Gay rights in Malta

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Malta is considered to be a very social conservative country. 98% of the country are Roman Catholics and has a strong affliation with the Roman Catholic Church. So any, if any gay rights progress is considered to be very small.

Contents 1 Protection based on sexual orientation in law 2 Age of consent 2.1 Maltese government 3 Recognition of same sex couples 4 Gay life in the country

[edit] Protection based on sexual orientation in law

Malta has a current ban on some anti-gay discrimination, although the government enacted it to be accepted through the European Union.

[edit] Age of consent

The age of consent is equal at 18 for all.

[edit] Maltese government

In 2000, homophobic statements by Malta's politicians: "I would like to bring to your attention some recent statements made by the Prime Minister, the Vice-Prime Minister and the Archbishop of Malta with regard to equal treatment being given to the gay community in Malta as well as the recent resolution about equal treatment to same sex marriages that was recently approved by the European Parliament. Dr. Eddie Fenech Adami, Prime Minister actually condemned the resolution approved by the European Parliament saying it attacks basic and universal family values. Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, Minister for Social Policy (?), has repeatedly stated his opinion that should he know of anyone who was contesting as a candidate in his political party and is gay, he would ask that person to resign. The Archbishops of Malta have also condemned the resolution approved by the European Parliament very much along the same lines as those given by the Prime Minister." (letter to ILGA Europe, 3rd July 2000)

[edit] Recognition of same sex couples

No recognition with respect to gay marriage or civil unions is currently legal.

[edit] Gay life in the country

There are quite a few gay clubs, including 'Tom's Bar', situated in Floriana, which is the oldest gay club in Malta. A European Union member poll showed Malta at 18% support for gay marriage [1]. In 2007 a judge in Malta has ordered government officials to issue the appropriate documentation to permit a transsexual woman to get married. The court's ruling is the first of its kind in the country, which joined the EU in 2004.[2]