MEP stresses tolerance at Gay Pride event

A small but determined group of people gathered in Valletta yesterday for Malta's fourth Gay Pride manifestation.

In all there were about 50 people, a few of whom were actually supporting the activity and did not form party of the gay community.

Besides Miriam Christine Borg, who kicked off the event with a couple of songs, the march was attended by British MEP David Bowles, Education Minister Louis Galea, Labour MP Evarist Bartolo and Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Harry Vassallo.

Commenting on the attendance, Malta Gay Rights Movement coordinator Gabriella Calleja said many gay people do not believe that their presence at such marches ultimately makes a difference. "What's more, some are afraid of the exposure. At the recent pride party there were about 1,000 people or more but here, given the cameras and journalists and in broad daylight, it's a different story."

The first march, back in 2004, was better attended than the past three years but there were never more than 100 people.

Mr Bowles, who sits on the European Parliament's committee which deals with gay, lesbian and transgender issues, said the gathering is part of a large movement that fights for something that is fundamental to European values: tolerance.

"There are many people who used to live in the shadows in the past. People don't want to do that anymore and they are fighting for their rights. Some day we won't need these marches and we will live in pride as individuals," he said.

When asked about the challenges facing gay people in Malta, Sonia Casha, also from the MGRM, said there was need for gay role models to be introduced into the system. "How is it possible in this day and age, that schools act as if gay people do not exist in them," she said.

Both her and Ms Calleja agreed that it is time society starts considering civil unions. "I would talk of marriage, if we're really aiming for equality but if marriage is a politically sensitive word, at the very least we should be considering civil unions."