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6 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 MARCH 2022 OPINION 2 maltatoday EXECUTIVE EDITOR KURT SANSONE ksansone@mediatoday.com.mt Letters to the Editor, MaltaToday, Vjal ir-Rihan, San Gwann SGN 9016 E-mail: dailynews@mediatoday.com.mt Letters must be concise, no pen names accepted, include full name and address maltatoday | SUNDAY • 2 APRIL 2023 LGBTIQ rights cannot be taken for granted Editorial OVER the past decade, Malta's progress in se- curing the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons has been breath-taking, to say the least. The Rainbow Index, published by advocacy group ILGA-Europe, has placed Malta at the top of the international charts for the past few years, ahead of the normally more progressive Nordic countries. This achievement came about through a lot of hard work by LGBTIQ activists, and the de- liberate political action of a determined Labour government that passed legislation to improve people's quality of life. From that watershed moment in 2014 – when civil unions became a reality, and same-sex cou- ples stopped being 'ghosts' in a system that did not recognise their mutual commitment and love – to marriage equality three years later; and from legislation that banned harmful gay conver- sion therapy, to laws that allowed trans people to self-identify without the need to undergo surgery and lengthy court procedures; this country has undeniably taken significant strides forward. Indeed, Malta was a trailblazer in many of these aspects: acting as a model of sorts, for progres- sives the world over. Changing those laws was never going to be enough, though; and a lot had to be done to sensi- tise people and bureaucratic systems to the rights and expectations of LGBTIQ+ persons. The road is still a long one to ensure the country moves from 'a state of acceptance' towards 'a state of equality'; but the change is nonetheless palpable. It is positive that parliament last week voted unanimously for changes to tighten the screws on the illegal advertising of gay conversion therapy. It was a message against abuse of people who may be at their most vulnerable. But it would be a big mistake if progressives and human rights activists were to rest on the laurels of their achievements, to date. Developments in other countries show that such civil liberties are not to be taken for granted. Uganda, for instance, has just introduced legis- lation that practically makes it criminal to even be gay. LGBTIQ persons in that country risk going to jail if they even speak about their sexuality; let alone be intimate with their loved ones. In Australia, LGBTIQ activists protesting outside a church last month were attacked by a mob 30 times their size. Several protestors were punched and hit with rocks and bottles. And in neighbouring Italy, Giorgia Meloni's government refuses to provide official recognition to the chil- dren of same-sex couples. These are but a handful of examples where LGBTIQ persons around the world are forced to push back against oppression, and invisibility in the eyes of the State. It would therefore be a mistake to believe that Malta is somehow immune to these situa- tions, because of the impressive progress it has achieved. Rolling back rights is not easy; but there will always be those who believe that granting some- one the right to self-fulfilment poses a threat to society. Even today, we can see 'micro aggressions' such as the most recent controversy: where two mainstream politicians were on the same page as Christian extremists, in objecting to a play for children intended to promote acceptance and un- derstanding of diversity. The underlying message transmitted by the objectors was that children should be isolated from the reality around them; and, more significantly, from the reality within them. Within this context, the Europride celebrations that will be held in Malta in September take on a greater significance. They will focus the spotlight on what has been achieved in Malta so far; but more importantly, on what more still needs to change. Celebrations like these remain important to push onto the agenda the ongoing struggles LG- BTIQ+ people face on a daily basis, so that policy action can be taken to provide redress. They are also important to show the rest of society that this is a community of people with aspirations to live a fulfilling life on a personal level, as much as citizens contributing to the country's wellbeing. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since the celebrations in St George's Square nine years ago, when parliament approved the civil unions law. The scenes of jubilation, and the smiling fac- es of people who had been invisible to the State until that point, will remain lasting memories for all those who were there on the night. But maintaining rights and strengthening them requires constant vigilance, in a world where extremism seeks to deny people the right to be themselves. Malta has already proven that it can be at the forefront in legislating for equality; and it must remain so, while ensuring that this translates into effective change in the lives of people. 1 April 2013 Readers' poll: Anglu Farrugia Speaker role a peace deal ANGLU Farrugia's appointment as Speaker of the House is nothing but an attempt by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat to 'make peace' with his former right-hand man. At least that is how the majority of Mal- taToday readers view Farrugia's probable appointment as Speaker. But don't worry... it's only a non-scientific, online poll among MaltaToday.com.mt readers. With a total of 1686 respondents, more than a third (652) said that the Prime Min- ister's apparent decision to appoint Farrugia was used to 'make peace' with the man he 'backstabbed'. On the other hand, 31% of respondents thought the Speaker's role was good for the former MP sacked by Labour in December. Farrugia officially resigned in December 2012, less than a week after his disastrous encounter in the live Xarabank debate with Nationalist deputy leader Simon Busuttil and the MP's insinuations on a judge's deci- sion being politically motivated. The deputy leader's resignation was prov- idential after his ineffective performance on Xarabank gave the PN's newly elected depu- ty leader Simon Busuttil the edge, highlight- ing his charisma and ability to parry with political opponents. Farrugia subsequently decided not to con- test the elections. 314 respondents, or 19%, said that since Farrugia is no longer an MP, he should be appointed Speaker. On the other hand, a total of 203respond- ents in the unscientific poll declared that they don't care about the appointment, or to be correct, nomination. The Speaker of the House is elected by Parliament by simple majority and the nom- ination is typically submitted by the party in government. Among his or her duties, the Speaker's must ensure that the rules of the House are followed and that all MPs have an opportu- nity to take part in Parliamentary debates, while balancing the rights enjoyed by both the majority and the minority. .... Quote of the Week "It was run of the mill… it made no difference to me." Keith Schembri, testifying in front of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, on his offshore company in Panama, which he claims was opened after his trust with Bank of Valletta was leaked to the Nationalist Party MaltaToday 10 years ago