New Hope For LGTB Rights In Malta Because of Right To Hetero Divorce

The triumph of "yes" in the referendum on divorce in Malta despite fierce opposition from the influential Catholic Church has given hope to supporters of LGBT rights in this small Mediterranean country. In a press release, the Malta Gay Rights Movementha organization called for a step in that direction.

"The referendum result shows that Maltese society is altruistic and aware of the realities and needs of minority groups and reflects the qualities of compassion, tolerance and acceptance," the statement said. "This marks a milestone in the evolution of Maltese society in which civil liberties can begin to flourish and the individual rights and responsibilities can reach minority groups. In particular, it is time for meaningful and substantive rights to be enjoyed by the local LGBT community, rights that reflect the needs and aspirations of LGBT couples and their families, inclusive rights that allow fully cover the LGBT community to be part of society and the nation in which they aspire to live and contribute, "he adds.

Malta, a Catholic confessional state, was until a few days ago the only EU country where divorce was forbidden. However, on Saturday the Maltese approved the legalization of 52% of votes. And they have done so despite an aggressive campaign by the influential Catholic Church Maltese, many of whose priests warned their parishioners to vote "yes" was a serious sin that prevents you from receiving communion. The Maltese Economy minister himself went on to argue, in fact, that "the Virgin Mary was very hurt" to the country.

A difficult situation for LGBT people

Malta, a country with Italy and Latvia received 0 points in the recent assessment that ILGA Europe has made the situation of LGBT rights in Europe, decriminalized homosexual relations in 1973. And on the occasion of joining the European Union, Malta was forced to legislate against employment discrimination against homosexuals in the workplace. However, there is no endorsement of same-sex couples, no laws governing the registration amendment for transsexuals.

Dosmanzanas recall that in 2008 published an interesting article on the situation of LGBT people in Malta, and shortly after he was first interviewed the openly gay candidate for election in U.S. history. We recommend re-reading to get a fuller picture of the social landscape Maltese.

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