In the past six years, Malta has systematically strived for equality for LGBTIQ persons and is considered a model of best practice in the European region and beyond. This is by no means a coincidence. It results from political leadership and the sheer will to acheive equality for all.
Six years on, Malta tops ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Index with a 90% score, yet our will to eliminate all forms of discrimination is as strong as ever. I shall not rest on this Government’s laurels and our excellent track record in this area of policy, as I know full well that policy must not exist in a vacuum and will not automatically transform social norms and customs. The mindset, perception and prejudice across social structures remain hard to change. That is the challenge before us, to forge a mentality revolution starting at grassroot level and addressing the whole social spectrum of Malta. As Minister, I will work relentlessly to that end and to eliminate all inequalities within society. The Equality Act and the Human Rights and Equality Commission Act, which are currently before Parliament, are a great step forward and I will leave no stone unturned to wipe out all forms of discrimination which, despite the Government’s best efforts, persist to this day.
Then again, while legal and policy reform are essential, changing societal attitudes is an ongoing process that requires knowledge, commitment and resources. That is why my Ministry has adopted its second LGBTIQ Strategy and Action Plan and set up a dedicated Unit to oversee its implementation. Strategies and Action Plans are very important for setting out the Government’s vision and commitments and for translating policy into social mores. Their launch is usually an important step that embodies months of work and consultation with all stakeholders. Nonetheless, that is when the real work begins. It is for this reason that I reiterate my commitment to strengthen the SOGIGESC Unit within the Human Rights and Integration Directorate and sustain the hard work as we pave the road ahead to ensure that the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy and Action Plan 2018-2022 is effectively implemented and has the expected impact.
As I take on this challenge, I want to put everyone’s mind at rest that LGBTIQ equality, as with the equality of all other minorities, will continue to remain high on this Government’s agenda as we strive towards 100%. In this regard, I thank my predecessor, Dr Helena Dalli, for her sterling work in setting up solid foundations for myself to build on. I also thank all the stakeholders in the various ministries, agencies and departments as well as civil society organisations who have contributed to the implementation of the various measures adopted thus far.
Our experience has taught us that political leadership, coupled with civil society involvement, is crucial to ensure that any measures adopted address real issues and concerns and that they are effectively enforced and mainstreamed across all sectors. As politicians we aim to improve the lives of our constituents, particularly the marginalised, but we also believe that respect for and recognition of human rights and equality benefits all of society. The exchanges that I had with civil society and NGOs alike have prompted me to go the extra mile with confidence and to work relentlessly to eliminate all inequalities in our society. Equality for all is a must.
Dr Edward Zammit Lewis is Minister for European Affairs and Equality