YouTube: Mgr Charles Scicluna talks about Gays [on Xarabank]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycJ6oJPZML0&feature=youtu.be



Xarabank 23.11.2012 by Peppi Azzopardi

Mgr Charles Scicluna, Malta's new Auxiliary Bishop talks about the dignity of gay persons, homophobia, the recognition of same-sex relationships by the State and the ordination of gay priests.

Independent: How on Earth are we going to get a woman PM?

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2012-11-25/opinions/how-on-earth-are-we-going-to-get-a-woman-pm-433356804/
Sunday, 25 November 2012, 09:15 , by Pamela Hansen

So the Maltese are ready for a woman to lead the country and were actually more disposed towards this idea than their European counterparts. Pull the other one, it’s got bells on.

According to a Eurobarometer survey with 500 people, carried out by Misco last June, 84 per cent of Maltese respondents would feel comfortable with a female prime minister and they were actually more disposed towards this idea than their European counterparts, reported Ivan Camilleri in The Times on Friday.

Times: Don’t Quota Me

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121123/blogs/don-t-quota-me.446598
Friday, November 23, 2012, 16:39 by Tanja Cilia

Tulsi Gabbard Tamayo is an Iraq War veteran, and, incidentally, America’s first Hindu Congresswoman on the Democratic ticket. Her Oath of Office, come January 3, will be the first ever to be administered over the Bhagavad Gita. Her father is Hawaii State Senator Mike Gabbard. Aged 23, she was the state’s first elected official who resigned voluntarily to go to war.

Malta Today: Updated | Socialists: 'Borg left many open questions'

Socialists vote to reject Borg in internal meeting vote, but allow MEPs free vote.

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/world/Socialists-to-reject-Borg-but-allow-free-vote-to-MEPs-20121120
Wednesday 21 November 2012 - 09:30 by Matthew Vella


S&D leader Hannes Swoboda confirmed a split inside the socialists grouping.

The group of Socialists & Democrats in the European Parliament have voted to reject Tonio Borg for the post of European Commissioner, but have agreed to give their members a free vote tomorrow in Strasbourg.

The news comes in the wake of a decision by the socialists' political grouping, in which 62 MEPs voted in favour of a statement to reject Borg, against 24.

Malta Today: Maltese not keen on transgender, non-Catholic prime minister

Eurobarometer finds Maltese more prejudiced towards PM of different religious, ethnic background or transgender leader.

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Maltese-not-keen-on-transgender-non-Catholic-prime-minister-20121122
Thursday 22 November 2012 - 15:38 by James Debono


Vladimir Luxoria was the first openly transgender MP in Europe, and the world's second openly transgender MP after New Zealander Georgina Beyer.

The Maltese profess themselves to be "very comfortable" with having a female or even a disabled Prime Minister, but are less likely to feel at home if the highest-elected official in the country was a transgender person, or someone who is not Catholic or white.

Spiegel: On Being Gay, Conservative and Catholic

http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/spiegel-interview-with-gay-conservative-politician-jens-spahn-a-868660.html
23.11.2012 by Fritz Stockmeier / DER SPIEGEL


Jens Spahn, 32, is a member of the conservative Christian Democratic Union.

Jens Spahn is a conservative parliamentarian. He is also gay. In a SPIEGEL interview, the 32-year-old describes how this has informed his political career and assesses how far Germany has come on civil rights for gays and lesbians.

ILGA-Europe: Election of Tonio Borg as the new EU Commissioner for Health

http://www.ilga-europe.org/home/news/for_media/media_releases/ilga_europe_statement_on_the_election_of_tonio_borg_as_the_new_eu_commissioner_for_health

21/11/2012

Today the European Parliament endorsed Tonio Borg as the next EU Commissioner for Health.

During the hearing at the European Parliament on 13 November 2012 and in his letter to the Members of the European Parliament on 18 November 2012, Tonio Borg made a number of commitments relevant for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people, including a clear commitment to proactively combat discrimination based on sexual orientation within his area of competences and to advocate for depathologisation of trans people.

ILGA-Europe will closely monitor Tonio Borg’s work as EU Commissioner. We also hope to engage constructively with him and his services over the term of his mandate and to work with him towards delivering on the commitments he made before the European Parliament.

ILGA-Europe
Brussels, 21 November 2012

Times: Gay rights group ‘can’t go to school’

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121122/local/Gay-rights-group-can-t-go-to-school-.446352
Thursday, November 22, 2012 by Bertrand Borg

Lesbian, gay and bisexual students are more likely to feel depressed, attempt suicide and skip class – but are not catered for by the Maltese school system.

We were given a list of things we weren’t allowed to say

Educators found it “almost impossible” to access schools and teach students about LGBT issues, Malta Gay Rights Movement coordinator Gaby Calleja said yesterday.

Although the authorities were willing to engage with the MGRM on individual cases, there was much more institutional resistance with broader school policy, she said.

Malta Today: Updated | Gay rights, humanist NGOs call on MEPs to reject Borg

NGOs have called on MEPs to vote against Tonio Borg, claiming they were dissatisfied with the way in which he addressed issues related to sexual and reproductive health.

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/world/Gay-rights-humanist-NGOs-call-on-MEPs-to-reject-Borg-20121120
Tuesday 20 November 2012 - 15:11 by a Staff Reporter

Prof. Arnold Cassola, AD spokesperson on EU and International Affairs, has written to the Green Group in the European Parliament stating that Alternattiva Demokratika is against Tonio Borg's nomination.

"AD is not against Borg's nomination because he is a Catholic but because he has tried to impose his personal views on everybody, with regards to gay rights and divorce, and because he was in favour of Berlusconi's pushback policy of migrants as well as sending Eritrean refugees back home to be tortured as evidenced by Amnesty International and UNHCR..... which goes against the basic teaching of the Catholic church. The personal faith of every person, including Commissioners, should be always respected, whatever it is," Cassola said.

Times: Gay marriage, adoption protest

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121119/world/Gay-marriage-adoption-protest.445968
Monday, November 19, 2012



Photo: AFP

A demonstration against same-sex marriage was held on Saturday in Lyon, central eastern France. France’s Socialist Government on November 7 adopted a draft law to authorise gay marriage and adoption, despite fierce opposition from the Roman Catholic Church and the right-wing opposition.

Malta Star: French, Irish march on gay marriage, abortion

http://www.maltastar.com/dart/20121118-french-irish-march-on-gay-marriage-abortion
Monday, 19 Nov 2012, 04:56

Tens of thousands of people have protested in France against plans to legalise same-sex marriage and allow gay couples to adopt.

Police said at least 70,000 took to the streets in Paris; there were other demonstrations in the cities of Lyon, Toulouse and Marseille.

They included Catholic groups and other backers of traditional family rights.

Times: Adoption by gay couples

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121117/letters/Adoption-by-gay-couples.445669
Saturday, November 17, 2012 by George Camilleri, Victoria

A response to Karl Consiglio (November 14 a man and a man, or a woman and a woman, can never be considered ‘at par’ with a man and a woman.

Morality apart, if we eliminated such distinctions it would bring to an end meaningful discourse.

Supporters of adoption by ‘gay couples’ have to seek a different argument, if there is one.

Malta Today: French march against gay marriage bill

Thousands in France protest against plans to legalise same-sex marriage and gay couple adoption.
http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/world/French-march-against-gay-marriage-bill-20121118
Sunday 18 November 2012 - 09:48


Police said that while there were at least 70,000 in the streets of Paris, there were other demonstrations in the cities of Lyon, Toulouse and Marseille.

Tens of thousands of people in France marched against plans to legalise same-sex marriage and allow gay couples to adopt.

Avaaz: Hours to stop Uganda's horrific anti-gay law

23.11.12, Avaaz

In hours, Uganda could pass a law that could impose the death penalty or life imprisonment for homosexuality. An international outcry shelved this bill last year -- we urgently need to ramp up the pressure to press President Museveni to stand up for human rights and stop this brutal law. Sign below, and tell everyone:

The Ugandan Parliament is set to pass a brutal law that may carry the death penalty for homosexuality. If they do, thousands of Ugandans could face execution or life imprisonment -- just for being gay.

We've helped stop this bill before, and we can do it again. After a massive global outcry last year, Ugandan President Museveni blocked the bill's progress. But political unrest is mounting in Uganda, and religious extremists in Parliament are hoping confusion and violence in the streets will distract the international community from a second push to pass this hate-filled law. We can show them that the world is still watching.

We have no time to lose. Let’s get one million voices against Uganda's horrific anti-gay law in the next 24 hours -- we'll deliver it to Uganda's leaders and key countries. Click here to take action, then forward this email to everyone:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/uganda_stop_gay_death_law/?bPvvGdb&v=19500

Being gay in Uganda is already dangerous and terrifying. LGBT Ugandans are regularly harassed and beaten, and just last year gay rights activist David Kato (pictured above) was brutally murdered in his own home. Now they are threatened by this draconian law which could impose life imprisonment for people convicted of same-sex relations, and the death penalty for “serial offenders”. Even NGOs working to prevent the spread of HIV can be imprisoned for “promoting homosexuality” under this hate-filled law. 

All Out: Hours to stop "Kill the Gays" Bill [in Uganda]

Act now to stop the "Kill the Gays" bill in Uganda. Join the global outcry now and make sure Museveni keeps his promise to veto. Uganda's infamous "Kill the Gays" bill is back. If it passes, this horrific law could allow the death penalty for lesbian and gay Ugandans. It could pass at any moment.  President Museveni once promised to veto this heinous bill. But Uganda's politicians are desperate to pass the bill and they're pressuring Museveni to give in. The Speaker of the Parliament is actually calling it a "Christmas gift" to Uganda! Last May, millions of us stood up with activists from across Uganda to stop this very same law - and it worked.  Now we have to do it again.  We need to take action and share this far and wide.  We need every voice to build a massive outcry that the media and world leaders can't ignore.  The pressure could be enough to stop this bill in its tracks: www.allout.org/uganda According to our partners, the bill is now up for debate and can be voted on at any moment.  As Ugandan politicians work to finalize the the text of the bill, one thing is clear - if passed, it will force lesbian, gay, bi and trans Ugandans into the shadows.  Despite global opposition, some politicians in Uganda refuse to give up the bill and one is even calling for a new regional law, that would send every gay person in Africa to jail – for life. If this bill passes in Uganda, it wouldn't just mean tragedy for gay and lesbian Ugandans – it could set off a domino effect across the continent. Will you add your name and ask your friends to sign with you now? www.allout.org/uganda These politicians are using homophobia to distract Ugandans – and the world – from the very real problems they're supposed to be addressing at home, from corruption to freedom of the media. They're playing political games with people's very lives and lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans Ugandans will pay a steep price if they win. With millions of us together, we helped knocked this bill off course once before. Our friends in Uganda need to know we still have their backs.  Sign now and then ask your friends to get on board – there's no time to lose! www.allout.org/uganda This global movement for the simple right to live and love freely is unstoppable. But, as this hateful bill shows, there are still many hurdles in the historic battle for human rights and full equality. This is one of those milestone moments, and by raising your voice you are making a huge difference. Thanks for going All Out. Best, Andre, Hayley, Jeremy, Sara and the rest of the All Out team. SOURCES: Uganda's anti-gay bill to be passed by end of year www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/official-ugandas-anti-gay-bill-to-be-passed-by-end-of-year-despite-criticism-abroad/2012/11/12/a4f5d3b8-2cb4-11e2-b631-2aad9d9c73ac_story Uganda's President to block "Kill the Gays" Bill www.76crimes.com/2012/06/18/uganda-president-ill-block-kill-the-gays-bill Ugandan Parliament Speaker pushes for "Kill the Gays" bill www.thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2012/10/31/1117031/ugandan-parliament-speaker-pushes-for-kill-the-gays-bill Ugandan lawmaker calls for all homosexuals to be jailed for life www.gaystarnews.com/article/uganda-lawmaker-calls-all-african-gay-people-be-jailed-life111012

All Out is bringing people together in every corner of the planet and of every identity - lesbian, gay, straight, bisexual, transgender and all that’s between and beyond - to build a world in which everyone can live freely and be embraced for who they are. Our mailing address is: Purpose Foundation 224 Centre St New York, NY 10013 Copyright © 2012 AllOut.org, All rights reserved.

Malta Today: Is the gay marriage debate sidelining other gay rights?

In Malta, gay men and lesbians must be careful not to put the cart before the wheel especially when gay marriage extends rights to some but not all gay men and lesbians.

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/blogsdetails/blogs/Is-the-gay-marriage-debate-sidelining-other-gay-rights
Blog Saturday, November 17, 2012 by Joseph Carmel Chetcuti



Let me begin by laying my cards on the table. I support gay marriage. I do so chiefly for two reasons. First, gay men and lesbians have as much right as heterosexuals to be part of a patriarchal and oppressive institution. With that comes the right to ditch one's spouse with the aid and connivance of the State. Secondly, marriage opens the way to a raft of rights that the law denies to other mere mortals.

YouTube: Fact Check on Tonio Borg's Statements on Homosexuality

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX1jDXfsdjg&feature=plcp

New York Times: Gay Vote Crucial in Obama's Victory

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/16/us/politics/gay-vote-seen-as-crucial-in-obamas-victory.html?_r=0

Joshua Lott for The New York Times

A gay pride parade in Chicago in June. President Obama had more than a three-to-one edge among gay voters, exit polls found.

By MICAH COHEN

Published: November 15, 2012 487 Comments

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While President Obama’s lopsided support among Latino and other minority voters has been a focus of postelection analysis, the overwhelming support he received from another growing demographic group — Americans who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual — has received much less attention.

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Obama’s Diverse Base of Support

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But the backing Mr. Obama received from gay voters also has a claim on having been decisive. Mitt Romneyand Mr. Obama won roughly an equal share of votes among straight voters nationwide, exit polls showed. And, a study argues, Mr. Romney appears to have won a narrow victory among straight voters in the swing states of Ohio and Florida.

Mr. Obama’s more than three-to-one edge in exit polls among the 5 percent of voters who identified themselves as gay, lesbian or bisexual was more than enough to give him the ultimate advantage, according to the study, by Gary J. Gates of the Williams Institute at the U.C.L.A. School of Law, in conjunction with Gallup. The results are consistent with earlier research on the number and political beliefs of gay voters.

Democrats have been winning big over Republicans among gay voters, African-Americans, Latinos, Asian-Americansand Jews. Some of the groups are relatively small, but together they make up about one-third of the electorate, forcing Republicans to capture much of the remaining two-thirds to win elections. By comparison, white evangelical voters, who vote overwhelmingly for Republicans, make up about one-fourth of the electorate, and their numbers are not growing as rapidly.

As with Latinos and Asian-Americans, the number of voters who say they are gay appears to be growing. Only 1.9 percent of Americans over 65 call themselves gay, lesbian or bisexual, according to the Gallup survey, while 3.2 percent of those between 30 and 49, and 6.4 percent of those between 18 and 29 do.

Malta Today: Update 3 Borg not yet out of the woods, socialists seek new guarantees

LGBT intergroup president to reject Borg - Socialists ‘regret’ nomination of Tonio Borg - Greens, Liberals reject nomination of commissioner-designate.
http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Liberals-oppose-Tonio-Borg-s-candidacy-20121114
Wednesday 14 November 2012 - 17:05 by Jurgen Balzan


Updated at 17:05 with statement from Michael Cashman MEP.

Commissioner-designate Tonio Borg might be asked to make a further commitment beyond his vocal assurances to MEPs, that will bind him to his statements made during his three-hour hearing on Tuesday.

Malta Today: LGBT-intergroup president Michael Cashman to reject Tonio Borg

British Labour MEP says he cannot endorse Tonio Borg for the European Commission.

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/LGBT-intergroup-president-Michael-Cashman-to-reject-Tonio-Borg-20121114
Wednesday 14 November 2012 - 17:33 by Matthew Vella


British Labour MEP Michel Cashman at Tonio Borg's hearing.

The president of the LGBT-rights intergroup in the European Parliament said he cannot endorse Malta's foreign minister Tonio Borg for the post of Commissioner of the EU.

Michael Cashman had previously welcomed Borg's request for a bilateral meeting to discuss his previous statements on gay rights which the LGBT-rights intergroup felt barred him from being a suitable candidate for commissioner for health and consumer policy.

Times: Update 2: ALDE, Greens reject Tonio Borg's nomination, Socialists not yet decided

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121114/local/alde-rejects-tonio-borg-s-nomination-for-health-commissioner.445357
Wednesday, November 14, 2012, 13:33

ALDE and Green MEPS have rejected Tonio Borg's candidacy for EU Health Commissioner.

During Dr Borg's hearing yesterday, ALDE MEPs expressed serious concerns about his past record which, they said in a statement, suggested a discriminatory attitude on homosexuality, divorce and abortion.

Times: Adoption by gay couples

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121114/letters/Adoption-by-gay-couples.445290
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 by Karl Consiglio, Sliema

I would like to point out to Jacqueline Calleja (November 9) that not letting a child have two mothers or two fathers, if we really have nothing against the gay community, is on a par with not letting them have a mother and a father.

All Out: 10 years in jail. For this?

Nigerians are asking for your urgent support. Their parliament is trying to ram through a new "Jail the Gays" law. President Jonathan can veto – but he has to believe the whole world is watching. Dear Patrick, Nigeria is days from passing the "Jail the Gays" bill - one of the harshest anti-gay laws the world has ever seen. The proposed law will mean 10 years in prison for two people daring to hold hands in public. Live with someone of the same sex – 10 years in prison Organise a gathering of gay people – 10 years in prison Support the idea of a pride march – 10 years in prison After a year languishing in the House of Assembly, the "Jail the Gays" bill has been rushed through with zero notice. The only roadblock before it becomes law is one signature – President Goodluck Jonathan's. Last year, 65,000 of us stood against this bill and it was abandoned! Can you take one minute to help us do it again?  It takes only one minute but it could change history: www.allout.org/nigeria-veto When the bill was first introduced, politicians said there were no gay people in their country. Our friends in Nigeria have said they are not taking this lying down - they've got a plan and they're asking for our help. Right now, they are organising an unprecedented response of African advocates – both straight and gay – to speak out against this bill. Today, we are showing that not only do Nigerian LGBT people exist, but the whole world has their back. Will you stand with Nigerians against this hateful law and help us to get to 100,000 signatures? www.allout.org/nigeria-veto The only way to stop this bill is to trumpet Nigerian voices for equality - supported by millions around the world. President Jonathan can veto the bill – and if he hears these Nigerian voices, he'll have to. We know we can drive the right message to every government and media organisation around the world to make sure President Goodluck Jonathan knows his people and their allies will not tolerate him signing this bill into law. Will you take one minute and add your name now? www.allout.org/nigeria-veto Thanks for going All Out. Best, Andre, Hayley, Jeremy, Sara and the rest of the All Out team. SOURCES Nigerian law-makers move ahead on anti-gay bill www.nation.co.ke/News/africa/Nigerian-lawmakers-move-ahead-on-anti-gay-bill All Out is bringing people together in every corner of the planet and of every identity - lesbian, gay, straight, bisexual, transgender and all that’s between and beyond - to build a world in which everyone can live freely and be embraced for who they are. Our mailing address is: Purpose Foundation 224 Centre St New York, NY 10013 Copyright © 2012 AllOut.org, All rights reserved.

Daily Nation: Nigerian lawmakers move ahead on anti-gay bill

http://www.nation.co.ke/News/africa/Nigerian-lawmakers-move-ahead-on-anti-gay-bill/-/1066/1619634/-/1306f7v/-/index.html
November 14 2012 at 01:39 by By AFP, ABUJA

Nigerian lawmakers moved a step closer Tuesday to approving a bill that would harshly crack down on gay rights, including banning same-sex marriage and public displays of affection between homosexual couples.

The bill which has already been approved by the Senate passed a second reading in the House of Representatives with an unanimous vote and will now see a clause-by-clause review in the chamber at an undetermined date.

Malta Star: MEP Cashman, LGBT Intergroup's head will not endorse Borg

http://www.maltastar.com/dart/20121114-mep-cashman-lgbt-intergroup-head-will-not-endorse-borg
Wednesday, 14 Nov 2012, 16:47



British Michael Cashman head of EP's LGBT's rights intergroup said that after giving a lot of thought he will not endorse Tonio Borg for the EU nomination.

Yesterday before Borg hearing at the European Parliament in Brussels, Cashman stated that the Maltese designate commissioner "personal views would not affect his actions". He even tweeted that "if youjudge before, you lose the argument".

ILGA: NGOs: Reject Tonio Borg at plenary vote at the European Parliament

http://www.ilga-europe.org/home/news/for_media/media_releases/tonio_borg_15_november

Tonio Borg at the hearing on 13 November 2012

15/11/2012

Civil society organisations: “We call for the rejection of Tonio Borg’s nomination at plenary vote at the European Parliament”

On 13 November 2012, Tonio Borg, Malta’s new nominee for the post of the EU Health Commissioner, was heard by the members of the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety.

Prior to the hearing, our organisations called on the Members of the European Parliament to reject Tonio Borg’s nomination. After the hearing, we continue to have serious concerns about his nomination.

During the hearing, Mr Borg addressed some of the issues raised by our organisations and he made a few commitments towards abiding by the EU Fundamental Rights’ Charter, particularly with regards to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people. However, we are highly dissatisfied with the way in which he addressed issues related to sexual and reproductive health, women’s rights and rights of migrants.

Despite commitments made at the hearing, our organisations’ strong objection to his nomination still remains. Mr. Borg’s political track record shows that his personal views have a strong influence on his political actions, despite reassurance to the contrary

We call on the European Parliament to reject Tonio Borg’s candidature on the basis of facts, which included his documented track record as well as on the basis of the Parliament hearing of 13 November 2012.

We ask you to vote against Tonio Borg’s nomination next Wednesday at the plenary vote on 21 November 2012 .

Signatories:

Catholics for Choice www.catholicsforchoice.org

European Humanist Federation www.humanistfederation.eu

EAFT - European Association of Free Thought www.aepl.eu

ENAR – European Network against Racism www.enar-eu.org

EATG – European AIDS Treatment Group www.eatg.org

European Women's Lobby - www.womenlobby.org

ILGA-Europe –European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Associationwww.ilga-europe.org

IPPF European Network – International Planned Parenthood Federation www.ippfen.org

PICUM – Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants www.picum.org

Contacts

Catholics for Choice: David Nolan, Communications Director, 202-986-6093

ENAR: Georgina Siklossy, Communication and Press Officer, +32 2 229 35 77, georgina@enar-eu.org

EATG: Ann Isabelle von Lingen, Policy Officer, +32 491 348 317, annisabelle.vonlingen@eatg.org and Oleksandr Martynenko, Communications Coordinator, + 32 491 348 312 , oleksandr.martynenko@eatg.org

ILGA-Europe: Juris Lavrikovs, Communications Manager, +32 496 708 375, juris@ilga-europe.org

IPPF: Irene Donadio, Manager Public Affairs, idonadio@ippfen.org and Marie-Agnès Lenoir, Senior Communications Advisor, +32 2 250 0950, mlenoir@ippfen.org

PICUM: Kadri Soova, Advocacy Officer +32 496 451 291, kadri.soova@picum.org

Additional information – briefings and statements on Tonio Borg

• Joint statement from 12 November 2012
• Factsheet by Catholics for Choice
• Briefing by the European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBTI Rights prepared with IPPF, EATG, Stop AIDS Alliance and ILGA-Europe
• PICUM letter to MEPs
• Letter to MEPs by Catholics for Choice

BBC News: Uganda to pass anti-gay law as 'Christmas gift'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20318436
13 November 2012 Last updated at 20:58 GMT

Ugandan gay people often fear living openly

Continue reading the main story

Related Stories

• Gay rights: Africa, the new frontier
• Uganda fear over gay death-penalty plans
• Uganda 'not behind anti-gay bill'

Uganda will pass a new law against homosexuality by the end of 2012 as a "Christmas gift" to its advocates, the speaker of parliament has said.

The AP news agency quoted Rebecca Kadaga as saying that Ugandans were "demanding" the law.

Homosexual acts are already illegal in Uganda, but the bill which is before parliament proposes tougher sentences for people convicted.

Foreign donors have threatened to cut aid if gay rights are not respected.

The bill, tabled by MP David Bahati, proposes jail terms for homosexual acts, including a life sentence in certain circumstances.

It prohibits the "promotion" of gay rights and calls for the punishment of anyone who "funds or sponsors homosexuality" or "abets homosexuality".

But a clause which calls for the death penalty against people found guilty of "aggravated homosexuality" -

Times: Borg tells MEPs: 'What you see is what you get'

'I shall be independent, objective and above all, European'
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121113/local/borg-tells-meps-i-shall-be-independent-objective-and-above-all-european.445238
Tuesday, November 13, 2012, 15:28

Foreign Minister Tonio Borg told MEPs at the opening of his hearing in the European Parliament today that he would be independent, objective and, above all, European.

Dr Borg placed an accent on his European credentials at the opening of his three-hour hearing, pointing out that he had spent the major part of his political life working to take Malta into the EU because he was a firm believer in its values.

Independent: Minute by Minute: Borg Leaves Positive Impression

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2012-11-13/news/live-tonio-borgs-grilling-from-brussels-381091848/

Tuesday, 13 November 2012, 17:38 , by Keith Micallef



The EPP is the first political group to issue a statment on Dr Borg's performance. As expected the EPP has praised the commissioner-designate, whose party hails from this political group. Meanwhile judging from the comments on the social media, Dr Borg's seems to have left an overall good impression, after clarifying some issues regarding sexual discrimination and abortion.

Malta Today: Borg’s competence is ticket to Commission, but LGBT intergroup remains guarded

The impressive foreign minister’s confident performance still does not cut the mustard with the EP’s left-wing on fundamental rights.

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Borg-s-competence-is-ticket-to-Commission-but-LGBT-intergroup-remains-guarded-20121114
Wednesday 14 November 2012 - 10:19 by Matthew Vella


Conservative but reassuring... Borg impressed MEPs from the EPP and socialists, but not those of the Green, Liberal and left-wing camps.

MEPs who examined Tonio Borg's bid to join the European Commission left mixed reactions on his three-hour interview on the public health, environment and consumer protection portfolio, in spite of the Maltese foreign minister's confident performance and assured grasp of technicalities.

Malta Today: ‘Borg of the EU’ gives confident performance in Brussels

Tonio Borg shows good grasp of health and consumer policy portfolio in three-hour hearing where MEPs also question his socially conservative beliefs.

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Borg-of-the-EU-gives-confident-performance-in-Brussels-20121113
Tuesday 13 November 2012 - 19:24 by Matthew Vella


Tonio Borg was well-prepared for his three-hour hearing before MEPs.

Our live-blog from the EP hearing

A confident performance by foreign minister Tonio Borg yesterday at the European Parliament saw him overcome a tough, three-hour grilling by MEPs which tested him on his general competence of the health and consumer affairs portfolio but also on his past statements on same-sex and women's rights as well as safe abortions.

Malta Today: ‘Evolved’ Tonio Borg curries favour with socialists ahead of grilling

Socialist MEP and head of LGBT intergroup Michael Cashman sends optimistic sign that Borg will be approved by socialists.

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/world/Evolved-Tonio-Borg-curries-favour-with-socialists-ahead-of-grilling-20121112
Tuesday 13 November 2012 - 08:00 by Matthew Vella


Michael Cashman (left) with Liberal MEP Sophie In't Veld.

Heartening signs that Tonio Borg will weather a 'liberal backlash' that took him to task over his conservative political views on rights for same-sex couples, have come from British socialist MEP Michael Cashman who said Borg might not deserve the fate of Rocco Buttiglione, the Italian nominee who was turned down for the post of justice commissioner.

Malta Star: Mixed reactions to Tonio Borg on LGBT rights

http://maltastar.com/dart/20121114-mixed-reactions-to-tonio-borg-on-lgbt-rights
Wednesday, 14 Nov 2012, 05:21



On Tuesday Members of the European Parliament examined Tonio Borg’s bid to join the European Commission. MEPs express very mixed feelings after a 3-hour interview on the public health, environment and consumer protection portfolio.

The Intergroup on LGBT rights had made clear its concerns regarding Mr Borg’s track record, notably on women’s and LGBT rights.

Malta Today: Tonio Borg hearing: Malta’s moment of truth

Reactions to the nomination of former home affair minister Tonio Borg as Commissioner-designate suggest that a cultural gulf still separates Malta from the rest of the EU, eight years after accession. And it’s not just about ‘Christian values’ either.

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Tonio-Borg-hearing-Malta-s-moment-of-truth-20121112
Tuesday 13 November 2012 - 08:30 by Raphael Vassallo

Addressing the PN general assembly after the bruising divorce referendum defeat last year, guest speaker Prof. Joe Friggieri told his audience that "you can't open a window and expect people not to feel the fresh air."

His point was inescapable, to an audience that had earlier lobbied aggressively for EU membership. The Nationalist Party could not expect to both pave the way to change, and at the same time do everything in its power to prevent the effects of that change from being felt.

Malta Today: MEPs, European NGOs to call for rejection of Tonio Borg

Eight European NGOs, including Catholics for Choice say Tonio Borg’s appointment would be a serious risk to the principles of fundamental rights.

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/European-NGOs-concerned-with-Tonio-Borg-s-ultra-conservative-views-20121112
Monday 12 November 2012 - 14:09 by Jurgen Balzan


Malta's EU Commissioner-designate Tonio Borg.

A coalition of Catholics, LGBT activists and other NGOs will be holding a press conference in Brussels later today, calling for the rejection of Tonio Borg's nomination as EU Commissioner.

Malta Star: “Atheists, abortionists, gays in smear campaign against Tonio Borg”

http://www.maltastar.com/dart/20121113-atheists-abortionists-gays-in-smear-campaign-against-tonio-borg
Tuesday, 13 Nov 2012, 05:49

Atheists, abortion organizations and the pro-homosexual lobby have organized an aggressive smear campaign in Brussels against Dr. Tonio Borg, the nominated Commissioner of Malta, to discredit his candidacy prior to his hearing before the European Parliament. The reason behind the smear campaign is Dr Borg personal stance on general issues of social ethics.

Times: Borg’s nomination hinges on Socialists

Would-be European Commissioner must win MEPs’ support

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121111/local/Borg-s-nomination-hinges-on-Socialists.444800
Sunday, November 11, 2012 by Ivan Camilleri

Tonio Borg’s bid to become Malta’s third European Commissioner depends on the support of Socialist MEPs in the three committees grilling him on Tuesday.

It still appears that Liberals are reluctant to support Tonio Borg

Sources close to the European Parliament told The Sunday Times that Dr Borg’s approval is far from certain and he is in for a tough session.

Times: Borg 'facing coordinated attack for being Catholic'

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121110/local/borg-facing-coordinated-attack-for-being-catholic.444674
Saturday, November 10, 2012, 12:15



The Brussels-based European Dignity Watch, has hit out at what it sees as a coordinated campaign opposing the nomination of Tonio Borg to the European Commission.

Dr Borg is due to be questioned by MEPs on Tuesday.

Times: Not quite the only gay in the village...

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121111/opinion/Not-quite-the-only-gay-in-the-village-.444835
Sunday, November 11, 2012 by Sylvanus

Believe me sweeties, it’s not easy being the only gay in Mellieħa.

People say to me: “It must be sooooooooooooooo difficult for you living in such a macho environment.”

But you’d be surprised, shocked even, to hear what goes on inside the closet on the hill, known as Mellieħa.

Independent: Vatican digs in after Gay Marriage advances

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2012-11-10/news/vatican-digs-in-after-gay-marriage-advances-370212865/

Saturday, 10 November 2012, 19:33

The Vatican is digging in after gay marriage initiatives scored big wins this week in the U.S. and Europe, vowing to never stop insisting that marriage can only be between a man and a woman.

In a front-page article in Saturday's Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, the Holy See sought to frame itself as the lone voice of courage in opposing initiatives to give same-sex couples legal recognition. In a separate Vatican Radio editorial, the pope's spokesman asked sarcastically why gay marriage proponents don't now push for legal recognition for polygamous couples as well.

Independent: This Aliyev case is ‘Fishy’

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2012-11-11/opinions/this-aliyev-case-is-fishy-370606083/
Sunday, 11 November 2012, 09:41 , by Noel Grima

Despite all the naysayers, I still believe Tonio Borg can make it this week.

The main fear seems to be that of a re-run of the Rocco Buttiglione case some years ago when the personal theologian of the Pope walked head-on into a controversy regarding some comments he had passed on gays and refused to back down.

That, given Dr Borg’s personal convictions, can still happens but so far it is only the Greens and the Liberals who are speaking against his nomination, and they are relatively small parties in the European Parliament.

News Book: L-MGRM ma jikkummentax dwar l-MPs Ewropej li qed jaħdmu kontra Tonio Borg

http://www.newsbook.com.mt/artikli/2012/11/9/l-mgrm-ma-jikkummentax-dwar-l-mps-ewropej-li-qed-jahdmu-kontra-tonio-borg.1299#.UJ14ixwU7Do

Catherine  Aquilina  |  09/11/2012

Il-Malta Gay Right Movement għażel li ma jikkummentax dwar grupp ta’ Membri Parlamentari Ewropej favur persuni omesswali li qed jopponu l-ħatra tal-Ministru Tonio Borġ bħala l-Kummissarju l-ġdid Ewropew għal Malta.

B’reazzjoni għall-istorja ppubblikata fuq newsbook iktar kmieni llum, il-President tal-MGRM Gabby Calleja qalet li ma xtaqitx tagħti kummenti dwar ir-rapport ta’ erba’ paġni li l-“Intergroup on LGBT Rights” ippubblika dwar il-pożizzjoni ta’ Tonio Bog dwar l-abort, l-omosesswalità u d-divorzju. L-MPs Ewropej qalu li minħabba l-fehmiet tiegħu f’dawn is-suġġetti, il-Ministru Borg jista’ jkun imparzjali fil-kariga ta’ Kummissarju, dan għaliex ħidmietu tinkludi r-riċerka fil-qasam tas-saħħa, l-aċċess indaqs għall-kura, l-edukazzjoni fis-saħħa u kampanji ta’ prevenzjoni kontra l-mard trasmess sesswalment.