The High Commission of Malta supports the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT)

The High Commission of Malta for Australia and New Zealand supports the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) and today is flying the rainbow flag at the High Commission in Canberra. Thirty-one years ago, on 17 May 1990, the World Health Organisation declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder. The International Day concept was conceived in 2004 and it is aimed to raise awareness on LGBTIQA+ rights and stimulate interest in working on rights worldwide.

This year’s theme is “Our Body, Our Lives, Our Rights”. The message behind this year’s theme is that everyone has the fundamental right to make their own decision about their lives, their bodies and how they would like to spend their future.

The Maltese Islands have made a significant progress in 2015 – 2017, including the introduction of civil marriage for same-sex couples, adoption and cohabitation rights, and inclusive education. Malta is amongst the best European countries in LGBTIQA+ rights and it ranked first on ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Index for the last seven consecutive years. These indices measure legislative and policy measures which the Government of Malta continues to enhance and construct upon. The Maltese Government formulated its second strategy and action plan for 2018 – 2022 aimed at addressing inequalities on policy, ensuring that laws are adopted fully and spilt over to other sectors, ensuring spaces are inclusive. Malta is committed to looking beyond legal aspects, but also ensuring continual integration and social inclusion.