The Economic Intelligent Unit, which calculated democracy levels in the world, placed Malta at the forefront of the Civil Rights Index among large countries like Sweden and Finland, which are known for their progressive stance. Malta is in 15th place out of 165.
The survey done for 2015 analysed different aspects which are integral parts of democracy, such as civil rights, the electoral process and pluralism, government function, political participation and political culture.
Some of the reasons why we got such high points, particularly in the civil rights category, were the reforms in terms of civil unions, the gender identity bill, expression of gender and sexual characteristics as well as other rights to the LGBTQI community.
Malta surpassed England, Spain, the USA, Belgium and Portugal in both the previously mentioned category and the general index itself.
In reaction, Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties, Helena Dalli, said that the results are a confirmation of how Malta has made a giant leap in Civil Rights, so much so that we are now an example to other larger countries.
Minister Dalli also insisted that the government is fully committed to continue working towards equal rights for everyone in Malta.