: 247 couples granted divorce so far

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=145045
28 May 2012  by Keith Micallef

247 couples have been granted divorce so far since the introduction of this civil right from 1 October last year, following the divorce referendum held exactly a year ago today.

In total there were 512 applications for divorce of which only 14 were from Gozo.

According to the statistics provided by the Justice Ministry, there were 94 requests from couples who made a joint bid after being granted legal separation. Another 350 requests were made from either the husband or wife making up couples who were already legally separated, while a further 38 requests were made from couples who are still in the process of separating.

Times: JPO hits out at absence of promised IVF and cohabitation laws

'Politicians are still pandering to the clergy'
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120528/local/jpo-hits-out-at-absence-of-promised-ivf-and-cohabitation-laws.421736
Monday, May 28, 2012, 16:00



Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando this afternoon hit out at the government for having failed to move promised legislation on IVF and cohabitation.

The political class, he said, should not pander to the wishes of the bishops.

Dr Pullicino Orlando was speaking at a press conference with Labour MP Evarist Bartolo and Labour candidate Deborah Schembri a year after the divorce referendum. The three had led the Yes campaign last year.

Di-ve: Pullicino Orlando attacks Government for failure to address IVF and cohabitation

http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=92628&newscategory=36&cache=false
by di-ve - editorial@di-ve.com
Local News -- 28 May 2012 -- 16:35CEST

Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando made a scathing attack this afternoon against Government for not keeping promises made to introduce free IVF treatment to all by the end of 2011 and by not having put forward for discussion the law giving rights to couples who are cohabitating.

The criticism by Dr Pullicino Orlando was made during a press conference called by Moviment IVAgħall-għażla, IVA għad-divorzju on the occasion of the first anniversary of the referendum held last year that led to the introduction of divorce in Malta.

Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando said that unlike Minister for Health Joseph Cassar and Minister for Gozo Giovanna Debono, the Movement had not wasted the time of journalists to take them up to Gozo in announcing the introduction of naprotechnology in Gozo, a technology which he described as a repackaging of natural family planning.

Independent: Malta marks divorce referendum anniversary

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=144998 
Article published on 27 May 2012

Tomorrow, Malta marks the first anniversary of the historic 28 May 2011 Divorce Referendum, which saw the ‘Yes’ camp emerging victorious by a six point margin after a hard-fought five-week campaign for the introduction of divorce.

Since then, in the last year close to 500 divorce applications have been filed before the courts, and around half of those have been granted.

Tomorrow will see a reunion of the three people who drove the ‘Yes’ campaign to victory – Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, Evarist Bartolo and Deborah Schembri at a press conference being convened to mark the date, in which they are expected to compare and contrast what had been claimed during the gloves-off campaign with what has really happened since then.

AD Chairperson Michael Briguglio was also a co-founder of the ‘Yes’ movement.

Malta Today: AD on divorce: ‘Proud to have set the ball rolling’

Alternattiva Demokratika said that it was proud to have set the ball rolling for the introduction of divorce.
http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/AD-on-divorce-Proud-to-have-set-the-ball-rolling-20120526
Saturday 26 May 2012 - 15:43



Marking a year since the referendum approved the introduction of divorce in Malta, Alternattiva Demokratika said it was proud of the pivotal role it played.

AD had been calling for the divorce legislation since its inception in 1989.

"Two years ago, AD decided to take direct action by inviting members of parliament to take a stand on divorce," chairperson Michael Briguglio said.

Times: Gay lobby welcomes resolution

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120527/local/Gay-lobby-welcomes-resolution.421429
Sunday, May 27, 2012

The Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM) has welcomed the position taken by Maltese MEPs in support of a resolution to condemn homophobic laws and discrimination in Europe.

It was adopted by the European Parliament and supported by all five mainstream political groups.

In a statement, MGRM acknowledged the important role played by MEP Simon Busuttil, who led the negotiations on behalf of the EPP group to ensure a strong resolution. This was the first of its kind in this legislature to be co-signed by the EPP group.

The Parliament adopted its official position after a debate last Tuesday, where MEPs almost unanimously asked the European Commission and European governments to better protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

The resolution particularly condemns recent laws or proposals in certain EU countries (Lithuania, Latvia, Hungary) and Council of Europe member states Russia, Ukraine and Moldova, making it a penal or criminal offence to talk positively about homosexuality in public.

The MGRM also praised the participation of MEP David Casa in the video produced by the Intergroup on LGBT Rights to mark the International Day Against Homophobia last week.

MGRM coordinator Gabi Calleja said the movement looked forward to the adoption of various pieces of legislation that are currently before Parliament.

While welcoming the appeal for laws recognising same-sex relationships, Aditus Foundation director Neil Falzon added: “We strongly urge this legislation to take the form of full marriage equality.

“Anything below full equality falls short of guaranteeing respect for human dignity.”

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

Malta Today: Maltese MEPs vote in favour of EU resolution condemning homophobic laws, discrimination

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Maltese-MEPs-vote-in-favour-of-EU-resolution-condemning-homophobic-laws-and-discrimination-20120526
Saturday 26 May 2012 - 09:32

The Malta Gay Rights Movements welcomes Malta’s position in support of an EU resolution condemning homophobic laws and discrimination in Europe.


A European Parliament resolution adopted yesterday condemns homophobic laws and discrimination.

MGRM has welcomed the vote of support taken by the Maltese MEPs in favour of a resolution which condemns homophobic laws and discrimination in Europe.

The resolution was adopted by the European Parliament and supported by all the five mainstream political groups.

Through the resolution, the European Parliament "strongly condemns any discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity".

"We look forward to the adoption of various pieces of legislation currently before parliament," MGRM coordinator Gabi Calleja said.
Neil Falzon, Director of aditus foundation, added that while they welcomed the appeal for legislation recognising same-sex relationships, aditus strongly urged this to take the form of full marriage equality.  
"Anything below full equality falls short of guaranteeing respect for human dignity," Falzon said
Particularly, the MGRM acknowledged the role played by Nationalist MEP Simon Busuttil who led the negotiations on behalf of the EPP group to ensure a strong resolution.
This was the first of its kind in this legislature to be co-signed by the EPP group.
The Parliament adopted its official position after a debate on Tuesday, where MEPs almost unanimously asked the European Commission and European governments to better protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
The resolution particularly condemns recent laws or proposals in EU countries (Lithuania, Latvia, Hungary) and Council of Europe Member States Russia, Ukraine and Moldova, making it a penal or criminal offence to talk positively about homosexuality in public.
The resolution also calls for the mutual recognition of the effects of civil status documents when moving from one member state to another and calls on other member states that have not yet done so to introduce the means for legal recognition of same-sex couples.
The MGRM also praised the participation of Nationalist MEP David Casa in the video produced by the Intergroup on LGBT Rights on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia.

Monday 28 May 2012

Malta Today: Gabi Callaja wins ‘International Woman of Courage’ award

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Gabi-Callaja-wins-International-Woman-of-Courage-award-20120525
Friday 25 May 2012 - 17:47

The US government has awarded MGRM coordinator Gabi Calleja the 'International Woman of Courage' award.


The Malta Gay Rights' Movement (MGRM) coordinator Gabi Calleja has won the 'International Woman of Courage' award.

Calleja was presented the award today by US ambassador Gina Abercombie-Winstanely.

Calleja's award follows her constant work as an advocate for human rights, especially in the field of LGBT persons.

Justice Minister Chris Said has also congratulated Calleja for her award.

Di-ve: Gaby Calleja wins ‘International Woman of Courage’ Award

http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=92563
by di-ve.com - editorial@di-ve.com
Local News -- 25 May 2012 -- 15:55CEST

Gaby Calleja, the coordinator of the Malta Gay Rights' Moviment, has won the 'International Woman of Courage' award presented by the Ambassador of the US Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley.
Ms Calleja was selected as the recipient of the award "because of her exceptional and courageous work as an advocate for human rights, in particular the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons," the Embassy said.

Speaking to an audience of distinguished leaders in business, medicine, politics, the judiciary, academia, and civil society, Ambassador Abercrombie-Winstanley praised Ms Calleja's efforts in leading the Malta Gay Rights' Movement and spearheading its efforts to promote gay rights and to combat hate and discrimination against gay persons.

In recognizing Ms Calleja's role as a woman of courage, Ambassador Abercrombie-Winstanley spoke about President Barack Obama's commitment to eliminating barriers to equality, fighting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and engaging LGBT communities across the country. Recalling the words of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Ambassador Abercrombie-Winstanley asked, "What are we doing? What are we doing to further justice and dignity and freedom, human rights and women's rights? What more can we do? We have different talents. We are at different stages in life. But each of us can make a contribution."

Ambassador Abercrombie-Winstanley added, "With this attitude, nothing is impossible. I hope that when you think about what is possible for you, you will think of Gabi and her courage in leading us toward a brighter future."

The Minister of Justice, Public Consultation and the Family, Chris Said congratulated Ms Calleja for her achievement.

Saturday 26 May 2012

EU LGBT Intergroup: European Leaders It Gets Better Video [Against Homophobia and Gay Suicides]

http://vimeo.com/42250828


In Europe, growing up lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender can be challenging: difference often leads to bullying, self-harm, and sometimes suicide attempts. Studies consistently point to higher physical and mental health risks for LGBT young people.

For the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia 2012, over 50 European politicians and leaders from all EU institutions join forces telling LGBT teenagers they are working to make things better, and put an end to homophobia and transphobia.

David Casa MEP, Malta [02:08 - 02:17]

EU Parliament: Anti-Homophobia Motion

Read the European Parliament's Motion against homophobia, 22.5.2012 no. 2012/2657 here.


Joint Statement: MGRM & aditus,  May 24th, 2012
Maltese MEP’s vote in favour of a resolution condemning homophobic laws and discrimination in Europe.

The Malta Gay Rights Movement welcomes the position taken by the Maltese MEP’s in support of a resolution to condemn homophobic laws and discrimination in Europe adopted by the European Parliament and supported by all the five mainstream political groups. The MGRM acknowledges the important role played by Simon Busuttil who led the negotiations on behalf of the EPP group to ensure a strong resolution. This was the first of its kind in this legislature to be co-signed by the EPP group.

In today’s resolution, the European Parliament “strongly condemns any discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity”.

The Parliament adopted its official position after a debate on Tuesday, where MEPs almost unanimously asked the European Commission and European governments to better protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. The resolution particularly condemns recent laws or proposals in EU countries (Lithuania, Latvia, Hungary) and Council of Europe Member States Russia, Ukraine and Moldova, making it a penal or criminal offence to talk positively about homosexuality in public. The resolution also calls for the mutual recognition of the effects of civil status documents when moving from one member state to another and calls on other member states that have not yet done so to introduce the means for legal recognition of same-sex couples.

The MGRM also praises the participation of David Casa in the video produced by the Intergroup on LGBT Rights on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia.

Gabi Calleja, coordinator of the MGRM stated: “We look forward to the adoption of various pieces of legislation currently before parliament.”

Neil Falzon, Director of aditus foundation, added: "Whilst we particularly welcome the appeal for legislation recognising same-sex relationships, we strongly urge this to take the form of full marriage equality. Anything below full equality falls short of guaranteeing respect for human dignity."

---

WE ARE PRESS STATEMENT (24th May 2012)

'We Are' thanks MEPs for their vote in favour of anti-homophobia motion A resolution on the fight against homophobia was adopted with a large majority in the European Parliament this afternoon. University LGBTQQI organisation, 'We Are' thanks all the Maltese MEP's who voted in favour of this resolution.


Whilst recognising the importance of this resolution, 'We Are' also urges Maltese authorities to contribute to this fight against homophobia by amending laws where necessary, as well as ensuring that topics on sexual orientation and gender identity are included in the national curriculum. President Christian Vella also added that 'this provides hope, for a better and safer Europe, if all member states, including Malta, where to foster such an implementations'.


Speaking on behalf of the EPP group last Tuesday, Simon Busuttil said 'There is no doubt that the EPP group condemns homophobia and we believe homophobia must be fought', he also added 'In Europe there is no room for discrimination of any kind, and this applies also for homophobia'.

It is also very positive to see Maltese MEP David Casa appear in a video released by the LGBT Intergroup on International Day Against Homophobia last Thursday.

An online petition which gathered almost 400 votes in it's first three hours was started this morning by 'We Are' urging people to let the Maltese MEPs know that they care about the resolution.

We Are is the University of Malta Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer, Questioning & Intersex Student Organisation.

Times: Woman of courage award for head of Malta Gay Rights Movement

Malta Gay Rights Movement coordinator Gabi Calleja has been presented with the Internatioanl Woman of Courage award by the US government.
Presenting the award, US Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley praised Ms Calleja for her "exceptional and courageous work as an advocate for human rights", in particular the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons.
In recognising Ms Calleja's role as a Woman of Courage, Ambassador Abercrombie-Winstanley spoke about President Barack Obama's commitment to eliminating barriers to equality, fighting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and engaging LGBT communities across the country.
The government congratulated Ms Calleja for her award.

Friday 25 May 2012

Times: Social equality

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120525/letters/Social-equality.421200
Friday, May 25, 2012 by Angele Deguara, AD spokesman for social policy and civil rights, Swatar

Alternattiva Demokratika, the Green party, would like to condemn the violence that took place during the Gay Pride march in Tbilisi, Georgia last week.

The march, which was celebrating the International Day Against Homophobia, was disrupted by religious activists. AD upholds democratic values of social equality and pluralism and believes that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, should have the right and be able to express themselves without being hindered by those who do not approve of unconventional lifestyles.

Thursday 24 May 2012

Pink News: Head of Belgian Catholic church says AIDS is ‘justice’ for gays

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/11/04/head-of-belgian-catholic-church-says-aids-is-justice-for-gays/
4 November 2010, by Jessica Geen

The Catholic Church says homosexuality is "intrinsically disordered".


The head of the Catholic Church in Belgium has said that AIDS is "intrinsic justice" for homosexuality.

Archbishop Andre-Joseph Leonard also said that elderly priests found to have sexually abused children should not be punished.

His spokesman Juergen Mettepenningen resigned over his boss' remarks, AFP reports.

Writing in a recently-released book on religious thought, Archbishop Leonard suggested that nature takes "vengeance" on those who "mistreat human love".

He is also said to have called homosexuality a travesty of nature.

Discussing HIV-positive people, he said: "When you mistreat the environment it ends up mistreating us in turn. And when you mistreat human love, perhaps it winds up taking vengeance.

"All I'm saying is that sometimes there are consequences linked to our actions," the archbishop said, saying of AIDS, "this epidemic is a sort of intrinsic justice."

At a press conference, Mr Mettepenningen said of his former boss: "Monsignor Leonard at times acts like a motorist driving on the wrong side of a freeway who thinks all the other motorists are wrong."

Archbishop Leonard also courted controversy with remarks on Catholic priests accused of paedophilia.

Speaking on television last week, he said such priests should be spared punishment, which he termed "a sort of vengeance".

He said: "Priests who abused children in their care must be made aware of what they did but if they're no longer working, if they have no responsibilities, I'm not sure that exercising a sort of vengeance that will have no concrete result is humane."

Other bishops claimed that Archbishop Leonard's comments were his personal views.

Several days after the television interview, the Archbishop said he did believe that paedophile priests should be punished.

L-Orizzont: Rapport tal-Parlament rigward il-Kodiċi Kriminali [Diskors tal-Onor. Chris Said, Ministru tal-Gustizzja]

Sezzjoni Mir-rapport tal-Parlament f'l-Orizzont - 23 | 5 | 2012

Wara beda jiġi diskuss l-Abbozz ta' Liġi li jemenda l-Kodiċi Kriminali.  Għamel l-intervent tiegħu l-Ministru Chris Said u qal li qed isiru pass importanti b'dawn l-emendi u dan hu pass wieħed fost passi oħra li għad iridu jsiru.  "Sfortunatament f'soċjetà bħal tagħna, magħrufa għall-ospitalità, għandna min għandu mibegħda lejn min hu differenti.  Ikollna okkażjonijiet rari imma jeżistu fejn din il-mibegħda timmanifesta ruħha bi vjolenza fiżika u fuq proprjetà. Dawn huma każijiet eċċezzjonali imma jeżistu.  Kellna allegati każijiet li kienu jinvolvu vjolenza lejn persuni b'orjentazzjoni sesswali differenti.  Id-dmir tagħna hu li dawn niġġilduhom u lil għal dawn il-persuni li jwettqu dawn l-atti jkun hemm deterrent.  Hu għalhekk li qed inżidu l-pieni bi grad jew tnejn.  Il-vjolenza hi ħażina dejjem, kemm jekk kontra persuna bajda, jekk b'karnaġġjon iswed, għal reliġjon differenti jew politika differenti", qal il-Ministru Chris Said.

"Dak li qed nagħmlu b'dawn l-emendi hu li nassiguraw li nkomplu nkattru r-rispett reċiproku", qal il-Ministru Chris Said

Times: Recognition of homosexual unions

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120523/letters/Recognition-of-homosexual-unions.420910
Wednesday, May 23, 2012 by Jacqueline Calleja, Balzan

Various writings in newspapers seem to be implying that the Catholic Church, while being adamantly against marriage for same-sex couples, is slowly coming round to accepting civil unions for these same people. Nothing could be further from the truth. For the Catholic Church, any legislation that seeks to equate the union between a homosexual couple to that of a heterosexual couple can never be accepted. It would be contradictory for the Church to accept civil unions between same-sex couples and then reiterate in the Catholicism of the Catholic Church that "homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered… under no circumstance can they be approved" (CCC 2357).

In 2003, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued "considerations regarding proposals to give legal recognition to unions between homosexual persons". At the time, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was the Prefect for this important Church Congregation and these considerations were approved by Pope John Paul II, who ordered their publication. The following are some excerpts from this document.

"No ideology can erase from the human spirit the certainty that marriage exists solely between a man and a woman, who, by mutual personal gift, proper and exclusive to themselves, tend toward the communion of their persons."
"Marriage is holy, while homosexual acts go against the natural moral law."

"In those situations where homosexual unions have been legally recognised or have been given the legal status and rights belonging to marriage, clear and emphatic opposition is a duty. One must refrain from any kind of formal cooperation in the enactment or application of such gravely unjust laws and, as far as possible, from material cooperation on the level of their application. In this area, everyone can exercise the right to conscientious objection."

"If it is true that all Catholics are obliged to oppose the legal recognition of homosexual unions, Catholic politicians are obliged to do so in a particular way, in keeping with their responsibility as politicians. Faced with legislative proposals in favour of homosexual unions, Catholic politicians are to take account of the following ethical indications."

"When legislation in favour of the recognition of homosexual unions is proposed for the first time in a legislative assembly, the Catholic lawmaker has a moral duty to express his opposition clearly and publicly and to vote against it. To vote in favour of a law so harmful to the common good is gravely immoral."
"The Church teaches that respect for homosexual persons cannot lead in any way to approval of homosexual behaviour or to legal recognition of homosexual unions. The common good requires that laws recognise, promote and protect marriage as the basis of the family, the primary unit of society. Legal recognition of homosexual unions or placing them on the same level as marriage would mean not only the approval of deviant behaviour, with the consequence of making it a model in present-day society, but would also obscure basic values that belong to the common inheritance of humanity."

Independent: Parliament and hate crimes in the Civil Code

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=144775
23 May 2012 by Annaliza Borg

Parliament on Monday evening started to debate amendments to the Civil Code, for this to cover hate crimes on the basis of sexuality and race or colour.

Introducing the amendments, Justice Minister Chris Said mentioned the recent cases of violence on the basis of homosexuality and noted the government's belief that this needs to be fought with the adequate tools. This is exactly the scope of the amendments.

While condemning any form of violence, he explained that over the past weeks he met a number of NGOs, including the Malta Gay Rights Movement and the human rights organisation Aditus, and they submitted their proposals. These serve as the basis for the amendments to the law.

A number of articles are being amended and this shows the government's belief in diversity. It is meanwhile sending a clear message that society should respect everyone including people of various races, religions and sexuality.

Dr Jose Herrera, on behalf of the Opposition, said that the Labour Party is in favour of these amendments and believes the law has a wider meaning than that described by Dr Said.

He believes that hatred can be instigated simply because someone dislikes another or is jealous – this sort of hatred too can be covered if the law is fine-tuned a bit more.

Moreover, while interpreting the Bill, he said the punishment contemplated for denying historical facts of racial hatred, is more than that for crimes of racial hatred against individuals on the basis of race. He is not of the opinion that this should be so and requested clarification.

Malta Today: Gozo Bishop’s freedom of expression

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/blogsdetails/blogs/Gozo-Bishop-s-freedom-of-expression
Raphael Vassallo, Monday, May 21, 2012

Yes, Mgr Grech has a 'right to an opinion'. Doesn't mean his opinion is right…

Gozo Bishop Mario Grech invited a storm of protestation with his remarks last Saturday, and I somehow suspect that was all part of his Divine Plan.

Broadly speaking, Grech's pastoral letter can be reduced to a single equation: 'Family = man plus woman plus children'. And having redefined the 'family' within the context of his own ideological bias; the Gozo Bishop now expects the State to tailor its national legislation to his own, entirely arbitrary definition of that word.

I won't bother grappling with his argument, because even a five-year-old child will immediately spot the flaw. But to strip it down to the basics: the Maltese State has an obligation to legislate on behalf of ALL its citizens... not just the ones that fit into the Gozo Bishop's 'shiny happy family' mould.

That alone should suffice for now; but of course there is much more... starting with the definition itself, which totally excludes married couples without children. Not just the ones with medical issues: also married couples who simply do not want to have children, or who get married in later life, at a time when it is no longer possible without medical intervention (or divine intervention, in the case of Biblical couples like Sarah and Abraham, or Elizabeth and Zachary).

Ironically it also makes mincemeat of the Catholic Church's claims to be a 'family' itself. By Grech's own definition, that's one heck of a dysfunctional family he suddenly belongs to... dominated by unmarried, childless men, several of whom live together in extended units called 'monasteries', 'convents', 'priories', etc.

Meanwhile it has been pointed out elsewhere, but worth repeating: Mgr Grech's simplified family template would exclude even the 'Holy Family' that the same Church venerates so earnestly (unless I missed the part about 'unmarried couples fostering semi-divine children who were conceived without sexual intercourse', etc). 

And that's not to mention single parents, same-sex relationships and all sorts of other less traditional family models. But let's leave others to argue these points.

What interests me here is the general reaction, which panned out in a cacophony of the usual knee-jerk (and utterly irrelevant) reminders that... "Mgr Grech has a right to an opinion". This is the sort of thing I have only ever heard in Malta, and I think it tells us much more about how little we understand such rights and freedoms, than anything connected to Grech's sermon.

In most other countries (well, democratic ones, anyway) "the right to an opinion" is taken completely or granted: so much so, that it only ever becomes an issue when that right is actively denied. In fact I see no other reason to even mention it otherwise; least of all in a case like Mgr Grech's, where the same right has very manifestly been exercised in full. (In other words: of course Mgr Grech has a 'right to an opinion'. We all just heard him express one...)

The real trouble, however, is that people who utter platitudes like "everyone has the right to an opinion" nearly always follow them through with the non sequitur that "all opinions are therefore equally valid".

But nothing could be further from the truth. Having the "right to an opinion" does not mean that one's "opinion is automatically right". I've already indicated where I think Mgr Grech is wrong with his definition of the family. I think he is wrong, too, regarding the obligations of the State. But at no point have I (or anyone else I know of) argued that Mgr Grech should not be allowed to express an opinion at all.

That would defeat the entire purpose: you're entitled to freedom of expression, even if you use it to express an appalling load of nonsense.

So when people step in to defend the Gozo bishop on the grounds that 'he has a right to an opinion' - along the lines of: "Oh, look at all those nasty secularists, trying to shut him up", etc. - all they are really doing is illustrating that there is no logical line of defence... forcing them all to resort to irrationality.

Oh and one last thing: it is certainly NOT in any secularist's interest to 'silence' Mgr Mario Grech. On the contrary: the more Mgr Grech exercises his freedom of expression, the more he will convince a growing number of people that secularism - i.e., a clear distinction between Church and State - is the way to go.

So keep them coming, Mgr Grech. The secularist cause needs people like you...

KullĦadd: Malta l-aghar fl-Unjoni Ewropea

http://www.kullhadd.com/201205194060/Ahbarijiet/malta-l-aghar-fl-unjoni-ewropea.html
19 MAY 2012 16:54 RITIANNE AGIUS

Minn studju li gie ppublikat din il-gimgha jirrizulta li Malta hija l-aghar pajjiz fl-Unjoni Ewropea f'dak li jirrigwarda d-drittijiet tal-persuni LGBTI. Dan ir-rapport gie pprezentat mill-organizzazzjoni ILGA fil-Jum Internazzjoni Kontra l-Homofobija u t-Transfobija quddiem il-Kummisarju Ewropew ghall-Intern Cecilia Malmstrom, ufficjali tal-Gnus Maghquda u organizzazzjonijiet ohra minn madwar l-Ewropa.

Filwaqt li taghti harsa lejn ir-rizultati ta' dan l-istudju, RITIANNE AGIUS titkellem ukoll ma' JURIS LAVRIKOV u SILVAN AGIUS; zewg ufficcjali tal-ILGA li kienu nvoluti fit-thejjija ta' dan ir-rapport.

L-ILGA hija organizzazzjoni non-governattiva bbazata fi Brussell u tinkorpora 359 organizzazzjonijiet ohra minn madwar l-Ewropa kollha. L-ILGA tahdem principalment favur l-ugwaljanza ghall-persuni omosesswali, bisesswali, transesswali u intersesswali. Dan l-istudju huwa bbazat fuq il-ligijiet tal-pajjizi Ewropej u l-mod li bih dawn jaghtu drittijiet lill-persuni LGBTI jew inkella jiddiskriminaw kontrihom.

Fir-rigward ta' dawn id-drittijiet, Malta jidher li hija l-aghar pajjiz fl-Unjoni Ewropea ghall-persuni omosesswali. Minn total ta' 37 pajjiz, Malta tikklasifika fl-ahhar post b'0 punti, u hija segwita biss b'9 pajjizi li m'humiex membri fl-Unjoni Ewropea, fosthom ir-Russja u t-Turkija.

Anki l-Georgia, pajjiz fl-Ewropa tal-Lvant li ghandu storja ta' ksur ta' drittijiet umani u persekuzzjoni tal-minoranzi, irnexxielu jiklassifika qabel Malta f'dawk li huma drittijiet ghall-omosesswali.

B'21 punt l-Ingilterra hija l-iktar pajjiz li ghandu ugwaljanza bejn persuni LGBTI u persuni eterosesswali, ghalkemm xorta ghad baqa xi jsir biex dan igib il-massimu tal-punti (30) fl-ugwaljanza skont it-tabella tal-ILGA.

Imbaghad l-Ingilterra hija segwita mill-Germanja u Spanja b'20 punt, u bl-Izvezja bi 18-il punt. Minkejja li bhal Malta, Spanja huwa pajjiz b'influwenza Kattolika qawwija, xorta wahda rnexxielu jaghmel avvanzi kbar meta mqabbel ma' Malta.

Dan iwassal biex wiehed jistaqsi x'inhi r-raguni li ghaliha Malta waqghet daqshekk lura, fejn f'25 sena taht Gvern Nazzjonalista ftit li xejn saru avvanzi fid-drittijiet civili, fosthom dawk tal-persuni omosesswali.

Fir-rapport dwar Malta jissemmew diversi nuqqasijiet legizlattivi, fosthom il-kaz ta' Joanne Cassar li wara li biddlet is-sess taghha xorta ma thallietx tizzewweg, kif ukoll il-Gender Identity Act miktub mill-MGRM u pprezentat fil-Parlament minn Evarist Bartolo, li baqa' ma giex diskuss.

"Il-Kummissarju Malmstrom ammettiet maghna li l-Ewropa ghandha taghmel izjed minn hekk" – Juris Lavrikov, Kap tal-Komunikazzjoni tal-ILGA fl-Ewropa


F'kummenti li Yuris Lavrikov ta lil din il-gazzetta, huwa qal li l-politika f'hafna pajjizi madwar l-Ewropa qed issir populista, liema politika mhux necessarjament tkun tappoggja d-drittijiet ghall-persuni LGBTI. Huwa sahaq li numru ta' pajjizi, fosthom ir-Russja, mhux talli m'humiex mexijn 'il quddiem, izda sahansitra sejrin lura.

L-Ungerija wkoll ghadha kif ipproponiet ligi simili ghal dik tar-Russja li ticcensura propaganda omosesswali.

Ghalkemm huwa jishaq li probabbli din il-ligi mhux se tghaddi, xorta wahda huwa nkwetanti li kellha tigi proposta minn partit politiku ewlieni.

Min-naha l-ohra, Lavrikov semma pajjizi bhal Polonja li qeghdin jaghmlu passi pozittivi 'l quddiem, fejn fost l-ohrajn f'dan il-pajjiz ghadhom kif gew eletti ghall-ewwel darba politici li juru l-omosesswalità taghhom fil-miftuh.

Huwa esprima t-tama li pajjizi ohra Ewropej jimxu fuq l-ezempju tal-Polonja, li ghal zmien twil kienet tiddiskrimina kontra persuni LGBTI.

Lavrikov semma wkoll l-ezempju tal-Amerika, fejn il-President Obama hareg jghid li jappoggja z–zwieg bejn persuni tal-istess sess. "Din il-haga mhux qed narawha mkien fl-Ewropa, ghaliex hemm nuqqas ta' rieda u pozizzjoni politika. Dan kollu hareg bic-car din il-gimgha waqt il-prezentazzjoni tar-rapport", sahaq Lavrikov.

Mistoqsi jekk l-UE ghandiex taghmel pressjoni fuq il-pajjizi membri biex talinqas jilhqu livell minimu ta' ugwaljanza, Lavrikov irrisponda li l-UE ghandha d-dmir li tizgura li fil-pajjizi membri d-drittijiet tal-omosesswali qed jigu mharsa.

Lavrikov zied jghid kif waqt il-prezentazzjoni tar-rapport il-Kummissarju Ewropew ghall-Intern stqarret li d-drittijiet tal-LGBTI kienu nghataw il-genb minhabba s-sitwazzjoni ekonomika, filwaqt li ammettiet li l-UE jmissha taghmel izjed f'dan ir-rigward.

"Hemm bzonn li d-dikjarazzjonijiet tal-Gvern ma jkunux biss kliem fieragh" – Silvan Agius, Direttur tal-Politika ILGA fl-Ewropa

Bi twegiba ghall-mistoqsija ta' din il-gazzetta rigward ir-ragunijiet li ghalihom Malta kklassifikat fl-ahhar post mill-pajjizi tal-UE, Silvan Agius spega li filwaqt li l-libertà tal-espressjoni, assocjazzjoni u dimostrazzjonijiet pubblici huma garantiti ghal kulhadd, il-ligijiet Maltin ma jipprovdux protezzjoni lill-persuni LGBTI.

L-unici riferimenti legali lejn l-orjentazzjoni sesswali jinsabu fl-Att dwar ir-Relazzjon-ijiet Industrijali u l-Att dwar l-Azil, u ma jezistux ligijiet li jipproteggu lill-persuni LGBTI f'oqsma ohra, bhall-access ghas-servizzi, l-edukazzjoni u s-sahha.

Il-persuni trans ma huma mharsa fl-ebda qasam tal-hajja, u l-NCPE ghad m'ghandiex mandat legali sabiex tiprocessa kazijiet ta' allegata diskriminazzjoni.

Il-familji ta' l-istess sess m'humiex rikonoxxuti legalment, u ma jezistux possibbilitajiet ta' adozzjoni jew inseminazzjoni assistita bhall-IVF.
 
Il-process tal-bidla tal-generu fuq il-karta tal-identità huwa difficli u twil, u jirrikjedi fost l-ohrajn operazzjonijiet kirurgici u sterilizzazzjoni.

Wara dan ir-rikonoxximent, bhalma rajna fil-kaz ta' Joanne Cassar, il-persuna xorta ma tkunx ikkunsidrata bhala persuna tas-sess oppost ghall-fini ta' zwieg.

Mistoqsi x'emendi legizlattivi trid taghmel Malta biex talanqas tilhaq il-medja tal-UE, Agius wiegeb li hemm bzonn car li Malta taddotta ligijiet ibbazati fuq id-drittijiet umani tal-persuni LGBTI u fuq il-valuri Ewropej tal-ugwaljanza u l-libertà tal-individwu.

Huwa sostna li matul din is-sena saru diversi stqarrijiet pozittivi mill-Gvern, izda li issa hemm bzonn li dawn id-dikjarazzjonijiet ma jkunux kliem fierah.

"Hemm bzonn li l-ligijiet li jikkumbattu d-diskriminazzjoni jinkludu l-orjentazzjoni sesswali u l-identità tal-generu u li l-NCPE tkun provduta bis-sahha li tikkumbatti d-diskriminazzjoni."

"Ghall hafna Maltin, kopja tal-istess sess mhijex ugwali ghall-koppja tas-sess oppost"

Huwa sahaq li hemm bzonn ukoll li l-koppji tal-istess sess jigu rikonoxxuti legalment.

"Din is-sena l-gvern semma wkoll rikonoxximent permezz ta' unjonijiet civili, imma sa issa ma jidhirx li kien hemm dikjarazzjoni cara dwar xi drittijiet se joffru dawn l-unjonijiet", qal Agius. Huwa zied jghid li hemm bzonn ukoll li tigi addottata l-ligi tal-identità tal-generu kif kienet ipprezentata minn Evarist Bartolo.

"Jekk dawn il-weghdiet u ohrajn isiru fatti, Malta tkun bdiet it-triq taghha ghall-emancipazzjoni u r-rispett tal-persuni LGBTI", sostna Agius.

"Filwaqt li l-Maltin huma izjed tolleranti lejn persuni LGBTI milli kienu ftit tas-snin ilu, u jridu li jiddahhlu mizuri sabiex jizgurawlhom ir-rikonoxximent taghhom, huwa car li ghal hafna Maltin koppja tal-istess sess ma hijiex ugwali ghall-koppja tas-sess oppost."

Agius qal dan meta kien mistoqsi jekk in-nuqqasijiet ta' Malta humiex biss legizlattivi, u jekk humiex ukoll estizi ghall-mentalità generali tas-socjetà.

Agius spjega kif wahda mir-ragunijiet ghal din il-mentalità hija li l-ebda persuna omo-sesswali f'Malta ma tista' titkellem fuq zewgha jew zewgu, u jkollha tirreferi ghas-sieheb jew siehba taghha bhala partner.

"Hafna Maltin qatt ma mar-ru tieg ta' koppja tal-istess sess, u probbabbli li lanqas biss jimmaginaw li qatt jistghu jkunu mistednin ghal tieg simili!" stqarr Agius.

Agius jemmen li biex din l-atitudni tinbidel, hemm bzonn bidla fl-istrutturi tas-socjetà, hemm bzonn qafas ghall-ugwaljanza legali, kif ukoll zieda fl-gharfien dwar il-persuni LGBTI.

Wednesday 23 May 2012

Times: The same-sex non-marriage debate

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120520/opinion/The-same-sex-non-marriage-debate.420524
Sunday, May 20, 2012 by Fr Joe Borg

By an overwhelming majority (61 per cent to 39 per cent), North Carolina voters approved an amendment to their constitution declaring that "marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognised in this state."

This prevents the legalisationof civil unions as well as same-sex marriage.

Then a few days later US President Barack Obama told ABC television interviewer Robin Roberts: "I've just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married."

President Obama has consistently been supportive of gay-rights causes, but the present position represents a clear reversal of his 2008 presidential campaign stance that "my religious beliefs say that marriage is something sanctified between a man and a woman."

More recently he said that his views on the issue were "evolving". Not only cynics would marry this position with the poll results showing growing support for same sex marriages in the US. However President Obama, a member of the United Church of Christ, which has formally supported same-sex marriage since 2005, invoked his Christian faith to justify his position: though shall not discriminate.

US House Minority Leader the self-declared "devout Catholic", Nancy Pelosi, spun a similar argument: "My religion compels me - and I love it for it – to be against discrimination of any kind in our country, and I consider this [banning same sex marriage] a form of discrimination."

This argument does not go down well with everyone. Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, for example, responding to questions raised by reporters after Obama's statement, said she plans to vote against a bill for same-sex marriage pending in the Australian parliament. "I believe what I believe," the Australian leader declared.

Would a country be in any way guilty of discrimination if it does not legalise same- sex marriage?

Last March, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that European nations which define marriage as the union of a man and a woman are not guilty ofdiscrimination.

"The European Convention on Human Rights does not require member states' governments to grant same-sex couples access to marriage," the court said.

This decision pulls the carpet from under the feet of those who claim discrimination. Their claim has no legal basis.

In my commentary of April 15 I reproduced a quote from an article in The Tablet by Fr Timothy Radcliffe, a former master-general of the Dominican Order of Preachers. He wrote that the Church is against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Same-sex marriage is not about gay rights, he went on to state.

It is about a redefinition of marriage in a way that does not respect a wonderful truth about our humanity: "Marriage is founded on the glorious fact of sexual difference and its potential fertility. Without this, there would be no life on this planet, no evolution, no human beings, no future."

Sexual differences cannot be dismissed as irrelevant to the definition of marriage.

The term same-sex marriage is a contradiction in terms. "It is impossible because it attempts to cut loose marriage from its grounding in our biological life. If we do that, we deny our humanity," Radcliffe said.

This does not mean that rights and duties do not emanate from the cohabitation of same-sex persons or that these same rights and duties should not be regulated by law. The civil consequences of such unions should be well catered for and are still sadly lacking in our country.

Radcliffe's statement does not imply that the dedication and love that one finds in several same-sex relationships should be shunned or considered to be of no value. There are many such relationships which are both humanly rewarding and that enrich the community to which they belong.

However, it does not make sense to try to re-write nature or re-define what it means to be human. As Radcliffe wrote in the above-quoted article, one cannot make a cheese soufflé without the cheese, or wine without grapes. Nor can one make a marriage without a man and a woman. By all means regulate same-sex unions, but do not call it 'marriage'.

• Miracles never cease to happen. That villain of all villains so gruesomely portrayed in Jaws movies is not such a baddie after all. (Films, like the rest of the media, show us reality as it really is, don't they?) Signs that the creature of thestuff of nightmares might be redeemable were already visible.

There are, after all, 400 different species ranging in size from the 17-centimetre lantern shark (Etmopterus perryi) to the approximately 12-metre whale shark (Rhincodon typus). They cannot all be that bad.

Researchers then noticed another important redeeming factor. The species was the proud upholder of intra-professional ethics so much so that sharks never attack lawyers. Slight as they are, these signs are nevertheless positive and heralded stronger proofs yet to come.

The Times (May 15) provided us the mother of all proofs: the first vegetarian shark. Faced by succulent fish and boring lettuce (not of the Marsa type), this shark always chooses the latter. Scholars flung far and wide are considering myriad hypotheses as I write.

But few know that the shark's change of heart probably happened after it devoured a copy of The Book of Living and Dying passed on to it by an honourable Maltese gentleman. This magnum opus of Buddhist philosophy holds many a good counsel, apparently also for sharks sporting fins; though humans would be stupid not to benefit from its teachings.

• "It is often in silence, for example, that we observe the most authentic communication taking place bet­ween people who are in love: gestures, facial expressions and body language are signs by which they reveal themselves to each other.

"Joy, anxiety, and suffering can all be communicated in silence – in­deed, it provides them with a particularly powerful mode of expression.

"Silence, then, gives rise to even more active communication, re­quiring sensitivity and a capacity to listen that often makes manifest the true measure and nature of the relationships involved."

Pope Benedict's Message for World Communications Day, May 20.

joseph.borg@um.edu.mt

Di-ve: JPO - Shame on the Bishop for discriminating against different kinds of families

http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=92388&newscategory=36
by di-ve.com - editorial@di-ve.com
19 May 2012 -- 14:10CEST

Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando hit out against a pastoral letter by the Bishop of Gozo Mario Grech, in which the Bishop said a family was a relationship between man and woman, based on marriage.

Writing on Facebook, Dr Pullicino Orlando said that Bishop Grech had absolutely no right to encourage discrimination against families he saw as 'flawed.'

"If this is why we seem to be dragging our feet in relation to the promised regularisation of gay unions - SHAME!"

In the controversial pastoral letter Mgr Grech and Mgr Debrincat said that no other relationship could be equalled to a family.

They said that while many people considered any group of people who lived together because they loved one another to be a family, they were not a 'real family'.

They said it was the duty of the state to recognise real families and develop a policy in their favour.

Malta Today: Pullicino Orlando’s fury at Bishop’s view on ‘the family’

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Pullicino-Orlando-s-fury-at-Bishop-s-view-on-the-family-20120519
Saturday 19 May 2012 - 14:21 by Miriam Dalli

Divorce bill promoter and government MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando says Gozo Bishop 'has absolutely no right to encourage discrimination'.

Backbencher Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando has hit out at Gozo's Bishop Mgr Mario Grech over statements made in a pastoral letter over what constitutes a family.

An irate Pullicino Orlando said it was "shameful" if government was "dragging its feet" on the regularisation of gay unions because of the Church's beliefs.

"Bishop Grech has absolutely no right to encourage discrimination against those families he deems as being 'flawed' by the State," Pullicino Orlando, who was on the forefront calling for divorce legislation, said.

"If this is why we seem to be dragging our feet in relation to the promised regularisation of gay unions ... shame!"

Pullicino Orlando added that it is up to government to legislate in such a way as to protect the rights of all families. "Once again it seems that the sensibilities of the Curia come before basic civil rights," he said.

According to Grech and chancellor Salv Debrincat, "families are built on a relationship based on marriage between a man and a woman, where there is lifelong commitment with the aim to love and procreate, raise and educate children".

The two added, "No other relationship could be equalled to a family."

"It was true that there were those within political, economic and media institutions that wanted to call a family any experience of people who decided to live together because they loved one another," the pastoral letter goes on to say.

"But while these people, who were not a family, had the right for the state to respect their individual rights, it was also the duty of the state to recognise real families and develop a policy in their favour."

Grech said that the family was "a sanctuary where human life was conceived and brought up".

"The respect to the dignity of life required that not just abortion and euthanasia were not permitted but also that methods of procreation would not be a threat to human life," the pastoral letter read.

Grech goes on to suggest that low birth rate could be the result of the social environment: "Financial burdens, precarious work and buying a home could be some of the reasons leading young couples to take a long time to get married and start their family."

Times: No right to encourage discrimination against families he deems 'flawed' - JPO

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120519/local/no-right-to-encourage-discrimination-against-families-he-deems-flawed-jpo.420421
Saturday, May 19, 2012, 13:44

The Gozo bishop has no right to encourage state discrimination against families he deemed as being flawed, Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, the promoter of the introduction of divorce in Malta, said this afternoon.

In an entry on his facebook page referring to the Gozo bishop's pastoral letter (see: http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120519/local/a-family-is-a-relationship-between-man-and-woman-based-on-marriage-bishop-grech.420419), Dr Pullicino Orlando said:

"Bishop Grech has absolutely no right to encourage discrimination against those families he deems as being 'flawed' by the state.

"If this is why we seem to be dragging our feet in relation to the promised regularisation of gay unions - shame."

In his letter, bishop Grech said that a family was a relationship based on marriage between a man and a woman, where there was lifelong commitment with the aim to love and procreate, raise and educate children.

He said that no other relationship could be equalled to a family.

Times: Malawi to repeal ban on gay sex

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120518/world/malawi-to-repeal-ban-on-gay-sex.420310
Friday, May 18, 2012, 18:12 by PA

Malawi's new president says she will repeal the country's ban on homosexual acts.

President Joyce Banda's announcement during her first state of the nation address today is one of several steps she has taken that break with the administration of her predecessor, Bingu wa Mutharika, who died in office in April.

Malawi had faced international condemnation for the conviction and 14-year prison sentences given to two men in 2010, who had been arrested after celebrating their engagement and were charged with unnatural acts and gross indecency.

Mr Mutharika pardoned the couple, but said it was on "humanitarian grounds only" and insisted they had "committed a crime against our culture, against our religion, and against our laws".

Times: Call to boost gay rights

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120519/local/Call-to-boost-gay-rights.420343
Saturday, May 19, 2012

The government is being encouraged to improve Malta's track record on recognising the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual community.

On the International Day Against Homophobia, Alternattiva Demokratika and LGBT Labour urged the government to grant homosexuals, bisexuals and transsexuals equal rights and opportunities.

Studies reveal a significant percentage of these young people are victims of bullying because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender, according to the Malta Gay Rights Group.

"It is unfortunate that the new national curriculum framework fails to make any specific reference to issues that most affect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students," it said.

This year's focus is homo­phobia, biphobia and transphobia in education as schools should be safe spaces for all students. Research shows policies directly addressing gender orientation bullying make schools safer, the organisations say.

Moviment Graffitti says it is unacceptable to witness so many crimes related to sexual orientation and gender identity in countries such as Turkey, which should crack down if its bid to join the EU is to be taken seriously.

Malta Star: Saying no to homophobia with flowers

http://www.maltastar.com/dart/20120517-saying-no-to-homophobia-with-flowers
Thursday, 17 May 2012, 04:18

Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM) and 'We Are' are commemorating the International Day Against Homophobia which is celebrated annually today - on the 17 May. Today adverts from MGRM's Think Before You Speak: Making Life Better for LGBT Youth Campaign will be displayed on a number of newspapers. The University Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans (LGBT) group We Are will also be holding a Flowers of Friendship event on campus, distributing flowers to students. Both activities are being supported by the US Embassy.

The focus for this year's activities around the world is homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in education. Numerous studies continue to demonstrate that a significant percentage of LGBT youth are victims of bullying due to their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression in the schools they frequent. This has an impact on their well-being and also effects their school attendance and academic achievement. Schools should be safe spaces for all students and research demonstrates that policies that directly address homo/bi/transphobic bullying do make schools safer.

It is therefore unfortunate that the new National Curriculum Framework currently fails to make any specific reference to issues that most effect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students. This continues to render members of the LGBT communities – students, parents, administrators, teachers, and other staff — invisible in the Maltese education system.

Moreover, while reference is made to the learning environment no mention is made to ensuring the physical and emotional safety of students. MGRM and We Are hold that safety is a precondition for learning and that the absence of any reference to addressing bullying is of grave concern. "Our educational institutions should be committed to providing each student with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours needed to live in a complex and diverse world. This includes ensuring that any language or behaviour that deliberately degrades, denigrates, labels, stereotypes, incites hatred, prejudice, discrimination, harassment towards students or employees on the basis of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identification will not be tolerated and the prohibition of such language and behaviour should be included in student and teacher Codes of Conduct."

Gabi Calleja, coordinator from MGRM states: 'No LGBT student should have to suffer just because of who they are. This means making sure that schools are safe places for all and that the diversity of the student population is reflected in the curriculum.'

Luisa Tolu, a member of We Are adds, "last week We Are had the chance to speak to students at Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School and one sentiment emerged very clearly from these conversations; that there isn't enough visibility of LGBT issues within our education system and that every student would benefit if they are provided with information about sexual orientation and gender identity from a young age."

Malta Star: EU: Malta ranks low in LGBT protection

http://www.maltastar.com/dart/20120517-eu-malta-ranks-low-in-lgbt-protection
Thursday, 17 May 2012, 15:20

Malta joins millions around the world in celebrating the International Day Against Homophobia. Although the legal recognition for same-sex partnerships has been put on the agenda lately, it might end up on the shelf as the cohabitation law, taking more than a decade.

According to ILGA Europe report on Malta's LGBT people, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is prohibited in the area of employment. Legal gender recognition of trans people, Malta has administrative procedures to obtain legal gender recognition - however only after compulsory sterilisation and compulsory divorce. Malta does not provide any legal recognition of same-sex partnerships, neither joint nor second parent adoption is available to same-sex couples in Malta. Laws on hate and violence do not refer to sexual orientation or gender identity and do not recognise sexual orientation neither gender identity as aggravating factor.

This marks Malta as one of the worst EU Member States to recognise and protect LGBT people.

In Europe, growing up lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender can be challenging: difference often leads to bullying, self-harm, and sometimes suicide attempts. Studies consistently point to higher physical and mental health risks for LGBT young people.

For the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia 2012, over 50 European politicians and leaders from all EU institutions  join forces telling LGBT teenagers they are working to make things better, and put an end to homophobia and transphobia.

In this unique video message, Members of the European Parliament tell young people it gets better in 17 different languages, including in Maltese.

They are joined in the video by Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament; Herman van Rompuy, President of the European Council; and Cecilia Malmström, Andris Piebalgs, Neelie Kroes, László Andor and Viviane Reding, Members of the European Commission.

This video message is inspired by the American project It Gets Better, which aims to reduce self-harm and suicide attempts among LGBT young people.

[Tag: David Casa]

Monday 21 May 2012

Malta Today: AD calls for civil unions for gays on international day against homophobia

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/AD-calls-for-civil-unions-for-gays-on-international-day-against-homophobia-20120517
Thursday 17 May 2012 - 10:57

Greens says Malta has worst level of legal recognition and protection among EU-27.

Alternattiva Demokratika has expressed concern with Malta's track record on the recognition of the rights of the LGBT community.

Angele Deguara, AD spokesperson for social policy and civil rights, said Malta offers minimal protection to gay persons against discrimination, and that such protection is only in force because Malta had to comply with EU requirements.

"The legal recognition of same-sex partnerships has been put on the agenda lately but with the cohabitation law in the pipeline for more than a decade, it is difficult to imagine that such a legislation would make it through parliament during this legislature," Deguara said.

A map and index issued this week by ILGA-Europe show that Malta has the worst level of legal recognition and protection among the EU-27 members states. The index looked at anti-discrimination legislation and measures, legal recognition of same-sex couples, legal gender recognition of trans people and other criteria and gave Malta a 0 out of a maximum of 30 points.

"AD believes that same-sex couples should be able to form civil unions with equal rights to marriage. Malta still has one of the most archaic laws regarding the gender recognition of trans people. No domestic health care and gender reassignment procedures exist and the State provides no financial assistance to persons who need to undergo this procedure abroad.

"Furthermore, the State offers no protection to trans people regarding gender identity, a situation which may lead not only to uncomfortable situations and feelings of insecurity but also to infringements of rights such as the right to marry an opposite sex partner," Deguara said.

AD has welcomed the justice minister's declaration that the definition of hate crimes will be widened to include crimes against persons on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity. However, no concrete measures have so far been taken as the legal amendments have still not passed in parliament.

"AD urges the government to stop dragging its feet on these matters and the Labour Opposition to take a clear stand regarding its proposed policies on LGBT persons," Deguara said.

Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson, said: "AD firmly believes in a just and equal society and urges the Government to stop dragging its feet on these matters. AD also calls on the other political parties to adopt clear proposals and take a clear stand for the affirmation of the rights of LGBT persons. Equality should not be relegated to a few slogans in the election campaign but should be a constant commitment of all."

PL: Drittijiet Ugwali kontra l-Omofobija / Equal Rights against homophobia

Stqarrija 17 ta' Mejju 2012 Maħruġa mill-LGBT Labour

Drittijiet Ugwali kontra l-Omofobija

Id-drittijiet ugwali u r-rikkonnoximent ta' familji LGBT għandhom ikunu l-ewwel pass mill-istat biex tibda tinqered l-omofobija f'pajjiżna. Hu r-rikkonnoximent b'opportunitajiet indaqs li jagħti viżibbiltà lil dawn il-familji u li  għaldaqstant 'jinnormalizzhom'.

Minkejja li l-wegħdi mill-Gvern ilhom ġejjien sa mill-1998, għandna sitwazzjoni fejn sal-lum, koppji u familji LGBT huma ineżistenti quddiem il-liġi Maltija u għaldaqstant qegħdin f'sitwazzjoni vulnerabbli.  Il-fatt li dawn il-koppji u familjikontinwament jiġu diskriminati, anke mill-istat, iwassal biex l-istabbiltà tar-relazzjoni tagħhom, s-saħħa mentali tagħhom, d-drittijiet umani u ekonomiċi tagħhom, jigu affetwati b'mod neggativ mis-soċjetà kollha.

Għaldaqstant, l-LGBT Labour Intergroup tapella lill-partiti politiċi kollha f'pajjiżna biex jingħaqdu flimkien u b'mod kollettiv iwaqqfu d-diskriminazzjoni billi jaqblu dwar leġislazzjoni għal unjoni civili.   Hu biss permezz tal-opportunità ghal unjoni civili, li koppji LGBT, ikunu jistgħu jitqiesu bħala membri sħaħ u ugwali fis-soċjetà.

LGBT Labour jirringrazzja lill-istazzjonijiet ONE talli matul din is-sena, qegħdin ixandru b'xejn il-kampanja kontra l-omofobija Think Before You Speak tal-Malta Gay Rights Movement.  Dan hu sinjal ċar tad-direzzjoni kontra l-omofobija li ħa l-Partit Laburista.  Infakkru li kien l-istess mexxej tal-Partit Laburista, Dr. Joseph Muscat, li fl-ewwel diskors tiegħu mill-ħatra ta' mexxej fl-2008, qal b'mod konkrett li fil-Partit Laburista m'hemmx post għal min hu omofobiku.

LGBT Labour

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dddMd1qEcUY


---
Equal Rights against homophobia

The recognition of LGBT families by granting them equal rights should be the State's first step towards eradicating homophobia in Malta. It is recognition with equal opportunities that gives these families more visibility and it is visibility that 'normalises' their relationship.

Notwithstanding the ample promises, since 1998, by the current Government, in Malta LGBT couples and families are inexistent to the State and to the Laws of Malta. Therefore, they have been abandoned and left in a very vulnerable position. The fact that these couples and families are continuously discriminated, even by the State, leads the stability of their relationship, their mental health and their human and economic rights to be affected in a negative way by society at large.

The LGBT Labour appeals to all Maltese political parties to join forces and bring an end, in a collective manner, to discrimination by agreeing on legislation for Civil Union. It is only through the opportunity for civil union that LGBT couples and their children can be considered as society's full and equal members, where their relationship and their family would be given the same value as any other relationship and family in our country.

Finally, the LGBT Labour takes the opportunity to thank ONE Productions for the free airing, throughout 2012, of the Malta Gay Right Movement's Think Before You Speak campaign adverts. This was a clear signal of the direction being taken by the Labour Party against homophobia. It is important to remind that it was the leader of the Labour Party himself, Dr. Joseph Muscat, who in his maiden speech stated that there is no space for homophobia and homophobes within the Labour Party.

Di-ve: Equal rights are first step to abolish discrimination – LGBT Labour

http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=92320
by di-ve.com - editorial@di-ve.com
Current Affairs -- 17 May 2012 -- 12:35CEST

Equal rights and the acknowledgement of LGBT families are the first steps that can help abolish homophobia in Malta, LGBT Labour said.

In a press statement, LGBT Labour said that despite the promises made by the government that go back to 1998, till today we have a situation where LGBT couples are inexistent for the Maltese law.

"These couples are continuously being discriminated and thus left in a very vulnerable state. The fact that these couples are also discriminated by the state causes the relationships of these persons to be harmed."

LGBT Labour is calling for the political parties to join forces on this cause and have the law on civil union seriously discussed. Through this union, LGBTs will be treated as equal, normal persons in our society, the group added.
 
The group thanked ONE productions for allowing the campaign against homophobia "Think before you speak", to be aired on their TV station.

Di-ve: AD 'concerned' about Malta's LGBT rights track record

http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=92312&newscategory=33
di-ve.com by di-ve.com - editorial@di-ve.com
Politics -- 17 May 2012 -- 10:40CEST

On the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia, Alternattiva Demokratika said it was concerned about Malta's track record regarding the recognition of the rights of the LGBT community.
"Malta still offers minimal protection to LGBT persons against discrimination, and such protection is only in force because Malta had to comply with EU requirements," said AD's civil rights spokesperson Angele Deguara.

"The legal recognition of same-sex partnerships has been put on the agenda lately but with the cohabitation law in the pipeline for more than a decade, it is difficult to imagine that such a legislation would make it through parliament during this legislature."

"A map and index issued this week by ILGA-Europe show that Malta has the worst level of legal recognition and protection among the EU-27 members states. This index looked at anti-discrimination legislation and measures, legal recognition of same-sex couples, legal gender recognition of trans people and other criteria and gave Malta a 0 out of a maximum of 30 points".

"AD believes that same-sex couples should be able to form civil unions with equal rights to marriage. Malta still has one of the most archaic laws regarding the gender recognition of trans people. No domestic health care and gender reassignment procedures exist and the State provides no financial assistance to persons who need to undergo this procedure abroad. Furthermore, the State offers no protection to trans people regarding gender identity, a situation which may lead not only to uncomfortable situations and feelings of insecurity but also to infringements of rights such as the right to marry an opposite sex partner".

"With regards to hate crimes, AD had welcomes the Justice Minister's declaration that the definition of hate crimes will be widened to include crimes against persons on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity. However, so far, no concrete measures have been taken for this to materialise. AD urges the Government to stop dragging its feet on these matters and the Labour Opposition to take a clear stand regarding its proposed policies on LGBT persons".

Chairman Michael Briguglio concluded by saying that equality should not be relegated to a few slogans in the election campaign but should be a constant commitment by all the major political parties.

L-Orizzont: Illum jitfakkar il-Jum Internazzjonali kontra l-Omofobija - “Malta ma sar xejn ħlief wegħdiet fiergħa”

http://www.orizzont.com.mt/oldarticles/article90539.html
17.4.2012 minn Sammy Sammut

Waqt li llum qiegħed jitfakkar il-Jum Internazzjonali kontra l-Omofobija u t-Transfobija, bħal fi snin l-imgħoddija, f'Malta mhux biss ma ġiet organizzata l-ebda attività uffiċjali biex jitfakkar dan il-jum iżda kien ikkonfermat li matul is-sena li għaddiet il-Gvern Malti m'għamel xejn ħlief wegħdiet fiergħa biex ikunu tassew imħarsa d-drittijiet umani ta' persuni lesbja­ni, gay, bisesswali, transesswali jew intersesswali  f'pajjiżna.



Ir-rapport annwali għas-sena 2011 li jirrevedi l-qagħda tad-drittijiet umani ta' persuni LGBTI fl-Ewropa kif ukoll dik magħrufa bħala l-Mappa tal-Qawsalla, li kienu varati minn ILGA-Europe fil-preżenza tal-Kummissarju tal-Intern Ewropew, Cecilia Malmstròm, jikkonfermaw li l-qagħda f'pajjiżna baqgħet l-istess, jekk ma marritx għall-agħar. Fil-fatt, minn massimu ta' 30 punt fejn tidħol l-ugwaljanza legali, Malta ma ngħatat l-ebda punt u bi ftit ma daħlitx fiż-żona negattiva fejn jidħlu d-drittijiet tal-bnie­dem f'dan ir-rigward.

Jintqal li minkejja każi ripetuti ta' diskorsi u reati motivati mill-mibegħda omofobika f'Malta, kulma kien hemm kien biss paroli min-naħa tal-Gvern Malti. Ir-rapport annwali jagħmel referenza għall-wegħda li saret mill-Ministru tal-Ġustizzja u l-Intern f'Diċembru li għadda, li l-provedimenti tal-liġi fejn jidħlu reati ta' mibegħda kienu sejrin jibdew jinkludu wkoll dawk ibbażati fuq l-orjentazzjoni sesswali u l-identità tal-ġeneru, sal-lum baqa' kollox kif kien qabel.

Hekk ukoll ġara fejn jidħol id-dritt tal-ugwaljanza u non-diskriminazzjoni. Kien fis-sena 2010 li l-Ministru għall-Familja u s-Solidarjetà Soċjali ta' dak iż-żmien, Dolores Cristina, kienet wegħdet li r-remit tal-Kummissjoni Nazzjonali għall-Promozzjoni tal-Ugwaljanza kellu jkun estiż biex jinkludi l-orjentazzjoni sesswali. Iżda minkejja dan iż-żmien kollu li għadda, ma seħħew l-ebda żviluppi f'dan ir-rigward.

L-istess rapport ta' ILGA-Europe jikxef ukoll il-fatt li fost is-siti li jifformaw parti mill-'Adult Content Government Internet Package', l-Aġenzija Maltija tat-Teknoloġija tal-Informatika (MITA) inkludiet ukoll dawk is-siti kollha li jaqgħu taħt il-kategorija LGBT biex b'hekk dawn ma jkunux disponibbli b'faċilità għal dak li jkun. ILGA-Europe tgħid li anke s-sit tagħha huwa klassifikat f'din il-kategorija bħal siti oħrajn li fl-isem ikollhom il-kliem LGBT, għalkemm issa s-sit tal-Malta Gay Right Movement (MGRM) m'għadux.

Saret ukoll referenza għall-kawża li Joanne Cassar kienet ressqet kontra l-Gvern Malti quddiem il-Qorti Ewropea tad-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem wara li ma tħallietx tiżżewweġ sempliċiment għax hija persuna transesswali.

Ir-rapport jitkellem ukoll dwar id-diffikultajiet kbar li għadhom iħabbtu wiċċhom magħhom koppji ffurmati minn ċittadin Malti u ċittadin ta' pajjiż li ma jifformax parti mill-Unjoni Ewropea, għal­kemm dawn ikunu miżżewġin jew f'relazzjoni stabbli. hawnhekk, ir-rapport jagħmel referenza għall-wegħda tal-Gvern Malti dwar il-liġi tal-koabitazzjoni li kellha tipprovdi ċerti drittijiet għal koppji tal-istess sess, iżda anke din il-wegħda baqgħet biss paroli għax sal-lum dan l-abbozz ta' liġi baqa' ma tpoġġiex fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra tar-Rappreżentanti.

Intant, waqt il-preżen­tazz­joni tar-rapport annwali ta' ILGA-Europe, il-Kummissarju Malmstròm qalet li dak li seħħ f'dawn l-aħħar snin u li għadu sejjer sal-lum il-ġurnata "ibeżżgħani bil-kbir. Nisimgħu diskorsi omofobiċi u b'rapport ta' vjolenza kontra persuni LGBTI u nindunaw li qegħdin ngħixu f'soċjeta li mhix qiegħda qiegħda ssir aktar miftuħa u tolleranti. Anzi, għall-kuntrarju, sejrin fit-triq opposta"

Intant fl-okkażjoni tal-Jum Internazzjonali Kontra l-Omofobija u t-Transfobija, il-grupp DRACHMA flimkien mal-Grupp tal-Ġenituri DRA­C­H­MA, illum sejrin jogranizzaw Siegħa ta' Talb u Riflessjoni b'tifkira tal-vittmi tal-omofobija f'diversi nħawi tad-dinja, inkluż ukoll f'Malta.

L-attività se ssir  fil-Kappella tal-Università ta' Malta, Tal-Qroqq  u tibda fis-7.00 p.m., Kull min jixtieq jissieħeb jew isir jaf aktar dwar il-grupp DRACHMA jista' jċempel fuq in-numru 7944 2317 jew jibgħat e-mail fuq: drachmalgbt@gmail.com.

Thursday 17 May 2012

Malta Today: LGBT issues should be included in education framework

MGRM and We Are appeal for LGBT issues to be included in National Curriculum Framework in Malta to reduce bullying in schools.

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/LGBT-issues-should-be-included-in-education-framework-20120516
Wednesday 16 May 2012 - 17:20

Members of the LGBT communities including students, parents, administrators, teachers, and other staff, continue to remain invisible in the Maltese education system.

The Malta Gay Rights Movment (MGRM) and We Are said that it was unfortunate that the new National Curriculum Framework in Malta still fails to make any specific reference to issues that affect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students.

"This continues to render members of the LGBT communities, students, parents, administrators, teachers, and other staff, invisible in the Maltese education system. Schools should be safe places for all students and the groups said that research demonstrates that policies directly addressing homo/bi/transphobic bullying do make schools safer," the two groups said in a statement today.  

MGRM and We Are commemorated International Day Against Homophobia which is to be celebrated tomorrow, 17 May.

"Adverts from MGRM's 'Think before You Speak: Making Life Better for LGBT Youth Campaign' will be displayed on a number of newspapers on the day. The University LGBT group We Are will also be holding a 'Flowers of Friendship' event on campus, distributing flowers to students and both activities are being supported by the US Embassy," MGRM and We Are said in a joint statement.

Global activities on the day will this year be focusing on homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in education.

"Numerous studies continue to demonstrate that a significant percentage of LGBT youth are victims of bullying due to their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression in the schools they frequent. This has an impact on their well-being and also effects their school attendance and academic achievement," the groups said.

While reference is made to the learning environment within the National Curriculum Framework, there is no mention of ensuring the physical and emotional safety of students.

MGRM and We Are said that safety is a precondition for learning and that the absence of any reference to addressing bullying is of grave concern.

"Our educational institutions should be committed to providing each student with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours needed to live in a complex and diverse world. This includes ensuring that any language or behaviour that deliberately expresses any form of offence towards students or employees on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identification should not be tolerated. The prohibition of such language and behaviour should be included in student and teacher Codes of Conduct," MGRM and We Are said.

"No LGBT student should have to suffer just because of who they are. This means making sure that schools are safe places for all and that the diversity of the student population is reflected in the curriculum," MGRM coordinator Gabi Calleja said.

Member of We Are Luisa Tolu said that after speaking to students at Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School, it was evident to them that LGBT issues are not visible.

"There isn't enough visibility of LGBT issues within our education system and every student would benefit if they are provided with information about sexual orientation and gender identity from a younger age," Tolu said.