Tuesday 31 January 2012

Malta Today: Malta fails in hate crime ‘report card’

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Malta-fails-in-hate-crime-report-card-20120125
Wednesday 25 January 2012 - 10:53 by Raphael Vassallo

Human Rights First, an American advocacy organization based in Washington, gives symbolical ‘fail’ to Malta in a mock report card.



The Malta Gay Rights Movement will be holding a protest tomorrow evening, starting at 7.30pm, on the site of the attack on a lesbian woman last week.

Last Friday's violent attacks on two lesbian teenagers in Hamrun has once again underscored a glaring lacuna in Maltese law - its failure to include sexual orientation as a specific aggravating factor in violent assault cases.

The Malta Gay Rights Movement will be holding a protest tomorrow evening, starting at 7.30pm, on the site of the attacks - St Paul's Square, Hamrun. Among the particular aspects the movement will be addressing is this legal shortcoming, which has separately been criticised by international human rights NGOs.

Human Rights First, an American advocacy organization based in Washington, went as far as to symbolically 'fail' Malta in a mock report card, intended to measure the adequacy of national legislation when it comes protecting vulnerable minorities.

The card notes that Maltese legislation stops short of recognising hate crimes (regardless of motive) as a specific category of offence; and that while religion, race and disability are all listed as aggravating factors in specific common crimes, there is no mention whatsoever of sexual orientation.

This has in fact been the situation since the concept of hate crimes was first introduced to Maltese law n 2006. As a result, the police are powerless to prosecute the two suspects allegedly behind Friday's attacks for hate crimes, and instead are expected to press charges for simple assault.

MGRM coordinator Gabi Calleja said that the issue is on the agenda for a meeting to be held with newly-appointed Justice Minister Chris Said in the first week of February.

The 16-year-old victim of Friday's assault was admitted to hospital with a broken nose and various superficial injuries. Her assailants - two brothers, aged 19 and 17, both from Hamrun - are understood to have taunted, verbally abused and even pelted the girl with eggs on previous occasions, but this was the first time they have been arrested in connection with the ongoing harassment.

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

EWCO: Unions’ role in combating workplace discrimination

http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/ewco/2011/10/MT1110029I.htm

European Working Conditions Observatory (EWCO)

An EU-funded study examined the role of Maltese trade unions in combating discrimination in the workplace on the grounds of race, disability, religion, sexual orientation and age. The study was based mostly on interviews with three of the largest unions about their policies and practices on anti-discrimination and diversity. The unions were aware of equality issues to a certain extent but did not seem to have specific strategies to combat discrimination in general.

About the project

A major element of the study, ‘Trade union practices on anti-discrimination and diversity’, involved the preparation of national state-of-the-art reports from all EU Member States plus three European Economic Area (EEA) countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), three candidate countries (Croatia, Turkey and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) and one potential candidate (Serbia). The study was funded by the European Union Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity PROGRESS (2007–2013) and carried out by the Working Lives Research Institute (WLRI), London Metropolitan University on behalf of the European Commission, Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities.

The aim of the project was to analyse the roles taken by trade unions to fight all grounds ofdiscrimination at the workplace and to highlight the most significant and innovative measures adopted by the unions. A European Commission report (1.74Mb PDF) details the project’s overall findings. This update describes the findings of the Malta report.

Malta study

The study involved qualitative interviews with three of the biggest unions in Malta:

  • General Workers’ Union (GWU);
  • United Workers’ Union (UHM);
  • Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN).

It also includes the perspectives of the Malta’s equality body, the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE), and the Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM).

Main findings

Race and ethnicity

The issue of race discrimination has attracted much attention in Malta in the last few years mostly because of the undocumented migrants who arrive by boat from the coast of North Africa. In line with national sentiment, unions in general seemed concerned that Maltese workers could face unfair competition from the migrants, most of whom work in the informal economy. There seemed to be less concern for the rights of the migrants.

The GWU had issued a paper on anti-discrimination on the grounds of race and ethnicity, and taken an active role in securing a proper wage for 55 Indian nationals who were being paid less than the minimum wage for their long working hours. The union was also talking to the government about the issue and planning projects to acquire EU funds to combat this form of discrimination. The UHM supported the rights of migrant workers and said it was making efforts to protect them. The MUMN was involved in a case relating to EU nurses who were being treated less favourably than Maltese nurses.

Of the three unions, the GWU seemed the most proactive, especially on the issue of ethnic and racial equality. It had appointed someone to work exclusively on the issue of inclusion and the protection of third country nationals, especially illegal migrants, in the work place

Religion and belief

None of the respondents gave priority to discrimination based on religion or belief. None of the unions was aware of any cases of discrimination on these grounds.

Disability

The unions seemed less concerned with the issue of discrimination on the grounds of disability, assuming it was not part of their remit because there is a government-funded agency, the National Commission for Persons with a Disability (KNPD), working in this area. Respondents agreed there was now more awareness of the issue of disabled persons at work, but not enough to ensure their integration into the labour market.

Sexual orientation

The issue of sexual orientation at the workplace was not given much attention by the unions interviewed. It was remarked that workers rarely go to the unions with complaints about this type of discrimination because it is a sensitive issue. The respondent from the MGRM, who lobbies for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights, claimed that transgender people are normally excluded from the workplace and are not even called for the interview, while harassment was common and ‘coming-out’ remained a difficult issue for gays and lesbians.

Age discrimination

The issue of age discrimination did not seem to be a priority for the three unions. Although both the GWU and the UHM have a separate section for retired workers and for youth, neither mentioned any social dialogue or activities in this area.

Commentary

Although awareness about discrimination in the workplace seems to be increasing in Malta, unions may still need to be convinced about their role in ensuring an equitable and inclusive workforce. In times of economic crisis, unions are likely to feel that their priorities should be job retention and fair wages rather than combating various kinds of discrimination and promoting diversity.

Reference

European Commission (2010), Trade union practices on anti-discrimination and diversity. European Trade Union Anti-Discrimination and Diversity study: Innovative and significant practices in fighting discrimination and promoting diversity (1.74Mb PDF), Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

Anna Borg, Centre for Labour Studies, University of Malta

Malta Star: Two teenagers to be charged with attacking lesbians

http://www.maltastar.com/pages/r1/ms10dart.asp?a=19497
24 January 2012 09:48

Two teenagers who attacked a young lesbian couple for being lesbian will soon face charges in court in the Hamrun district sitting. They will be accused of assaulting and injuring the young girls.

The couple was sitting on a bench in Hamrun Square on 13 January 2012 when the boys started calling them lesbians from a balcony and then went down into the square and attacked them.

One of the girls had to be treated for a broken nose and bruises on her face and breasts. The other suffered bruises on her face and wrists.

Malta Today: GWU most migrant friendly, according to EU-funded study

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/GWU-most-migrant-friendly-according-to-EU-funded-study-20120123
Tuesday 24 January 2012 - 08:06 by James Debono

The General Workers Union is the most proactive union on ethnic and racial equality issues, according to an EU-funded study based on interviews with Malta’s three largest unions.

The GWU had itaken an active role in securing a proper wage for 55 Indian nationals who were being paid less than the minimum wage for their long working hours.

One of the reasons according to the report was the appointment of Terry Godsen who heads the GWU's section for migrants.

In this way the union can focus exclusively on the issue of inclusion and the protection of third country nationals, especially illegal migrants in the work place.

But the report notes that there was more concern among unions on the risk of Maltese workers facing unfair competition from migrants, most of whom work in the informal economy, than on the rights of the migrants. The report is based on interviews with the General Workers Union, the Union Haddiema Maqghudin and the Malta Union for Midwifes and Nurses.

According to the report the GWU had issued a paper on anti-discrimination on the grounds of race and ethnicity, and taken an active role in securing a proper wage for 55 Indian nationals who were being paid less than the minimum wage for their long working hours.

With regards to the UHM, the report notes that it supported the rights of migrant workers and said it was making efforts to protect them.

The MUMN was involved in a case relating to EU nurses who were being treated less favourably than Maltese nurses.

The unions were aware of equality issues to a certain extent but did not seem to have specific strategies to combat discrimination in general. The aim of the project was to analyse the roles taken by trade unions to fight all grounds of discrimination at the workplace and to highlight the most significant and innovative measures adopted by the unions.

According to the report none of the unions gave priority to discrimination based on religion or belief.

"None of the unions was aware of any cases of discrimination on these grounds".

The unions seemed less concerned with the issue of discrimination on the grounds of disability, assuming that this was the responsibility of the National Commission for Persons with a Disability (KNPD).

Trade union representatives agreed there was a higher level awareness of the issue of disabled persons at work, but not enough to ensure their integration into the labour market.

Neither was the issue of sexual orientation at the workplace was given much attention by the unions interviewed.

According to trade unionists, workers rarely go to the unions with complaints about this type of discrimination because it is a sensitive issue.

But a representative of the Malta Gay Rights Movement claimed that transgender people are normally excluded from the workplace and are not even called for the interview, while harassment was common and 'coming-out' remained a difficult issue for gays and lesbians.

A commentary on the EU commission report was published on the European Working Conditions observatory's website by Anna Borg Director of the Centre of Labour Studies in the University of Malta.

According to Anna Borg, Director of the Centre for Labour Studies, awareness about discrimination in the workplace seems to be increasing in Malta but unions may still need to be convinced about their role in ensuring an equitable and inclusive workforce.

"In times of economic crisis, unions are likely to feel that their priorities should be job retention and fair wages rather than combating various kinds of discrimination and promoting diversity," Borg added.

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

MOVE: Kundanna ‘l-attakk homofobiku

23.1.2012

L-ghaqda studenteska MOVE – Progressive Students tikkundanna bla riservi l-attakk dispreggjattiv u homofobiku li sehh fuq tfajla ta’ 16 –il sena. Dawn l-atti ta’ hate crime juru bic-car il-bzonn sabiex kazijiet simili jittiehdu aktar bis-serjeta u ssir gustizzja mal-vittmi. MOVE tappella wkoll sabiex tittiehed kull mizura possibli sabiex ma jibqawx isehhu kazijiet bhal dawn. Nappellaw ghal ambjent fejn kull persuna thossha sikura, irrispettivament mill-orjentazzjoni sesswali taghha.

MOVE – Progressive Students
info@move.com.mt
www.move.org.mt

Monday 30 January 2012

Times: Brothers to be charged over assault on lesbians

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120124/local/Brothers-to-be-charged-over-assault-on-lesbians.403680
Tuesday, January 24, 2012, by Claudia Calleja



Two teenage brothers, who allegedly attacked a young lesbian couple because of their sexual orientation, will soon appear in court to face charges of assaulting and injuring the girls, the police said.

Charges were formally issued against the boys, who have been summoned to turn up in court to face the charges in an upcoming Ħamrun district sitting.

In an interview published in The Sunday Times, a 16-year-old lesbian – who went by the pseudonym of Amy – recounted how she was sitting on a bench with her girlfriend in a Ħamrun square when the two young men attacked them.

The incident took place on January 13 and allegedly started when the boys started hurling insults at the girls from a nearby balcony. They called them “lesbians” and “twisted” and went down into the square.

The 16-year-old girl ended up at a health centre with a fractured nose, a grazed face and bruises on her breasts. Her girlfriend got away with a bruise to the head and scratches on her wrists which she sustained when pushed to the ground.

Replying to questions sent on Thursday, the police yesterday said the boys were going to be taken up to court. Police sources later confirmed the charges had been issued and included assaulting and injuring the girls.

The charges were issued about three days after the incident, that is, before the story was published.

The incident was condemned by organisations including Malta Gay Rights Movement and human rights lobby Aditus who jointly called for the concept of gay hate crime to be included in Maltese law.

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

On Sunday, a Facebook group, called The Amy Initiative, was set up and also called for Maltese law to include hate crime on the basis of sexual orientation.
Yesterday, the incident was also condemned by The Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice and the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality that called for respect towards diversity.

Labour Party spokesman for civil rights Evarist Bartolo joined the call for more legal protection for gay people saying that all forms of bullying had to stop.


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

Times: Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice condemns attack

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120123/local/jesuit-centre-for-fairth-and-justice-condemns-attack.403608
Monday, January 23, 2012, 19:00

The Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice condemned the alleged violent attack on two lesbian girls in Hamrun on January 13.

"As Christians, we believe that all persons are created in the image and likeness of God.

"Inspired by the clear message of the Gospel and by the shared values of fundamental human rights, we believe that all persons should be respected, regardless of race, creed, sexual orientation, gender or age," the centre said.

It said it was very concerned that such attacks tookplace in Malta.

"While hoping that justice is done in this particular case, it notes that such incidents expose the need for better education against discrimination.

"This should be accompanied by an improved legal framework that guarantees more effective measures to protect the fundamental rights of vulnerable persons and groups."


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

Times: Church commission condemns attack on lesbians

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120124/local/church-commission-condemns-attack-on-lesbians.403696
Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 10:24

The Church's Diocesan Youth Commission said this morning that young people within the Church were shocked by the bullying actions of the offenders who earlier this month attacked two lesbians in Hamrun.

"Homophobia is a dangerous sign of arrogance. No one should be threatened for her or his sexual orientation. The violent incident of last week is primarily an attack on the dignity of the victims and their families."

The commission said sexual discovery is a crucial aspect of the search for personal identity, a discovery that should be supported not hindered. The development of youth is a delicate process and ought to be safeguarded in all its stages, it said.

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

PL: Vjolenza u mibeghda kontra persuni LGBT inaccettabbli

Stqarrija stampa
23 Jannar 2012

Mahruga minn Evarist Bartolo, Kelliem Ewlieni ghall-Edukazzjoni u Drittijiet Civili

Nhar it-13 ta’ Jannar 2012 fis-7.30pm waqt li kienet ma’ habiba taghha fi pjazza fil-Hamrun, tfajla lesbjana ta’ 16-il sena giet mzebilha u attakkata minn tliet guvintur u spiccat bi mnieher miksur u kellha bzonn il-kura wara li sawtuha u kaxkruha mal-art minn xagharha.

L-incident gie rrapurtat lill-pulizija izda sefajn hu maghrufa ma ttiehdu l-ebda passi konrta dawk li sawtu lit-tfajla ghax hi lesbjana.

Hemm bzonn li l-bullying, il-mibeghda u l-vjolenza li hawn fis-socjeta` taghna: fil-familji, fl-iskejjel, fuq il-postijiet tax-xoghol u f’postijiet tad-divertiment kontra persuni lesbjani, gays, bi-sesswali u trans gender (LGBT) jieqfu.

Hafna minn din il-vjolenza kontra persuni LGBT fis-socjeta` taghna ma tigix irrappurtata fil-media u allura ma tinghatax priorita` fl-agenda nazzjonali.

Persuniu LGBT ghadhom jigu persegwittati fis-socjeta` taghna u fosthom hemm dawk li sahansitra jispiccaw jaghmlu suwicidju.

Il-Partit Laburista jinghaqad ma’ ghaqdiet non-governattivi bhall-Malta Gay Rights Movement, aditus, we are u Drachma Parents’ Group biex il-ligijiet dwar il-mibeghda f’pajjizna jaghtu –protezzjoni lill-persuni LGBT.

Socjeta` li ma thaddanx id-diversita` u tibqa’ tiddiskirmina u teskludi membri taghha la hi gusta u lanqas demokratika.

Stat li ma jaghtix id-drittijiet umani kollha u ma jitrattax indaqs lill-persuni minhabba l-orjentazzjoni sesswali taghhom qed jibghat il-messagg perikoluz li huma persuni nferjuri u ghandhom jigu stmati inqas minn haddiehor.

L-istat ghandu jaghti l-ezempju u jbiddel il-ligijiet kollha li hemm bzonn biex jaghti lill-persuni LGBT d-drittijiet umani kollha li ghandhom ic-cittadini l-ohra.

Evarist Bartolo
Kelliemi ewlieni Laburista Edukazzjoni u Drittijiet Civili

Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice against homophobia

PRESS RELEASE: JESUIT CENTRE FOR FAITH AND JUSTICE
23.1.2012

The Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice condemns the alleged violent attack on two lesbian girls in Hamrun on January 13. As Christians, we believe that all persons are created in the image and likeness of God. Inspired by the clear message of the Gospel and by the shared values of fundamental human rights, we believe that all persons should be respected, regardless of race, creed, sexual orientation, gender or age. The Centre for Faith and Justice is very concerned that such attacks take place in Malta. While hoping that justice is done in this particular case, it notes that such incidents expose the need for better education against discrimination. This should be accompanied by an improved legal framework that guarantees more effective measures to protect the fundamental rights of vulnerable persons and groups.


Fr Edgar Busuttil SJ
Director Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice

Sunday 29 January 2012

L-Orizzont: Mibegħda fuq orjentazzjoni sesswali għandha tkun reat

http://www.orizzont.com.mt/FullArticle.php?ID1='Ahbarijiet'&ID2=85763
29.1.2012 (?) minn Charmaine Craus


Il-General Workers' Union ikkundannat bla riserva kull vjolenza hi ta' liema forma hi. Aktar u aktar tikkundanna vjolenza li tkun relatata ma' mibegħda razzjali, orjentazzjoni sesswali jew xorta oħra.

F'dan il-kuntest u b'dan il-ħsieb, il-GWU ngħaqdet ma' dawk l-organizzazzjonijiet koll­ha li qegħdin jinsistu biex il-mibgħeda fuq orjentazzjoni sesswali tiġi ddikjarata reat kriminali fil-liġijiet ta' pajjiżna.

Saħqet li l-aħħar każ ta' vjolenza li seħħ fuq koppja leżbjana sempliċiment min­ħabba l-orjentazzjoni sesswali tagħha, mhux biss huwa ksur tad-drittijiet tal-bniedem im­ma jixhed ukoll l-urġenza kbira li teżisti għal tibdil meħtieġ fil-liġi biex kull ċittadin ikollu moħħu mistrieħ mill-protezzjoni għall-persuna tiegħu, hi x'inhi l-orjentazzjoni sesswali tiegħu.

Il-GWU tqis li l-orjentazzjoni sesswali m'għandhiex tkun skop jew skuża għal vjolenza jew diskriminazzjoni, anzi l-orjentazzjoni sesswali għandha tkun aċċettata bla ekwivoku ħalli s-soċjetà tkun verament waħda inklussiva u moderna, aktar u aktar meta pajjiżna llum jiftaħar li huwa demokratiku u Ewropew.

Għaldaqstant il-GWU espri­miet is-solidarjetà tagħha ma' dawk kollha li b'xi mod qegħdin isofru minħabba l-orjentazzjoni sesswali tagħhom. Fl-istess waqt ingħaqdet mal-organizzazzjonijiet mhux governattivi fl-għajta tagħhom għar-rispett u l-ħarsien tad-drittijiet tal-minoranzi.

Il-GWU tistqarr dan fid-dawl tat-twemmin tagħha illi kull persuna titwieled ħielsa u bl-istess drittijiet u dinjità. Dan it-twemmin tagħha l-GWU kienet għamlitu ċar f''policy paper' li adottat ftit żmien ilu li fiha esprimiet li d-dritt ta' kull persuna li tgħix ħielsa irrispettivament mill-orjentazzjoni sesswali tagħha huwa dritt inaljenabbli u għandu jkun rispettat il-ħin kollu.

Għaldaqstant il-GWU saħ­qet mal-awtoritajiet biex jassiguraw li d-drittijiet tal-minoranzi jkunu protetti bil-liġi daqs u xejn inqas mill-kumplament tas-soċjetà.
Sadanittant, nhar il-Ħamis, il-Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM) organizza dimos­trazzjoni paċifika fil-Ħamrun b'soli­darjetà mat-tfajla ta' 16-il sena li kienet attakkata fl-istess lokalità minn żewġt aħwa għax hija 'gay'.

Waqt li appella għal soċjetà iktar inklussiva, l-MGRM qiegħed jinsisti li l-liġi dwar il-mibegħda tieħu konsiderazzjoni wkoll ta' attakki li jsiru kontra persuni minħabba l-orjentazzjoni sesswali tagħhom.

Saturday 28 January 2012

Malta Today: NCPE condemns attack on girl in Hamrun

National Monday 23 January 2012 - 12:47

The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality condemns the violent attack on 16-year old lesbian girl in Hamrun.



MGRM launched an anti-bullying campaign last year.

The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) condemned the violent incident that occurred on Friday in Hamrun on the grounds of sexual orientation.

On Friday a 16-year-old lesbian and her girlfriend were attacked by two young men in Ħamrun. The girl was apparently attacked of her sexual orientation.

The commission said "A qualitative study conducted by NCPE, as part of an EU co-funded project VS/2010/0569 - Think Equal, reiterates that being with a same-sex partner and expressing affection in public exposed respondents to unwarranted attention and harassment.

In light of this, NCPE denounces any form of discrimination, harassment or violence and calls for the respect of diversity in society at large to enhance the well-being and inclusion of everyone irrespectively."

The act of violence was also condemned by The Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM), human rights organisation Aditus and The Drachma Parents' Group, a support group for parents and relatives of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and trans.

The organisations urged on authorities to extend the current hate crime legislation to include the grounds of homophobia and transphobia.

Gabi Calleja, coordinator of the MGRM said "This is a shocking act of violence that continues to affirm the dangers that the LGBT community faces in coming out."

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

Malta Star: MGRM and aditus: Need of Homophobic and Transphobic hate crime laws

http://maltastar.com/pages/r1/ms10dart.asp?a=19453
22 January 2012 13:30


The Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM) and aditus strongly condemn the act of violence that took place in Hamrun against two young women on Friday 13th January and would like to express their solidarity with the victims and their families.

In many countries, such an assault would be investigated as a hate crime but Malta has yet to extend hate crime legislation to include the grounds of homophobia and transphobia.

MGRM and aditus said that violence on lesbian, gay and trans people is not an uncommon occurrence although most incidents do not get reported to the police or featured in newspapers. “Trust in the police force is an essential factor in encouraging and enabling LGBT victims to come forward and report such crimes. For this reason, how the police react to this assault, also has an effect on the reporting of other similar incidents. We therefore hope that charges will be brought against the perpetrators and that the assault is treated with the seriousness it deserves.”

MGRM and aditus said “We would also like to express our concern with regards to allegations made by the mother of the victim with regards to the difficulties and harassment experienced by the daughter in school when her sexual orientation became known, particularly as this seems to have involved inappropriate behaviour by teachers. We urge the Department of Educational Services to investigate such claims and reiterate once again the need to introduce clear policies and guidelines that protect LGBT students and staff from harassment and discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.”

Those LGBT people who have experienced similar incidents or require support are encouraged to contact MGRM on support@maltagayrights.org or call the National Gay Helpline: on 9925 5559.

Gabi Calleja, coordinator of the MGRM stated: “This is a shocking act of violence that continues to affirm the dangers that the LGBT community faces in coming out.”

Neil Falzon, from aditus, added: “We’re further concerned at the girl’s current safety and hope that she is offered adequate protection from revictimisation, including during any criminal investigations and court proceedings.”

University LGBT group also condemns hate crime

We Are - The University of Malta LGBTQQI Organisation joined MGRM and aditus in condemning this homophobic hate crime. We Are call upon the authorities to undertake necessary measures to hold the offenders accountable.

We are said: "We recognize the difficulties young LGBT persons face when coming out and trying to be accepted at school and work. Homophobic and transphobic bullying can be upsetting and difficult to deal with. We Are believes that nobody has to put up with any kind of bullying and encourages young LGBT persons to report these incidents and seek help when needed."

For more information contact Luisa Tolu on 99241063 or email weareuom@gmail.com

Drachma Parents' Group condems violence on lesbian

The Drachma Parents’ Group extends its solidarity with the victims and their families and draws on Maltese society and the Christian Community to take stronger action against homophobic remarks and to stand up in defence of victims suffering harassment and violence, on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Civil authorities and the Police Corps are urged to stop this violence by ensuring justice and compensation to the victims is duly given. The Curia is also urged to issue a strong statement in the face of such unchristian and aggressive behaviour and show that it is on the side of homosexuals, ‘who must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity’. (Catechism of the Catholic Church No 2358)

Parents, LGBTs and others wishing to show solidarity or join Drachma may contact us on: drachmalgbt@gmail.com – 99426534/79442317

Malta Star: NCPE: LGBT persons harassed if they show affection in public

http://www.maltastar.com/pages/r1/ms10dart.asp?a=19478
23 January 2012 14:38

The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) condemned the violent incident that occurred a few days ago in Hamrun where a 16 year old lesbian was beaten up by three boys because she is lesbian and was with her partner.

NCPE said that a study it carried out locally shows “that being with a same-sex partner and expressing affection in public exposed respondents to unwarranted attention and harassment.”

NCPE denounced any form of discrimination, harassment or violence and calls for the respect of diversity in society at large to enhance the well-being and inclusion of everyone.

Malta Star: Bartolo: give full human rights to LGBT persons

http://www.maltastar.com/pages/r1/ms10dart.asp?a=19481
23 January 2012 16:23

Labour spokesman for Education and Civil Rights Evarist Bartolo said today that the state should give lesbians, gays, bisexuals and trans gender persons full human rights as enjoyed by everyone otherwise it will keep on sending the dangerous message that they are inferior beings and should be treated as such. Bartolo said this when condemning that attack on a 16 year old lesbian in Hamrun 10 days when three boys attacked her for being gay.

Bartolo said that “the violence that still goes on in our society in families, in schools, at the work place and places of entertainment against lesbians, gays, bisexuals and trans gender (LGBT) persons is totally unacceptable. They are still persecuted in our society and some of them are even driven to suicide.”

Bartolo said that the Labour Party agrees with NGOs Malta Gay Rights Movement, aditus, we are and Drachma Parents’ Group are right to call for a change in hate crime legislation to include the grounds of homophobia and transphobia.

“A society that does not embrace diversity and still discriminates and excludes persons within it is neither just nor democratic.

Times: NGOs call for ‘hate crime’ to also cover anti-gay acts

Monday, January 23, 2012, by Sarah Carabott

Amy ended up with a fractured nose, a grazed face and bruises on her breasts after being viciously attacked for being a lesbian. Her friend had scratches on her wrists.




An attack on a 16-year-old lesbian yesterday provoked calls for the concept of gay hate crime to be included in Maltese laws.

“In many countries, such an assault would be investigated as a hate crime but Malta has yet to extend hate crime legislation to include the grounds of homophobia and transphobia,” the Malta Gay Rights Movement and the human rights lobby Aditus said in a joint statement.

Their reaction, accompanied by that of hundreds of people on the internet, came after The Sunday Times reported on the attack in which the girl, pseudonymously named Amy, and her girlfriend were beaten in Ħamrun specifically because of their sexual orientation.

The petite teenager ended up at a health centre with a fractured nose, a grazed face and bruises on her breasts. Her girlfriend got away with a bruise to the head and scratches on her wrists which she sustained when pushed to the ground.

“Violence on lesbian, gay and tran­sexual people is not an uncommon occurrence although most incidents do not get reported to the police or featured in newspapers.

“Trust in the police force is an essential factor in encouraging and enabling LGBT victims to come forward and report such crimes. For this reason, how the police react to this assault also has an effect on the reporting of other similar incidents,” they said.

In fact, Amy’s mother told The Sunday Times that, although the police had spoken to the perpetrators, brothers aged about 17 and 19, they had not been arrested. Questions sent to the police on Thursday, asking whether they would be charg­ed, remained unanswered despite various reminders.

The incident provoked an immediate response online with a group set up on Facebook – The Amy Initiative – garnering more than 300 endorsements in less than six hours.

“Amy is a pseudonym used in the article but Amy could be anyone: your sister, cousin, brother, uncle. Homophobia is real in Malta. There is no excuse for it, don’t let it go ignored,” the group states under its information section.

The initiative is also calling for Maltese laws to include hate crime on the basis of sexual orientation.

The NGOs also expressed concern over allegations of harassment experienced by the victim at school when her sexual orientation became known.

They urged the Education Department of Educational Services to investigate the claims.

The Drachma Parents’ Group – a support group for relatives of LGBT people – called on the Maltese and the Christian community to take stronger action against homophobic remarks and stand up in defence of victims harassed because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

The support group urged the authorities and the police to stop this violence by ensuring justice and compensation, and the Curia to issue a strong statement “in the face of such un-Christian and aggressive behaviour and show that it is on the side of homosexuals, ‘who must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church No. 2358)”.

Alternattiva Demokratika, We Are, a university LGBT organ­isation, and the Nationalist Party’s youth group – MŻPN – also urged action.

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

We Are: University of Malta LGBT Organisation: Press Release on the Homophobic Attack

22.1.2012

We Are - The University of Malta LGBTQQI Organisation would like to join MGRM and aditus in condemning this homophobic hate crime. We Are call upon the authorities to undertake necessary measures to hold the offenders accountable. We recognize the difficulties young LGBT persons face when coming out and trying to be accepted at school and work. Homophobic and transphobic bullying can be upsetting and difficult to deal with. We Are believes that nobody has to put up with any kind of bullying and encourages young LGBT persons to report these incidents and seek help when needed.

For more information contact Luisa Tolu on 99241063 or email weareuom@gmail.com

MGRM: Need of Homophobic and Transphobic Hate Crime Legislation Apparent

Joint Statement: MGRM & aditus
22.1.2012

The Malta Gay Rights Movement and aditus strongly condemn the act of violence that took place in Hamrun against two young women on Friday 13th January as reported in the Sunday Times and would like to express their solidarity with the victims and their families.

In many countries, such an assault would be investigated as a hate crime but Malta has yet to extend hate crime legislation to include the grounds of homophobia and transphobia.

Violence on lesbian, gay and trans people is not an uncommon occurrence although most incidents do not get reported to the police or featured in newspapers. Trust in the police
force is an essential factor in encouraging and enabling LGBT victims to come forward and report such crimes. For this reason, how the police react to this assault, also has an effect on the reporting of other similar incidents. We therefore hope that charges will be brought against the perpetrators and that the assault is treated with the seriousness it deserves.

We would also like to express our concern with regards to allegations made by the mother of the victim with regards to the difficulties and harassment experienced by the daughter in school when her sexual orientation became known, particularly as this seems to have involved inappropriate behaviour by teachers. We urge the Department of Educational Services to investigate such claims and reiterate once again the need to introduce clear policies and guidelines that protect LGBT students and staff from harassment and discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

Those LGBT people who have experienced similar incidents or require support are encouraged to contact MGRM on support@maltagayrights.org or call the National Gay Helpline: on 9925 5559.

Gabi Calleja, coordinator of the MGRM stated: “This is a shocking act of violence that continues to affirm the dangers that the LGBT community faces in coming out.”

Neil Falzon, from aditus, added: “We’re further concerned at the girl’s current safety and hope that she is offered adequate protection from revictimisation, including during any criminal investigations and court proceedings.”

Drachma: Press Release on the Homophobic Attack

22nd January 2012

The Drachma Parents’ Group – a support group for parents and relatives of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and trans (LGBT) – deplores the homophobic violence and criminality depicted in the episode reported in today’s Sunday Times entitled:
‘Thugs attack lesbian on a bench’.

The Drachma Parents’ Group extends its solidarity with the victims and their families and draws on Maltese society and the Christian Community to take stronger action against homophobic remarks and to stand up in defence of victims suffering harassment and violence, on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Civil authorities and the Police Corps are urged to stop this violence by ensuring justice and compensation to the victims is duly given. The Curia is also urged to issue a strong statement in the face of such unchristian and aggressive behaviour and show that it is on the side of homosexuals, ‘who must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity’. (Catechism of the Catholic Church No 2358)


Parents, LGBTs and others wishing to show solidarity or join Drachma may contact us on: drachmalgbt@gmail.com – 99426534/79442317


Drachma Parents’ Group

Di-ve: Updated: The AMY Initiative calls for hate crime legislation reforms

http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=88832&newscategory=36&cache=false
by di-ve.com - editorial@di-ve.com
22 January 2012 -- 11:50CEST

A Facebook group titled The AMY Initiative has been set up to condemn the homophobic attack on a 16-year-old lesbian couple and call for stricter legislation regarding hate crimes.

"This group is regarding the lack of hate crime laws with respect to sexual orientation. Malta's hate crime laws do NOT cover this," the group's description says.

"AMY is a pseudonym used in the article, but AMY could be anyone -your sister, your cousin,your brother,your uncle. HOMOPHOBIA is real in Malta. There is NO EXCUSE for it, don't let it go ignored."

The incident in question, which happened over a week ago, was reported this morning by the Sunday Times.

Two teenage girls had been sitting on a bench in Ħamrun when two young men attacked one of them and dragged her by the hair because of her sexual orientation.

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

Her girlfriend, who was also attacked, got away with a bruise to the head and scratches on her wrists which she sustained when pushed to the ground.

The Drachma Parents' Group extended its solidarity with the victims and their families and draws on Maltese society and the Christian Community to take stronger action against homophobic remarks and to stand up in defence of victims suffering harassment and violence, on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Civil authorities and the Police Corps are urged to stop this violence by ensuring justice and compensation to the victims is duly given. The Curia is also urged to issue a strong statement in the face of such unchristian and aggressive behaviour and show that it is on the side of homosexuals, 'who must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity'.

Gabi Calleja from the Malta Gay Rights Movement and Neil Falzon from human rights movement Aditus condemned the act saying it was very unfortunate that in today's society sexual orientation could lead to hate crime.

We Are, a LGBTQQI student organisation based at the University of Malta, has also joined in with a vocal condemnation of the attack.

Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Michael Briguglio said he endorsed the calls by NGOs and civil society for more action against such homophobic hate crimes.

Malta Today: NGOs call for urgent homophobic hate crime legislation

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/NGO-s-call-for-urgent-Homophobic-hate-crime-legislation-20120122
National Sunday 22 January 2012 - 14:07

The Malta Gay Rights Movement, Aditus and Drachma condemn act of violence on girl in Hamrun.On Friday a 16-year old lesbian girl was attacked by two men in Hamrun.

The Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM) and human rights organisation Aditus, strongly condemned the act of violence that took place in Hamrun against two young women on Friday 13 January as reported in the Sunday Times and expressed their solidarity with the victims and their families.

On Friday a 16-year-old lesbian and her girlfriend were attacked by two young men in Ħamrun. The girl was apparently attacked of her sexual orientation.

"In many countries, such an assault would be investigated as a hate crime but Malta has yet to extend hate crime legislation to include the grounds of homophobia and transphobia," the statement said.

MGRM and Auditus said violence on lesbian, gay and trans people is not an uncommon occurrence "although most incidents do not get reported to the police or featured in newspapers. Trust in the police force is an essential factor in encouraging and enabling LGBT victims to come forward and report such crimes."

Gabi Calleja, coordinator of the MGRM said "This is a shocking act of violence that continues to affirm the dangers that the LGBT community faces in coming out."

Neil Falzon, from Aditus, said "We're further concerned at the girl's current safety and hope that she is offered adequate protection from re-victimisation, including during any criminal investigations and court proceedings."

The two organisations added that the way police reacted to this assault, had an effect on the reporting of other similar incidents. "We therefore hope that charges will be brought against the perpetrators and that the assault is treated with the seriousness it deserves," the statement said.

"We would also like to express our concern with regards to allegations made by the mother of the victim with regards to the difficulties and harassment experienced by the daughter in school when her sexual orientation became known, particularly as this seems to have involved inappropriate behaviour by teachers." MGRM and Auditus urged the Department of Educational Services to investigate such claims and reiterated once again the need to introduce clear policies and guidelines that protect LGBT students and staff from harassment and discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

The Drachma Parents' Group, a support group for parents and relatives of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and trans also condemned the act of violence and extended its solidarity with the victims and their families. Drachma urged the Maltese society and the Christian Community to take stronger action against homophobic remarks and to stand up in defence of victims suffering harassment and violence, on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Those LGBT people who have experienced similar incidents or require support are encouraged to contact MGRM on support@maltagayrights.orgor call the National Gay Helpline: on 9925 5559. 

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

Tuesday 24 January 2012

Times: Respect their dignity (2)

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120122/blogs/respect-their-dignity-2.403426
Sunday, January 22, 2012, 16:15, by Fr Joe Borg

The Sunday Times today published a story that should disturb all readers. The heading “Thugs attack lesbian, 16, on a bench” says it all.

The “crime” of the girls seems to have been that they are lesbians. According to the story “Amy” and her girl friend were sitting on a bench in Hamrun when they were attacked by two brothers one 17 and the other 19. According to the report in The Sunday Times the attack happened only because of the girls’ sexual orientation.

According to the report in The Sunday Times, the girl was grabbed by her breasts, head-butted, thrown on the ground, grabbed by her hair and pulled across the ground. She ended up at a health centre with a fractured nose, the right side of her face was grazed and she had fingerprint-sized bruises on her breasts. Her girlfriend, who was also attacked, was also hurt, though not as much as “Amy.”

The paper informed us that the police were sent questions on Thursday. This gave them ample time to answer by Saturday. It is a pity that they did not answer and consequently we have a one source story. I think it would have been wiser for the paper to try to contact the boys or their family for their side of the story as it is always better to give all those involved in a story the chance to put their point across.

Whatever the reason for the attack on the girls such an attack is too be condemned. We have too many bullies roaming our streets. They believe that this is the Wild West where muscle counts more than brains. If, as the story says, the attack was motivated by the sexual orientation of the girls, then the attack asks for a sterner condemnation.

It is absolutely unacceptable that people suffer such aggression because of their sexual orientation. Gays have been the victims of many an injustice and atrocity throughout history. Even today there are countries where a person can be condemned to death for his or her sexual orientation. Although our country is not one of these barbaric states which treat gays in such a manner, it seems that there are bullies around that have the same mentality. They vent their hate of gays in such violent acts.

All of society should adopt zero tolerance against all acts of violence particularly those stemming from hate of others because of their sexual orientation.

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

Monday 23 January 2012

Times: Updated: Thugs attack lesbian, 16, on a bench

Sunday, January 22, 2012, by Claudia Calleja


The 16-year-old sustained a fractured nose, among other injuries.

A 16-year-old lesbian was sitting on a bench with her girlfriend in Ħamrun when two young men attacked her and dragged her by her hair because of her sexual orientation.

“It was a horrible experience... All of a sudden one of the boys picked me up and punched me in my eye... He grabbed my breasts then head-butted my nose and threw me onto the ground, grabbed my hair and pulled me across the ground,” Amy* told The Sunday Times.

The petite teenager ended up at a health centre with a fractured nose, the right side of her face was grazed and she had fingerprint-sized bruises on her breasts.

Her girlfriend, who was also attacked, got away with a bruise to the head and scratches on her wrists which she sustained when pushed to the ground.

The incident happened on January 13 at about 7.30 p.m. Amy – who preferred not to be identified – went to a Ħamrun square with her girlfriend and another two female friends.

The two friends were dancing in a gazebo and Amy and her girlfriend were sitting on a bench when two brothers, about 17 and 19 years old, came out onto a nearby balcony and started hurling insults at them.

“They said we were twisted,” Amy’s girlfriend said.

The girls retaliated and shouted back at the boys. Suddenly, the younger boy turned up in the square.

“He said he was not scared to hit girls... I told him to go away,” Amy said. But the boy hit her girlfriend and pushed her to the ground.

The 19-year-old boy picked her up, punching her, and dragging her from the hair. The whole event lasted about 10 minutes and ended when a relative of the girls turned up and called the police.

When the police arrived they went into the boys’ apartment and spoke to them but no arrests were made, Amy’s mother said.

It is not clear whether the boys will be taken to court since questions sentto the police on Thursday remained unanswered.

This was not the first time the girls had seen the boys at the square. One day the boys even threw eggs at the girls because of their sexuality but they ignored them and it ended there.

Amy recounted it was not easy for her at first to understand her sexuality and to break it to her family.

“I started having such feelings when I was in Form One... I always had those doubts,” she said.

Amy’s mother accepted her daughter immediately. “I’ve accepted her, our family has accepted her but some people just don’t want to... When school got wind ofit, it was hassle after hassle... Some teachers used to pick on her and bring up her sexuality,” she said.

The mother spoke about the importance of accepting people as they are. “Her (Amy’s) previous girlfriend’s parents are not accepting it. The poor girl is still seeing a therapist because they will not accept it.”

Gabi Calleja from the Malta Gay Rights Movement condemned the act saying it was very unfortunate that in today’s society sexual orientation could lead to hate crime.

*Not her real name

Trail of violence

• One in every 10 gay people is subjected to some form of violence because of their sexual orientation, according to a 2003 study carried out by the Malta Gay Rights Movement.

• This was backed by a 2008 study that showed that eight per cent of gay people had been attacked in the previous two years and half of these said it happened more than once. Two-thirds were young women.

• The only legal protection gay people have refers to discrimination in terms of harassment. The law protects anyone from actions that amount to threats, violence and harassment.

• The part of the law that speaks about hate crime is limited to racial hatred. Last year the Justice Minister announced there were plans to extend this to include homophobia.

Organisations deplore attack

The Malta Gay Rights Movement, Aditus, Drachma, We Are, Alternattiva Demokratika and the Moviment Zghazagh Partit Nazzjonalista condemned the attack.
In a joint statement that MGRM and Aditus also expressed concern at the victim's mother statements on difficulties and harassment experienced by the daughter in school when her sexual orientation became known.

"We urge the Department of Educational Services to investigate such claims and reiterate once again the need to introduce clear policies and guidelines that protect LGBT students and staff from harassment and discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression."

Drachma called for stronger action against homophobic remarks and appealed to the Maltese and Christians to stand up in defence of victims suffering harassment and violence, on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

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

Times: What would AD have done?

Friday, January 20, 2012, by Michael Briguglio

Like some other members of Parliament from both sides of the House, Franco Debono was right in raising certain issues during this legislature. Yet, his strategy of holding the government at ransom for his issues confirmed that, in spite of the parliamentary Whips, the government here is made up of a coalition of individuals, unlike practically all European countries where governments comprise coalitions of parties.

The Franco Debono issue has shown that Malta, more than ever, requires reforms in its democratic system to ensure as much fair parliamentary representation and stability as possible. It is for this reason that Alternattiva Demokratika has been proposing an electoral system similar to the German one, which ensures representation both through election at district level (as is the case in Malta right now) and also through a national quota.

In the past days, many have asked me what AD would do were we in Dr Debono’s situation.

If we are represented in Parliament we would propose reforms in various areas and would work with the government and the opposition to attain them.

If we form a coalition with another party, we would agree on a joint programme and work to achieve it when in Parliament. If the programme is drawn up on the basis of mutual respect and understanding stability can be ensured. This is the norm all over the EU, where coalition governments operate on the basis of fair representation leading to a functional government. Green parties frequently feature in such coalitions.

Being a responsible party, we would respect the fact that we would be a minor partner in a coalition. We would surely not resort to threats to have our way at all costs as this would not only bring about unwarranted instability in Malta’s democratic system but would also mean that we would be committing political suicide.

AD has made its position clear on the Franco Debono issue through press statements and various TV interventions, including on Xarabank and TVAM. We made it clear that were we in Parliament we would have acted as a responsible party and that we were not rubbing our hands in anticipation of an election.

Many contacted me to express their support for our responsible approach, yet, some others expected us to join the speculation brigade and to issue a press release every five minutes on the matter. We said what he had to say on the issue and we will say more when we deem fit to say so. However, this does not mean that we should simply shut up on other issues, from the local to the national, European and global.

One local topic is the destructive development at Wied il-Għasel, Mosta. Indeed, as Mark Anthony Falzon remarked in The Sunday Times (January 15), while the Franco Debono issue monopolised media attention, the development in this valley was still taking place. AD is the only political party opposing this development together with environmental NGOs and the inspirational Ħarsien Patrimonju Mosti, which, unlike the locality’s local council, is doing its utmost to lobby on this issue.

I invite readers get more information on this at www.it-tarka.com/ and to sign a national petition opposing the development.

AD is speaking on various other local issues, from the need for more accessible public spaces to the need for better infrastructure because we feel we have the responsibility to do so at all times. Everyday democracy means that issues related to quality of life should be high on the political agenda.

On the national front, we are also declaring our position very clearly on a myriad of environmental, social and economic issues.

Just to mention a few, and to show how we can be clearly distinguished from other parties, we are the only party calling for a sustainable water policy when illegal boreholes are bringing Malta close to a water crisis.

We are the only party calling for a balance between sensible economic policy and progressive and socially just fiscal measures, such as those against property speculation, when more than 25 per cent of properties are vacant in Malta.

We are the only party calling for equal rights for LGBT persons and other minorities in family and social policy.

We are calling for the modernisation of censorship legislation and for humane and sustainable policies on immigration.

Unlike PNPL, but like experts in the field, we are calling for the decriminalisation of drugs for personal use and real help for drug users, rather than imprisonment, which only increases problems for such victims. Cheap populism is not on our agenda.
AD is the only party not held to ransom by egoistic lobbies such as Armier squatters, hunters and trappers, firework fanatics, contractors with cash and destructive developers.

Voting for AD would, therefore, be a vote for change in the style of governance and for stability. If one believes in giving priority to social justice, civil rights, environmental justice, sustainable development, ecological modernisation and, last but not least, the reform in the institutional set-ups for the enhancement of democracy, one knows where one stands with the greens. Voting for the Nationalist Party and for the Labour Party would mean voting for the political status quo.
Mr Briguglio, a sociologist, is chairman and spokesman for economy and finance, Alternattiva Demokratika – the Green party.

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

Malta Today: Early elections triggers race for gay vote – MGRM

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Early-elections-triggers-race-for-gay-vote-MGRM-20120118
National Thursday 19 January 2012 - 08:15, by Miriam Dalli

Early elections triggers race for gay vote – MGRM
Same-sex partnerships likely to become electoral concernMGRM has long been arguing that the right to marry should be a fundamental human right in and of itself: without discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation.

The prospect of early elections may influence the official positions of political parties regarding legalising civil unions between same-sex couples, according to Malta Gay Rights Movement co-ordinator Gabi Calleja: who confirmed she has already received a call for a meeting with the social policy ministry.

Last week, MGRM presented its position paper on marriage equality, insisting that the legal definition of civil marriage should not remain gender specific. The position paper, penned by aditus chairman Neil Falzon, seeks to spark a national discussion on the recognition of marriage equality in Malta - "a much needed discussion", Calleja insists.

MGRM has long been arguing that the right to marry should be recognized to all persons as a fundamental human right in and of itself: without discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation.

"Marriage for same-sex couples is the gateway for a host of rights and obligations which heterosexual couples enjoy. It would allow same-sex marriage to enjoy these same rights and obligations," Calleja had said during the launch, while announcing that the position paper will be given to the major political parties and policy makers.

Contacted by MaltaToday, Calleja said the movement thought it would have one year of campaigning on the issue before the parties went for elections: "But if elections are to be held earlier than scheduled, we might end up with just a number of weeks of campaigning."

Calleja said the current political situation might influence parties' position over the issues suffered by members of the LGBTI community, adding that the influence could be a positive one.

"Things could take a different turn ... there could even be pressure on both sides to try and gain as much gay votes as possible," Calleja said, adding that MGRM had already received a call from the office of Social Policy Minister Chris Said to set up a meeting.

"However I do not know what the meeting is about," she added.

In comments to MaltaToday, Said's office confirmed the minister will be meeting with members of the MGRM to discuss the position paper.

"Twelve days after his appointment as Minister for Justice, Dialogue and the Family, Chris Said is holding meetings with various stakeholders on various issues," a spokesman for the minister said.

"He has made it a point to meet members of MGRM to discuss with them the position paper they issued recently."

On the other hand, the ministry failed to answer to questions asking what is government's position on marriage equality, whether it agreed that same-sex couples should be able to adopt and whether it would be ready to define a legal civil union as marriage.

"The issues mentioned in your questions will be dealt with during that meeting," the spokesman said.

The same questions were also asked to the Labour Party, which replied: "The Labour Party has already made it amply clear it is committed to introduce civil partnership for same-sex couples. The commitment was made during last November's budget reply and part of Joseph Muscat's proposals."

Alternattiva Demokratika has long held a clear position on the rights of same-sex couples, even though the Labour Party has an LGBT branch.

Asked whether AD would refer to the civil unions as marriage, AD's spokesperson on social policy Angele Deguara said: "AD believes that same-sex couples should be able to form civil unions with all the rights of married couples."

Deguara said in many EU countries, same-sex couples can form civil partnerships or civil unions.

"In Malta no legislation exists which grants same sex couples any form of legal recognition of their relationship and their call to have their relationship legalised is understandable," Deguara said.

"AD has on more than one occasion urged policy makers to recognise this right and to provide a legal mechanism by which same sex couples can form a civil union with all the rights granted to married couples."

Times: Gay couples ‘deserve’ full marital rights

Monday, January 16, 2012, by Claudia Calleja

Gay couples deserve the right to marry civilly and benefit from rights that are now limited to heterosexual spouses, the Malta Gay Rights Movement believes.

Equality is not a luxury, it is a basic human right and the time for it is now
The movement has just released a position paper asking that the legal definition of civil marriage does not remain gender specific.

The introduction of divorce last year showed that the definition of marriage could be changed, said lawyer Neil Falzon who was commissioned to draw up the document.

He stressed that the position paper tackled civil marriage and was not, in any way, asking the Church to redefine its understanding of marriage. What it did do was ask legislators and judges to make a clear distinction between Church and civil marriage because, at times, the courts blurred the dividing line.

Dr Falzon noted that allowing gay people to marry civilly would grant them full equality and access to a whole range of rights that come with signing a marriage contract.

The rights – such as adoption, inheritance and pensions – were not necessarily covered by the cohabitation law the government promised, he said. MGRM coordinator Gabi Calleja pointed out that the cohabitation law did not recognise the relationship between the couple.

“No harm ensues to society from granting equal rights to same-sex couples and, therefore, any delay cannot be morally justified... Equality is not a luxury, it is a basic human right and the time for it is now,” she said.

When asked about public opinion, she said the divorce debate had shown people were open to the redefinition of marriage. Public opinion, she added, was often resistant to gay unions when it came to the issue of children.

On this subject, the position paper notes that there are several gay couples who had children either because one of them adopted a child or because they had a child from a previous relationship, for example.

However, the lack of marriage equality means, the paper says, that such couples are not in a position to grant full protection to the children who do not have two legal parents.

The joint duties and authority of a married couple towards their children cover issues such as maintenance, education, health, management of their assets and representation in all civil matters.

The position paper will be distributed to the major political parties and policy makers.

It can be viewed on the movement’s new website www.maltagayrights.org.


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

Saturday 21 January 2012

Independent: MGRM appeals for civil unions for same-sex couples

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=138190
14 January 2012 by Chiara Bonello

In a report which aims to highlight the injustice created by the current scenario and appeal for marriage equality, the Malta Gay Rights Movement is appealing for same-sex couples to be allowed to marry civilly.

The aim of the position paper on marriage equality, which was launched yesterday, is to provide input to a national discussion on the recognition of marriage equality in Malta and ultimately that civil marriage is permitted, as for different-sex couples.

As it is, just three EU member states lag behind Malta in the Rainbow Europe Country Index, which rates each country's laws and administrative practices which protect or violate the human rights of LGBT people, based on 16 different categories.

These countries are Latvia, Poland and Cyprus, the latter faring the worst of all. Sweden, Belgium and the Netherlands are the EU member states which rank highest, and Iceland also ranks very highly.

Countries which have recognised marriage equality include the US, Portugal, Mexico and Sweden, as well as the most recent, Argentina.

The report, drawn up by Neil Falzon and Carla Camilleri, also lists a table of rights and duties associated with marriage, ranging from rights to a family and children, and others such as succession and employment rights.

Dr Falzon emphasised that civil marriage is an institution independent of Canon Law and the ecclesiastical authorities and, as such, should not be construed on the basis of religious belief. Furthermore defining marriage in terms of procreation potential excludes and offends those marriages and family units that, for whatever reason, do not include children.

The report concludes that the right to marry is a fundamental human right enshrined in the major international and regional instruments. Marriage equality discussions should be approached with a rights-based argumentation which acknowledges this inherent right to marry.

Since marriage equality, and its eventual inclusion in national legislation, does not have any long-term negative impact on the meaning and institution of marriage, it should not be perceived as a legal or social threat.

In fact, the report quotes a study on the impact of gay marriage on heterosexuals, which looked at Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland and the Netherlands, and found that there is no logical connection between the policy debate and heterosexual behaviour and attitudes towards marriage. It also found no differences between countries which do and don't recognise same-sex marriages.

Cohabiting same-sex couples are a family unit and should enjoy the protection of the law through a form of recognition as such, and not as any other form of relationship.

Furthermore, the best interests of a child should always be a primary consideration, and it is in the best interests of the child to enjoy a relationship with their parents that is recognised and protected by the law, regardless of whether they share a biological link.

Adoption should be made available without discrimination based on the child's birth status or the parents' marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity. Evaluation of someone's parental skills should not distinguish between homosexual and heterosexual people, but take into account the potential for offering a child an environment conducive to their well-being.

The report also concludes that the Maltese authorities should not ignore the financial implications of becoming an international marriage destination. It points out that since different-sex couples choose to get married in Malta due to conditions such as climate, this could potentially create a market for same-sex marriages

Speaking during the launch, Gabi Calleja said MGRM has been advocating the legal recognition of same-sex couples and their families since its inception in 2001, while being aware that this would be a long and difficult struggle.

Ms Calleja said that LGBT people have been excluded from public policy definitions of family and have looked in disbelief as the Constitutional Court refused a transsexual woman the right to marry, as well as the concern of those with partners from third countries, who might be refused a visa.

"The introduction of divorce legislation and the announcement by the government of its intention to introduce cohabitation legislation has possibly brought forward this campaign," she said, adding that MGRM has always expressed its disagreement with the fact that the potential cohabitation law fails to recognise the relationship between same-sex couples.

Marriage equality is the only option that provides the same status and rights available to opposite-sex couples and their children, and is the simplest form of recognition to introduce, requiring minor adjustments to our legal framework, she said.

Ms Calleja said the discrimination experienced by same-sex couples is no longer tenable in today's world and MGRM will not stop its efforts, until its goal has been achieved.

"No harm ensues to society from the granting of equal rights to same-sex couples and therefore any delay cannot be morally justified. On the contrary there are significant benefits to same-sex couples and their children as well, as such legislation sending a clear message that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation should never be condoned. Equality is not a luxury, it is a basic human right and the time for it is now," she said.

L-Orizzont: L-MGRM determinata li tkompli bl-isforzi tagħha - "Dejjem għexna bis-sigriet"

http://www.orizzont.com.mt/FullArticle.php?ID1='Ahbarijiet'&ID2=85252
14.1.12 minn Charmaine Craus

L-MGRM (Malta Gay Rights Movement) hija determinata li tkompli bl-isforzi tagħha, anke jekk dawn jieħdu x-xhur u s-snin, biex tikseb l-għan li qiegħda taħdem għalih, jiġifieri li l-awtoritajiet jirrikonoxxu r-relazzjoni ta' mħabba li teżisti bejn koppji tal-istess.

L-MGRM ilha tissielet għar-rikonoxximent legali ta' koppji tal-istess sess u l-familji tagħhom sa mit-twaqqif tagħ­ha, fl-2001.

Gabi Calleja, il-kordinatriċi tal-MGRM qalet li matul l-aħħar għaxar snin, il-Moviment ħadem ħafna biex titqajjem kuxjenza dwar preduġizzji omofobiċi u transfobiċi li jaffetwaw il-ħajja ta' kuljum ta' din il-komunità u li jagħmilha iktar diffiċli li jħossuhom komdi biex jesprimu ġesti sempliċi ta' affezzjoni lejn il-maħbubin tagħhom. Minkejja li l-MGRM dejjem emmen li din kienet kawża ġusta, kien jaf li se tkun taqbida twila u diffiċli.

"Żammejna r-rabtiet tagħ­ha ta' ġenituri mat-tfal tagħna sigrieta biex inħarsuhom mill-fastidju u 'bullying', kon­na diskreti dwar l-identitajiet tagħna biex nevitaw dieqa lill-ġenituri tagħna u eżerċitajna l-prudenza fuq il-post tax-xogħol jew l-iskola minħabba l-biża' ta' fastidju jew diskriminazzjoni."

Hija qalet dan matul konferenza tal-aħbarijiet li matulha tnediet 'position paper', li hija tentattiv biex tesprimi t-twemmin tal-MGRM, li l-ugwaljanza fiż-żwieġ hija l-unika għażla li tipprovdi l-istess status u drittijiet ta' dawk li jgawdu koppji tas-sess oppost u t-tfal tagħhom.

Calleja esprimiet it-tama tagħha li l-'position paper' li tħejjiet mill-konsulent legali Dr Neil Falzon, mgħejjun mir-riċerkatriċi Carla Camilleri, tagħti lok għal dibattitu raġunat u tant meħtieġ li jirrispetta r-relazzjonijiet ta' persuni tal-istess sess, ibbażat fuq diskors sekulari u ffukat fuq id-drittijiet tal-bniedem u mhux diskors reliġjuż biss.

L-orizzont staqsa lil Gabi Calleja dwar il-fatt li l-liġi tal-koabitazzjoni għadha ma daħlitx fis-seħħ, minkejja li l-wegħda tal-Gvern kienet li din kellha tidħol fis-seħħ sal-aħħar tas-sena li għaddiet.

Gabi Calleja qalet li peress li l-MGRM mhijiex daqstant favur il-liġi tal-koabitazzjoni, aktar milli xtaqet li tiġi ppubblikata għax favuriha, xtaqet tkun taf x'se tinkludi u teskludi bħala drittijiet u obbligi, għal min se tapplika u kemm se tkun estensiva bħala protezzjoni għal koppji tal-istess sess

"Nixtiequ li jkun hemm forma ta' rikonoxximent għal koppji tal-istess sess, iżda l-koabitazzjoni hija l-inqas waħda li nkunu kuntenti biha," żiedet tgħid Gabi Calleja lil l-orizzont. Hija qalet li l-liġi toffri ċertu protezzjoni għal persuni li jgħixu flimkien, iżda ma tirrikonoxxix ir-relazzjoni ta' bejniethom. Tirrikonoxxi biss il-fatt li qed jgħixu flimkien.

"Għalina dik mhux iżjed aċċettabbli. Aħna rridu rikonoxximent ta' koppja bħala koppja, jiġifieri tar-relazzjoni ta' mħabba li hemm bejniethom. Id-diskriminazz­joni fil-konfront tagħna m'għad­hiex iżjed aċċettabli fid-dinja tal-lum u aħna mhux se nwaqqfu l-isforzi tagħna biex xi darba nilħqu l-għan li qegħdin naħdmu għalih."
Dr Neil Falzon qal li r-rapport huwa riċerka u analiżi dwar żwiġijiet ċivili u ma jitkellimx dwar żwiġijiet li saru bil-Knisja, u għalhekk mhuwiex indirizzat biex l-awtoritajiet tal-Knisja jagħmlu xi tibdiliet, iżda lejn il-liġi Maltija.
L-MGRM nediet ukoll il-websajt il-ġdida tagħha www.maltagayrights.org.

Malta Star: MGRM: we want same sex couples to have same rights and status of opposite sex couples

13 January 2012 16:13

The Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM) said that today presented a position paper on marriage equality in favour of giving same-sex couples the same status and rights available to opposite sex couples and their children. Gabi Calleja said: “The discrimination experienced by same-sex couples is no longer tenable in today’s world and we will not cease our efforts until our goal has been achieved whether this takes months, years or even decades.”

She said that as a movement “we have always expressed our dissatisfaction with a potential cohabitation law that failed to recognise same-sex couples not on the basis of living in the same household but because of their relationship to each other.”

Calleja said she hoped that the position paper on marriage equality prepared by MGRM “will give rise to a reasoned and much needed debate that is respectful of our relationships and the families we create and that is based on secular and human rights rather than religious discourse.”

Calleja said: “We have been excluded from public policy definitions of family and have observed in disbelief as our constitutional court refused a trans woman the right to marry. Those of us with partners from third countries have had to live with the stress of knowing that their partner’s visa might be refused and that they might be forced to emigrate in order to stay together.”

Dr Neil Falzon who prepared the potion paper together with Dr Carla Camilleri said today that “In a pluralistic society that respects the religious beliefs and non-beliefs of all its members, private opinions on what marriage is and is not are in principle acceptable. When these private opinions take on the strength of public policy, law and court interpretations individual freedoms are inevitably threatened.”

Dr Falzon said: “The European Court of Human Rights, has not yet recognised the human right of same-sex persons to marry. But the Court is saying two very important things:

- whilst the right to marry does not automatically include same-sex couples, it does not automatically exclude them either…meaning the door has already been pushed open for a future recognition;

- it is ultimately only a matter of time. Marriage equality is not a human right today because of lack of European consensus

…things might change tomorrow as more European states recognise that the only way to fully respect and protect the fundamental human rights of same-sex couples is to offer them the exact same legal guarantees offered to different-sex couples.”

Malta Star: Bishop of Ragusa: The state should recognize gay civil unions

http://maltastar.com/pages/r1/ms10dart.asp?a=19224
13 January 2012 06:19



The Bishop of Ragusa, Paolo Urso, said in an interview carried also on his diocese’s website: ''When two persons, even of the same sex, decide to live together, it is important that the state recognizes this state of affairs. A lay state, like ours, should not ignore the reality of co-habitation. Then the moral judgment about it is up to others.”

The Sicilian bishop broke with the Vatican line on Thursday when he said the state should recognise gay couples.

"When two people, even if they're the same sex, decide to live together, it's important for the State to recognise this fact, But it must be called something different from marriage," said Paolo Urso, bishop of the Sicilian city of Ragusa.

Sunday 15 January 2012

Malta Today: Gay rights movement 'optimistic' about same-sex marriage legalisation

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Gay-rights-movement-optimistic-about-same-sex-marriage-legalisation-20120113
Friday 13 January 2012 - 12:40 by Bianca Caruana

MGRM to present political parties with position paper on legal framework for gay marriages. The Malta Gay Rights Movement says same-sex couples must have equal marriage rights and obligations as heterosexuals.

The Malta Gay Rights Movement has presented a position paper advocating the best options for the legislation of same-sex marriage and families in Malta.

The author of the paper, aditus chairman Neil Falzon, said the movement was feeling more optimistic about the introduction of same-sex marriage in Malta since the introduction of divorce.

The paper provides a legal framework for same-sex couples to be married and enjoy the rights and obligations that are incumbent upon married couples.

"Marriage is no longer being defined as a lifelong commitment," Falzon said referring to the recent divorce law introduced last year. "This means it can be revisited again and be redefined to include same-sex marriages."

MGRM coordinator Gabi Calleja said that calling such relationships 'civil unions' would be still discriminatory because it would be seen as different from heterosexual marriages.

"Marriage for same-sex couples is the gateway for a host of rights and obligations which heterosexual couples enjoy. It would allow same-sex marriage to enjoy these same rights and obligations."

The position paper will be presented to the political parties and the LGBT community.

"We hope the paper will give rise to a reasoned and much needed debate that is respectful of our relationships and the families we create, and that it is based on secular values and human rights, rather than religious discourse.

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

Times: Civil marriages should not remain gender specific

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120113/local/civil-unions-should-not-remain-gender-specific-mgrm.402181
Friday, January 13, 2012, 12:19 , by Claudia Calleja

Malta Gay Rights Movement has launched a position paper on marriage equality in which it is asking that the legal definition of civil unions does not remain gender specific.

Lawyer Neil Falzon, who was commissioned to draw up the paper, emphasised that it tackled civil union and was not, in any way, asking the Church to redefine its understanding of marriage.
He noted that allowing gay people to marry civilly would grant them full equality and would grant them access to a whole range of rights that come with signing a marriage contract.
These rights - such as the right to adopt, inheritance and pensions - were not necessarily covered through the cohabitation law government has promised.

Gabi Calleja, from the movement, pointed out that cohabitation law did not recognise the relationship between the couple.

"No harm ensues to society from the granting of equal rights to same-sex couples and therefore any delay can not be morally justified... Equality is not a luxury, it is a basic human right and the time for it is now," she said.

Dr Falzon stressed that granting gay people the right to marry did not diminish the rights of [opposite]-sex couples and did not threaten Church marriage.

It was important that the state stopped giving marriage a religious based meaning.
The divorce debate had already shown that the definition of civil marriage could change - away from a union that lasted a life time. Now it was time to debate changing the definition of who could get married, he said.

The position paper will be given to the major political parties and policy makers.
The movement also launched its new website www.maltagayrights.org

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

Friday 13 January 2012

Times: The ‘others’ are part of us too

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120112/opinion/The-others-are-part-of-us-too.401991
Thursday, January 12, 2012, by Michael Conti

Trees come in different shapes and sizes, ranging from the tall-standing palm tree to the low-lying carob. All are beautiful in their own right and nature does not impose any predetermined form but allows each one to develop into what it truly is.

Unfortunately, some societies see life differently. All seeds are expected to become palm trees and are cultivated as such. But, one fine day, some seedlings start developing in a different fashion. They no longer conform to the expected pattern but become the "ugly ducklings" of our families, our Churches and our societies.

Such is the case with people who question their sexual identity or who identify themselves as other than heterosexual. In the research for my Masters in counselling and psychotherapy I focused on the issues that those who identify themselves as lesbian, gay or bisexual or are questioning their sexual identity bring to psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors in Malta.

Not all non-heterosexuals experience the same level of difficulty but here I will mention the main issues that are particularly relevant to Malta and that push some people to seek for therapy.

The first issue is a pervasive sense of heterosexism on the islands.

Heterosexism is the assumption that heterosexuality is universal and the only acceptable condition while denying and stigmatising anything that is not heterosexual.

Although non-heterosexual individuals are more visible now than they were a decade ago, some sectors of society still tend to see them as unacceptable or inferior when compared to heterosexuals. Their behaviour is still deemed unmanly or unwomanly and their relationships looked down on as unhealthy and immature.

These attitudes and prejudices are visible in our society's difficulty in providing positive representations of non-heterosexuality in educational institutions. They are present in discourses that portray lesbian, gay and bisexual people and relationships as a threat to family life. They manifest themselves in our country's absence of legal protection of non-heterosexuals apart from anti-discriminatory legislation in the area of employment. They are evident in our refusal to recognise non-heterosexual couples despite the fact that they are based on a loving relationship as much as heterosexual couples are.

Another problem we face in Malta is our small size, making it more difficult for those questioning their sexual identity to meet others who don't identify themselves as heterosexuals. Thus, a number of individuals discover who they are in isolation and find very limited support. This makes the process of self-acceptance very hard.

Meeting others who share a similar sexual identity and seeking help in coming to terms with one's identity may be more difficult for some due to the fear of being discovered as not being heterosexual. Others are silenced by this fear and live a double life, showing an acceptable heterosexual facade on one level while having a different identity on another. This can easily lead to profound personal fragmentation.

Finally, there is the issue of the impact of religion.

Although a number of non-heterosexuals receive considerable support from some members of the clergy, others experience judgement and a deep sense of internal conflict regarding the matter. This includes feelings of shame, anger and a lifelong inability to integrate one's identity. For some it also implies rejecting their spiritual aspect, hence losing an important part of themselves.

In addition to this, religion impacts non-heterosexuals indirectly when parents do not accept their children fully for who they are due to religious teachings.

All these issues can lead to various psychological problems. These include suicide, self-harm, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, self-hate, guilt and shame, a low self-esteem and a higher incidence of relationship breakdown.

Some people are still adamant on attributing the origin of these issues to the sexual orientation itself. However, the source of such problems lies more probably in society's reaction to non-heterosexual individuals and relationships that results in isolation, added psychological burdens and internal fragmentation.

If we want to live in a healthy society we need to shift more towards promoting personal development in all its variety and complexity rather than imposing a standard measure for everyone. The latter only results in discarding by the wayside those who were broken because they were pushed to be other than who they are.

(This degree was carried out following the award of a STEPS scholarship, which was part-financed by the European Union – European Social Fund under Operational Programme II – Cohesion Policy 2007-2012, Empowering People For More Jobs And A Better Quality Of Life.)

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