Protection from discrimination

Fr Anton Gouder (The Sunday Times, August 8) commented on a statement made by Education Minister Louis Galea during Malta's first Pride March.

With regard to Fr Gouder's initial statement allow me to point out that yes, gay people are indeed suffering from discrimination.

A study was carried out and a report published on sexual orientation discrimination in Malta. The results speak for themselves.

Dr Galea's comment on the Church and the State being two separate entities is valid indeed, considering that the Church does not accept or recognise homosexuality on the basis of moral values.

However, Fr Gouder also points out that "if the subject is discrimination, I cannot see the need for the separation between Christian principles and State intervention. Discrimination must stop." It is good to see representatives of both the State and the Church declare in black on white that they are against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

As to whether demands are rights or not, I would like to point out to Fr Gouder that our organisation is demanding protection from this very present sexual orientation discrimination.

This demand is a need and not a want. We are living in a society where discriminating against homosexuals is one's highlight of the day. Protection against discrimination is a fundamental human right. Thus, I reckon that our demand is a right of which we cannot continue to be deprived.