EU Affairs
MGRM welcomes EU report on homophobia
By MaltaMedia News
Jul 4, 2008 - 11:26:03 AM

The Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM) has welcomed the publication of a report on homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation in the EU member states by the EU's Fundamental Rights Agency.

Among the report’s conclusions, the legal framework in Malta was found to be
inadequate in addressing discrimination against the local gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
 
In particular, the lack of recognition of civil marriages and same-sex partnerships registered abroad by the State often results in obstacles for these couples to enjoy their rights to free movement, and also has negative repercussions in asylum law.

MGRM has stated that the denial of the existence and legitimacy of these relationships is not only the cause of undue stress many couples have to experience, but also constitutes direct discrimination when compared to heterosexual relationships which are legally recognized.
 
Another conclusion of this report relates to the rights of transgender individuals to have their documents changed to reflect their new gender and to marry a person of the opposite sex. MGRM said it "regrets to note that very recently the Maltese Courts have manifestly failed to follow the case law of the European Court of Human Rights on the issue, and urges Parliament to immediately legislate to clarify the issue. It would indeed be regrettable, not to mention embarrassing for the country, should the issue have to be resolved by the Court in Strasbourg rather than internally by Parliament”.
 
MGRM is calling on Maltese political leaders to commit themselves and take
the necessary action to ensure that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals are no longer discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. In a free and democratic EU member state, each individual should be able to enjoy his/her right to fairness and equality without fear of harassment or intimidation, MGRM stated.



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