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."

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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.