Times: 200 gay marriages since civil union legislation

Opposition to object to replacement of 'husband' and 'wife' by 'spouse'

https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20170626/local/parliamentary-debate-on-gay-marriage-underway.651753
Monday, June 26, 2017, 20:55



Updated 9:45pm

Two hundred gay couples have married since the civil union legislation, two gay couples have adopted while five others are in the process of adopting, and 70 persons applied to formally declare their gender identity, according to information which emerged during tonight’s parliamentary debate on the Marriage Act and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill.

Attitude: MALTA IS EUROPE’S HOTTEST DESTINATION FOR LGBT TRAVELLERS

As well as the beautiful, picturesque beaches you’d expect from a Mediterranean haven, the capital city of Valletta has just joined the global heavyweights as the European Capital of Culture for 2018.

http://attitude.co.uk/malta-is-europes-hottest-destination-for-lgbt-travellers/

ATTITUDE MAGAZINE — MAY 31, 2017

Scenic View of Marsamxett Harbour and Valletta in Malta

Malta was once one of Europe’s best kept secrets, but is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean. An archipelago consisting of Malta, Gozo and Comino, the Maltese Islands are only three hours from the UK and offer a destination with enough history, culture, nightlife and year-round sunshine to keep every traveller happy – not least gay holidaymakers.

Lovin Malta: Maltese Gay Catholic Group Has The Best Response For Haters Of Rainbow-Flag Altar Vigil

Some people worry about the prosecution of gays in Chechnya, others worry about altar etiquette
https://lovinmalta.com/news/this-maltese-gay-catholic-group-had-the-best-response-to-haters

Lovin Malta June 2017 

Malta already plays a pretty cool international role when it comes to LGBT rights, but a group of Maltese gay Catholics has just raised the bar and is now literally flying the flag and firing up a storm.

The gay Catholic group, Drachma, which campaigns for better understanding between the Church and LGBTs, held a vigil on May 17th to mark the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) as it does every year.

Times: Rainbow flag decorated altar fuels controversy

Event marked International Day Against Homophobia

https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20170607/local/rainbow-flag-decorated-altar-fuels-controversy.650117
Wednesday, June 7, 2017, 07:01 by Keith Micallef



The rainbow flag altar during a prayer vigil organised by Drachma at the university chapel.

The altar decorated with a rainbow flag at a prayer vigil at the University of Malta chapel has stirred up a hornet’s nest, but the Catholic LGBT group of behind it is insisting that their only intention was to convey a message against discrimination.

Organised by Drachma on May 17, the religious event was meant to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

Independent: PM Muscat commits himself to passing gay marriage law before summer

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2017-06-04/local-news/PM-Muscat-commits-himself-to-passing-gay-marriage-law-before-summer-6736175061

Helena Grech, Sunday, 4 June 2017, 12:45


Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, upon entering the Naxxar counting hall, said that the results are “humbling”.

Taking comments, he said that Parliament has much work to do, that it will be meeting before the summer recess and that the government is committed to passing the gay marriage legislation that has been sitting on the shelf.

Times: Fast-track actions on HIV across Europe

https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20170604/health-fitness/Fast-track-actions-on-HIV-across-Europe.649936

Sunday, June 4, 2017, 10:18 by 

Charmaine Gauci

HIV testing is to be encouraged for the early pick-up of cases and to ensure early linkage to care for people living with HIV.

Never assume that people do or do not have HIV because of their nationality, gender, sexual orientation or lifestyle choices. No one comes with a label, so always practise safer sex. It is essential that educators and parents alike transmit this message when talking about HIV.

Times: MGRM reports 15 cases of online hate speech in six weeks

Online platform removed one of every three cases reported

https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20170602/local/mgrm-reports-15-cases-of-online-hate-speech-in-six-weeks.649676
Friday, June 2, 2017, 20:17 by Ivan Camilleri



An EU-wide monitoring exercise on online hate-speech led to the reporting of 15 cases in Malta in just six weeks, a report issued by the European Commission shows.

In one of every three cases, reported by the Malta LGBTIQ Rights Movement (MGRM) – acting as the Maltese counterpart in the study – the online platform agreed that the reported post was illegal and removed it from its site.