Recent reforms implemented by the progressive Partit Laburista (Labour party) government have led to Malta’s being ranked by ILGA-Europe as the #1 country for LGBTI rights in Europe in 2016.
In cooperation with civil society, recent progressive reforms include:
- Civil partnership and joint adoption by same-sex couples
- The right to change legal gender
- Intersex minors protected from invasive surgical procedures
- LGBTI people allowed to serve openly in the military
Step-child adoption by same-sex couples - Conversion therapy outlawed
Meanwhile, Malta’s main opposition, the Nationalist Party (PN), is emerging as a threat to this progress, reinforced by their decision to endorse Josie Muscat as a candidate. Mr Muscat is one of Malta’s strongest opponents of LGBTI rights.
Rainbow Rose President Mia Sundelin said:
“Malta faces a stark choice on 3 June. A vote for the Nationalist Party and its anti-equality candidate Josie Muscat is a vote that puts at risk Malta’s world-leading progress on equality and human rights.
“Now is the time, more than ever, to stand up for solidarity, human rights and equality. Under a Partit Laburista government, Malta will continue to lead Europe and the world.
“Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and civil liberties minister Helena Dalli are committed to making Malta a country where everyone can be who they are.”