Malta’s Rainbow Flag Flutters Lower: What Happened in the ILGA-Europe Index?

Imagine walking down St. George’s Square in Valletta, the sun casting a warm glow on the grand buildings, and the rainbow flag fluttering proudly from the City Gate. This is the Malta we’ve come to know and love, a beacon of progress in the Mediterranean. But a recent report from ILGA-Europe has left us with a question: why has Malta dropped to second place in the LGBTIQ Europe Index?

Malta’s Rainbow Journey: A Brief History

To understand where we stand today, let’s rewind to 2014. Malta was the first European country to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. We were the first to legalize same-sex marriage in 2017, and the first to recognize the right to adopt for same-sex couples in 2018. We’ve come a long way, and our progress has been nothing short of remarkable.

So, What Happened in 2021?

The ILGA-Europe Index ranks European countries based on their legal and policy practices towards LGBTIQ people. In 2021, Malta scored 88%, dropping from its previous perfect score. The reason? Our laws around hate speech and hate crime legislation.

Malta’s penal code does not explicitly mention sexual orientation or gender identity as aggravating circumstances for hate crimes. This means that, in theory, someone could commit a hate crime against an LGBTIQ person and not face enhanced penalties. This is where we’ve fallen behind, and it’s a gap that needs to be addressed.

: What’s Next for Malta’s Rainbow Journey?

The good news is that Malta is not standing still. The government has committed to amending the penal code to include sexual orientation and gender identity as aggravating circumstances. This means that hate crimes against LGBTIQ people will be taken more seriously, and perpetrators will face harsher penalties.

But we can’t stop at legislation. We need to ensure that our communities are inclusive and welcoming. That means standing up for each other, educating ourselves and others about LGBTIQ issues, and celebrating our diversity. After all, Malta is more than just a score on an index. It’s our home, and it’s our responsibility to make it a place where everyone can live, love, and be proud.

As Malta’s Minister for Equality, Dr. Lynne Farrugia, told Hot Malta, “We are committed to ensuring that Malta remains a leader in the promotion of LGBTIQ rights. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our laws are strong and our communities are inclusive.”

So, let’s not dwell on the drop in the index. Let’s use it as a call to action. Let’s roll up our sleeves, work together, and ensure that Malta continues to be a beacon of progress and a home for all.