What we managed to do in such a short period of time reflects the Labour Party’s commitment to equality.  Last Monday’s legislation is the result of the structures put in place by government, since its first days after the elections, to come up with the best laws that ensure equal rights to LGBTI individuals, couples and families.  The Civil Union’s bill was the first big step in this direction. In the coming weeks we shall continue to draft more new laws and advise government on the way forward.

When I entered the political sphere, I did so with the intention to be part of the change I wanted to see in the world.   Having been involved in a number of student and youth organisations and an activist for civil rights, it was clear that to bring about change one needed to sit on the policy-making seat. 

Whether it was Malta’s membership to the European Union, the introduction of divorce, the movement to bring about a change in direction in Malta and the introduction of new civil rights and liberties, it was Malta’s political parties that took the leading role to write history.

The first phone call I got on Monday morning was from a mother of a gay son.  “Thank you because from tonight all my three children will be equal and recognised by the State”, she told me audibly emotional.  Allow me to thank all parents that have supported their gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex children.  Acceptance of diversity is not easy.  The biggest fear parents go through is that of seeing their children being treated differently because of who they are.  This week, Government clearly made a strong commitment to end state-induced discrimination. 

I cannot ignore those parents who are still finding it difficult to accept their LGBTI children.  Today, they can rest assured that their sons and daughters have the opportunity to reach their full potential irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.  They, as all of us, can achieve their aspirations and life ambitions to the full.  They have Government’s support and can be proud of who they are and whomever they love.

In just one year we founded the Consultative Council for LGBTI rights, enacted the Civil Unions Act and amended the Maltese Constitution to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.  We recognised Joanne Cassar as one of Malta’s daughters and given her rights enjoyed by all other citizens in Malta.  We granted transgender individuals the right to marry their loved ones.  We started recognising same-sex marriages contracted abroad.   We started drafting a new Gender Identity Bill for Malta, started discussing a new law that will prohibit reparative therapies on LGBTI youth, we were involved in discussions to found a Gender Clinic at Mater Dei Hospital and worked to advise government on decisions that must be taken in our schools, prisons and hospitals vis-à-vis the LGBTI community.

It is these results that have seen our country progress from one of the worst faring Member States of the European Union on LGBTI rights in May 2013, to the top 10 of the Union in just one year.  It is our commitment that by the next year, Malta will be among the top 3 states in Europe. 

This is the new Malta I love.  The Malta in which everything can be discussed without fear.  Issues that till last year were seen as taboos are now not only being discussed but decided upon in parliament.  It takes courage to take positions that might not be popular with the electorate, however, it is political leaders with such courage and vision that lead their country and its people through the needed change.

 

Cyrus Engerer is a candidate for the MEP elections contesting on the PL ticket