Equality Minister Helena Dalli yesterday launched a new logo for LGBTIQ friendly establishments, #AllWecome or #IkollMerhbain in Maltese, which aims to encourage businesses to have these stickers as a step forward towards inclusion.

The news spread like wildfire over social media, where the new policy received harsh criticism and where many have questioned whether this initiative truly is a step forward in the right direction, or is just dragging the island back into the past.

The Malta Independent contacted a number of well-known social figures to see what their opinion is on the new LGBTQI sticker campaign and whether they agreed with the new policy or not.

Against

Marlene Mizzi – MEP

Speaking as an active member of the LGBTIQ Intergroup of the European Parliament, I am proud that Malta is first and foremost in the field of LGBTIQ Rights, so an initiative like this is really not necessary and is taking us a step backwards. If we are saying we are foremost in LGBTIQ rights, we already provide a safe, equal and acceptable environment for everyone; so there is no need for stickers to inform people from the LGBTIQ community that they are acceptable.

This is extremely contradictory. We should be proud of our achievements thanks to Minister Helena Dalli, as she has worked hard; but no I do not agree on this policy. This will cause discrimination between shops and establishments, and I am so surprised that the gay community has accepted this. Instead of promoting inclusivity this is highlighting differences – and this is not what we have been fighting for in the LGBTIQ Intergroup in the European Parliament.

Claudette Buttigieg –PN MP, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives

This whole campaign is ridiculous, as it goes against the whole principle of equality. In 2013, I personally amended the constitution, Article 32, so that it states that you cannot discriminate against anyone, including on the grounds of sexual orientation. It is now illegal to discriminate, and to be honest I think this is not an issue.

I have been following this situation for a long time, and I have never been told that people were never allowed to go into a club because they are gay, lesbian, Bisexual or trans. Once again this is the government trying to fish out a red herring for us to go in one direction, when god knows what is going elsewhere.

The PN also released a statement, signed by Claudette Buttigieg, stating that the party did not understand the need for shops to declare that they welcome LGBT persons, when this is already a principle in the Constitution and should be respected by one and all. The PN said that Minister Dalli is creating an issue where none exist. “The sticker is an insult to the LGBT community as it goes against the principle of equality based on diversity and introduces the concept that people should have labels.”

Alex Mangion – Deputy Mayor of Attard

I was brought up on the principles that one should not place people or issues into pigeon holes. You do not see me walking into a shop with a sticker on my head stating that ‘I am a transgender”. I am who I am based on what I am capable of doing, not what I am. This policy should reflect on what one is capable of doing, rather than who or what that person is.

I do not accept stickers being stuck on establishments telling me I am welcome here - who are you to tell me where I am welcome? I am human and I am welcome everywhere. In politics, when someone tells me that they are closed minded, I try to help them understand the situation, and generally I go out from that situation as a winner. Once you help the person understand what you go through, how you react and think, always makes a difference. At the end of the day we are all living together in the same country and we need to help each other.

Alison Bezzina - Activist

My first reaction was to ask - why do we need these stickers? It is illegal not to welcome everyone already. Yet, having said that, I run a couple of short-let properties for tourists and the number of people who ask me whether the places are gay friendly before they book is incredible. At times, the countries these people come from may not be as LGBT friendly as Malta. So for tourists, this might aid them, but many times these tourists look this information up before booking. I believe that adding a sticker to an establishment to show that they are gay friendly is a tad too late for Malta, as we are way beyond this point.

I too form part of the LGBTQI community and to be honest I never encountered a situation where I was not welcome, especially now that they law does not allow you to do that. This initiative is something that could have been added when we started fighting for these rights.  I would much rather see more ‘dogs welcome’ stickers at this point.

Albert known as Chunky: DJ

These stickers are causing unnecessary dispute and divide between the straight and gay communities. This is coming purely from people who are so invested in the gay scene, that they do not know what the outside world is offering. No restaurant in their right mind would turn you away because you are gay. I believe it is ridiculous that business and establishments will have to take a course on how to treat homosexual people. Does this mean that I need special treatment due to my sexual orientation? Yes there are some countries where these policies are needed, and Malta is not one of them. If people are going to travel to Malta they will look up what the country has to offer, and homophobia is not one of them. There was no consultation beforehand with MGRM or ARC regarding these stickers.

I was one of the first people on Xarabankback in 1996 to speak about LGBT issues. I didn’t fight this fight to end up with stickers. I fought for equality and what have those people like me, who were at the forefront fighting for equality ended up with? A sticker on an establishment? This is only halting our progress forward.

In favour

Ray Calleja – TV Presenter & Culture Programme Manager at Arts Council Malta

I personally like it, and I do not see why it is being perceived as threatening and labelling. I think the concept is not just about LGBTQI, but it is beyond that. One would think that we do not need a campaign for these things, but I believe that the reality is different, and that there are different realities which people are facing.

I believe that the intention of the policy is good and that these stickers are just confirming that our country welcomes everyone regardless of religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or preference. I believe that if everyone endorses this policy, it sends a message of unity, rather than outing someone. Just because someone has a sticker does not mean I have to go there, and if someone does not have the sticker does not mean I will avoid that place. I believe that we read too much into these issues. The most important thing is that we welcome everyone.

This is a form of celebration for what we have achieved and a reminder that yes, there are stigmas and that we are fighting against them.

Felix Galea Busuttil - Former MEP candidate

These policies already exist all over the world. You have gay friendly hotels and bars, so this is not an unusual concept. This has nothing to do with discrimination; we are welcoming people of all sexual orientation and there has been a fuss for no reason.

These stickers are here for people who are showing affection to their same-sex partner. They feel welcomed and no one will look at you in the wrong way. All kinds of businesses will be showing that they welcome to all people. The hard thing is not changing laws, but changing people’s mentality is the challenge, and we hope that these stickers will be a step forward.