The Malta Gay Rights Movement upholds the Archbishop's right to state his beliefs publicly. It also, however, expresses its concern regarding the reference made to same-sex marriages among others as ways of living that are "making Europe morally and spiritually sick".

Such strongly worded homophobic expressions, apart from being completely subjective and unsubstantiated, run the risk of causing greater suffering and distress to gay people and their families. Accepting one's diverse sexual orientation is difficult enough without it being compounded by the incendiary statements of Malta's religious leaders.

The extension of human rights to all citizens, gay or straight, seem to us signs of an improved morality and a deeper spirituality that go beyond differences in religious beliefs and sexual orientation. We strongly support the inclusion and recognition by European states of the diverse identities of their citizens and the freedom for all to express and live out their humanity on an equal footing, without prejudice, stigma or discrimination.

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