Malta’s Rainbow Flag Waves Lower: We’re Now Europe’s Silver Medalist in LGBTIQ Rights

Stroll down St. George’s Square in Valletta, and you’ll still see the vibrant rainbow flags fluttering in the Mediterranean breeze. But take a closer look at the latest ILGA-Europe Rainbow Europe Index, and you’ll notice something different. Malta, once the gold standard for LGBTIQ rights in Europe, has slipped to second place.

From Gold to Silver: What Happened?

Malta, the tiny island nation that once led the charge for LGBTIQ rights in Europe, has been dethroned. According to the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Europe Index 2022, we’re now in second place, with Denmark taking the top spot. But how did this happen?

The index scores countries based on their legal and policy frameworks for LGBTIQ people. While Malta still maintains a strong score of 90%, it’s a drop from the perfect 100% we held for several years. The decrease is largely due to changes in Denmark, which has implemented new laws and policies that have pushed it ahead.

Malta’s Rainbow Journey: A Brief History

Malta’s journey to the top of the Rainbow Europe Index was nothing short of remarkable. In 2016, we became the first country in the world to outlaw gay conversion therapy. We legalized same-sex marriage and adoption in 2017. These progressive steps, along with many others, saw Malta climb from 14th place in 2015 to the top spot in 2019.

But as with any journey, there are ups and downs. While we’re still the second-best place for LGBTIQ people in Europe, there’s no room for complacency. We must continue to push for progress and ensure that our legal frameworks remain at the forefront of human rights.

: Our Rainbow Future

Malta’s LGBTIQ community and allies are already , determined to reclaim the top spot. Organizations like MGRM (Malta Gay Rights Movement) and Drachma LGBTI are working tirelessly to ensure that our laws and policies remain progressive and inclusive.

But it’s not just about laws and policies. It’s about the everyday experiences of LGBTIQ people in Malta. It’s about walking down Republic Street hand in hand without fear. It’s about seeing yourself reflected in our culture, our history, and our future. It’s about knowing that you belong here, in this small but mighty island nation.

So, while we may have dropped to second place, our rainbow flag continues to wave proudly. We’re not done fighting for our place at the top. Because in Malta, we believe in love, in equality, and in the power of our community to create real, lasting change.

As MGRM’s Executive Director, Gabi Calleja, puts it, “Malta’s journey is far from over. We will continue to work towards a more inclusive society, where everyone can live their lives freely and equally.”