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6 NEWS maltatoday | THURSDAY • 24 MARCH 2022 NEWS MATTHEW VELLA LABOUR'S language on a controversial propos- al to regularise sex work suggests Robert Abela's administration might not go ahead with any lib- eralisation of prostitution, if re-elected. The government was at the receiving end of flak over attempts to liberalise prostitution, by a co- alition of NGOs which has vehemently opposed any attempts at decriminalising sex-buyers. In its 2017 manifesto, Labour said it wanted a debate on "regularisation and decriminalisation" of prostitution, with its main aim being the pro- tection of exploited sex workers and to fight hu- man trafficking. In its 2022 manifesto, Labour is pledging a voluntary exit programme for prostitutes and decriminalisation for prostitution: "after an ex- tensive consultation process on prostitution, we want to take decisions in favour of those who are the most vulnerable. We believe in individual lib- erty, but the PL believes the solution is not to in- carcerate vulnerable people." The Coalition on Human Trafficking and Pros- titution wants to ensure proper sanctions for pimps, traffickers and buyers while lifting the burden of criminality from individuals abused by the trade and offer an exit programme for those who wish leave prostitution. The coalition of 45 NGOs , women's organisa- tions, academics, lawyers, activists, profession- als from the medical field and who work directly with prostituted persons, say the so-called Nordic model would offer the best protection to people in prostitution by shifting the power from the buyer onto the seller in deciding when to report abuse. "The most avant-garde countries in gender equality between women and men have adopted this model. These include Sweden, Norway, Ice- land, France, Canada, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Israel," the coalition has previously said. The coalition has previously accused former parliamentary secretary for reforms Rosianne Cutajar of piloting a reform that would protect pimps and sex-buyers, saying it would enable Malta "to become the Mediterranean's sex-hub, and fail to protect the majority of women trapped in, or are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation." The coalition said the proposed law sought to normalise prostitution and legitimise it like any other job. While Cutajar had stated in parliament that the law would prioritize the rights of sex work- ers who genuinely want to work in the industry, NGOs who do not support the law say legaliza- tion would encourage trafficking of women who lack agency. "It is a terrible mistake to assume that our coun- try can open the door to prostitution and keep out the international criminal sex trade," the co- alition said. On prostitution, Labour's manifesto veers away from language of 'regularisation' PL's 2022 manifesto pledges voluntary exit programme for prostitutes and decriminalisation, but not 'regularisation' MATTHEW VELLA ADPD'S programme for LG- BTQI rights have been stream- lined across health, migration, education and equality areas, the candidate Mina Tolu told a press conference. "As a non-binary trans per- son who is accessing trans specific healthcare through the Gender Wellbeing Clinic, I know as well as other trans people in Malta, how long the waiting lists are. "As ADPD we would in- crease funding to this clinic, to decrease waiting times and allow more inclusive access to this vital service," Tolu said. "Additionally in the area of healthcare we are going to work to truly abolish the ban on blood donations from men who have sex with men. This ban, which still exists in prac- tice if not on paper, is discrim- inatory and based on misin- formation about gay men and HIV in particular." Amongst other proposals ADPD is highlighting the call for family reunification that is inclusive of LGBTQI refugees. "And finally, we wish to see the broadening of legal gender recognition policies to allow non-binary people to change their names." Carmel Cacopardo, ADPD chairperson, sent out a strong statement against all forms of hatred, especially that which seeks to dehumanize and si- lence individuals, their identi- ties, and their expression in all of its diversity. "Unfortunately also in Mal- ta we can observe the rising trend of hatred from far-right groups in society. Homopho- bia, transphobia, racism, xen- ophobia and sexism can and are being used by some poli- ticians to dehumanize individ- uals in our society. Including during this general election campaign. We cannot accept this. "Vote for equality and hope, not hate. ADPD works for a just, and equal society for everyone. Those who seek to silence the marginalized in society should not be trusted when they speak about other topics. Their aim to spread fear and intolerance is dis- respectful to all residents in Malta. As it only contributes to a society of hatred and lack of trust between diverse com- munities." ADPD calls for end to ban on blood donations from gay men

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