The right to marry is different in European countries. The Netherlands were the first country in Europe to allow same-sex marriage in 2001, and Belgium and Spain followed shortly after. Rights differ from city to city, with some having more freedom than others.
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IDAHOT (The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia) was established in 2004 to raise awareness about violence and discrimination faced by people from various sexual orientations. The day is marked as May 17th.
Several European cities announced their support of gay rights during the IDAHOT. ILGA-Europe also published a report on the 12th Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex People in Europe and Central Asia. The report details improvements made and trends to watch.
ILGA-Europe’s rankings suggest that Malta is the most LGBTQI-friendly country in Europe.
In the last few years, Malta has had a clear trend toward cultural acceptance of LGBTIQ people. In 2016, the government passed a law that would punish those who attempted to change someone’s sexual orientation with a fine or imprisonment. Maltese cities are very inclusive and safe for these individuals.
Malta’s capital, Valletta, is a hub for the LGBTQI community. EuroPride Valletta 2023 was a great success in Malta as it marked another milestone for the island country.
The organisers of Euro Pride state that one of their main goals will be the discussion and assessment of LGBTIQ+ issues worldwide.
The Maltese LGBTIQ+ Community feels at home in the European LGBTIQ+ Movement while being mindful of the discriminatory policies in neighbouring communities, as explained by local NGO Allied Rainbow Communities, the organiser of the local Pride Parade in every September. Malta was ranked first on the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association’s Rainbow Index for nine years in a row.
