Malta’s Rainbow Fades: From First to Second in LGBTIQ Europe Index
Malta’s Rainbow Fades: From First to Second in LGBTIQ Europe Index
Imagine standing at the iconic Barrakka Lighthouse in Valletta, the sun setting over the Grand Harbour, and feeling a pang of disappointment. That’s the emotion many Maltese are experiencing after our country slipped to second place in the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Europe Index. We’ve been at the helm since 2016, but now, we’re playing catch-up with Belgium.
From Pioneering to Playing Catch-Up
Malta’s journey to the top of the LGBTIQ rights ladder was nothing short of remarkable. In 2014, we became the 13th country in the world, and the first in Europe, to legalise same-sex marriage. We introduced gender identity and expression protections, and banned discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. We were the darlings of the rainbow community, basking in the glow of international praise.
But now, we’re no longer the sole standard-bearer. Belgium has overtaken us, scoring 93% compared to Malta’s 92%. The ILGA-Europe Index ranks 49 European countries based on their legal and policy practices affecting LGBTIQ people. While Malta still leads in the region, the shift is significant.
Where We’re Still Leading, and Where We’re Lagging
Malta continues to shine in areas like anti-discrimination laws, hate crime provisions, and legal gender recognition. Our trans community can celebrate victories like the introduction of self-determination in legal gender recognition. But we’re falling behind in areas like long-term residency rights for same-sex couples and access to assisted insemination for lesbians and bisexual women.
while we’ve made strides in education, there’s still work to be done. The Index notes that while Malta has introduced LGBTIQ-inclusive education, it’s not yet comprehensive. This is where we can learn from Belgium, which has integrated LGBTIQ topics into its national curriculum.
: Our Rainbow Future
Malta’s LGBTIQ community is resilient. We’ve come too far to rest on our laurels. We need to push for more, to learn from our European neighbours, and to ensure that our rainbow flag remains vibrant and inclusive. Let’s not forget, it was only a few years ago that we were celebrating being number one. We can do it again.
As Malta Pride President, Alex Borg, told Hot Malta, “We’re not going to let this ranking discourage us. We’re going to use it as a catalyst to push for more change. We want Malta to be the best it can be for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
So, let’s not dwell on the disappointment. Let’s channel it into action. Let’s make sure that the next time the ILGA-Europe Index is released, Malta is back on top, leading the way for LGBTIQ rights in Europe.
