Malta’s Rainbow Flag Flutters Lower as Europe’s LGBTIQ Rights Shift

St. George’s Square, Valletta, once buzzing with pride celebrations, now sees Malta drop to second place in Europe’s LGBTIQ rights index. The island nation that once led the pack is now playing catch-up, raising questions about its commitment to the rainbow cause.

From Pillar to Post: Malta’s Fall from Grace

In 2016, Malta was hailed as a beacon of LGBTIQ rights, topping the ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Europe Index. Fast forward to 2022, and the Mediterranean island has slipped to second place, overtaken by Belgium. This drop is a stark reminder that progress is not a given, and rights must be continually fought for and protected.

Malta’s fall from the top spot is not a sudden plummet but a gradual decline over the past few years. In 2019, it shared the top spot with Belgium, and in 2021, it was third. This year’s drop to second place is a clear indication that other European countries are not only keeping pace with Malta but also surpassing it in their LGBTIQ rights legislation and protections.

Belgium: The New Rainbow Champion

Belgium’s ascent to the top of the index is no fluke. The country has been steadily improving its LGBTIQ rights scene, with recent advancements including the legal recognition of non-binary people and the right to self-determination of gender for trans and intersex individuals.

Belgium’s rise serves as a wake-up call for Malta. It shows that other countries are not only matching Malta’s progressive stance but also setting new standards. It’s a reminder that the fight for LGBTIQ rights is not a zero-sum game, and that progress in one country should inspire, not discourage, progress in others.

Malta’s Slipping Grades: A Closer Look

The ILGA-Europe index scores countries on 69 criteria, ranging from legal protections to cultural attitudes. Malta’s scores have dipped in several areas, including legal gender recognition, family rights, and hate crime provisions. While Malta still scores high in areas like employment and anti-discrimination laws, these drops are cause for concern.

For instance, Malta’s legal gender recognition process is now considered ‘inadequate’ by the index, a downgrade from previous years. This is despite Malta being the first country in Europe to legalize same-sex marriage in 2017. It’s a stark reminder that progress is not linear, and that even in a country with a strong LGBTIQ rights record, there’s always more work to be done.

: Malta’s Rainbow Future

Malta’s drop in the rankings is not a cause for despair, but a call to action. It’s a reminder that the fight for LGBTIQ rights is ongoing, and that even in a country as progressive as Malta, there’s always more to be done.

Malta’s LGBTIQ community and allies must continue to push for further protections and recognition. They must engage with policymakers, participate in public consultations, and make their voices heard. They must also look to other countries, like Belgium, for inspiration and learn from their advancements.

As Malta looks to the future, it must remember the spirit of progress that once saw it lead the way in Europe’s LGBTIQ rights scene. It must strive to reclaim its place at the forefront of the rainbow fight, not by resting on its laurels, but by continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

As Maltese LGBTIQ activist and founder of MGRM, Gabi Calleja, puts it, “Malta’s drop in the rankings is a wake-up call. We must not become complacent. We must continue to fight, to advocate, and to push for a Malta that is truly inclusive and equal for all.”