Ivan Camilleri, Brussels
'Gays, lesbians still experience discrimination'
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Malta still feel they are victims of discrimination, according to an EU report issued yesterday in Brussels.
The discrimination is felt particularly in areas such as health services and education.
The report was drawn up by the EU's Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) and based on country reports and an EU-wide survey.
The research found that many in Malta still conceal their sexual orientation from relatives, fearing a negative reaction. However, the majority of those who decide to be open are generally met with acceptance within their family.
Nearly a third of LGBT people in Malta say they conceal their sexual orientation when accessing health services, again fearing discrimination.
As for education, information gathered locally on homophobic bullying, harassment and violence shows that Maltese transgender students are particularly affected by prejudice. Many drop out of school or skip classes because of bullying, harassment or lack of understanding by teachers and students.
The report also highlights the fact that the Maltese gay lobby is finding it very difficult to improve its rights as "calls... have invariably been met with negative responses from some politicians and representatives of religious institutions or groups".
While the Maltese were found to be quite comfortable with having LGBT persons as their neighbours, only 18 per cent agreed with the statement that LGBT couples should have a legal right to get married and only seven per cent - the lowest level among the EU 27 member states - agreed that these couples should be permitted to adopt children.
According to the report, the promotion of diversity regarding sexual orientation is often difficult in environments controlled by religious organisations hostile to LGBT issues. It claims that Maltese LGBT NGOs have been blocked or ignored by school authorities when attempting to raise awareness and combat homophobia in schools.
"In Malta, where the Catholic Church administers around one third of the schools, the Malta Gay Rights Movement has reportedly been barred from disseminating leaflets of education materials that present LGBT issues," the report says.
On a general EU level, despite considerable advances in recent years, the social situation for LGBT people throughout the European Union is still considered to be a problem, particularly in the eastern member states.
Discrimination, bullying, harass-ment and attacks take place across the EU while politicians in a number of eastern member states seem to side with or turn a blind eye to the perpetrators, according to the report.
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Joe Zammit
Apr 14th 2009, 17:18
Indulging in homosexuality is a grave sin condemned by God, by Holy Scripture and by the Catholic Church. Homosexuality alone is a tendency and not a sin. We are born with an intellect and will and to please God, we must overcome the temptation of homosexuality to please God. We pray and God will give us the grace to overcome the temptation of homosexuality. It is possible. This is living faith. Indulging in homosexual acts is a grave sin that separates the offender from God and puts him on the way to hell. Indulging in homosexual acts is dead faith. Those who love God deny themselves to please God. This is living faith.
Joe Zammit
Apr 12th 2009, 10:15
To believe in Holy Scripture means to have a living faith, i.e., to believe, to hope and to love. Belief without hope or without love is a dead belief and so it is not a salvific belief. St Paul tells us that also the devil believes. But he is in hell for ever. Christ told us that not those who call upon him shall be saved, i.e., those whose belief is dead, but those who do the will of God will enter the kingdom of heaven. To save we must believe all the truths the one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church of Christ infallibly teaches.
A. Muscat
Apr 5th 2009, 21:55
PART TWO
5) Once again. Have you (a)been baptized and (b)do you believe?
a) If NOT then you WILL NOT BE SAVED BUT DAMNED.
b) If a Christian has been baptized and believes then they should exhibit the "signs" mentioned above, such as being able to drink any deadly poison (such as battery acid, etc.) and not be harmed. How about the other signs? Can all believing and baptized Christians lay their hand on any randomly selected terminally ill cancer patient or paraplegic and have him rise completely cured? Does this not require that the Christian world be completely free of all illness, doctors, and hospitals? According to this verse, should not all believing, baptized, Christians be able to do this if they truly believe are to be saved? If a Christian does not exhibit these signs, then does this not prove that they do not believe, and thus will not be saved but damned?
‘One can browse on Original Sin in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. ..’
Could you please refer the verses please? Fro now, I will not debate the Trinity; will just stick to trace Bible reference to Original sin.
A. Muscat
Apr 5th 2009, 21:49
PART ONE
@ Mr. Joe Zammit
Have a look at this please.
Mark 16:16-18 "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; (a) In my name shall they cast out devils; (b) they shall speak with new tongues; (c)They shall take up serpents; and (d) if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; (e) they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."
Joe Zammit
Apr 5th 2009, 20:33
Jesus suffered, died and rose from the dead for all people. NO ONE EXCLUDED. This is the infallible teaching of the Catholic Church and the same teaching is found also in Holy Scripture and Tradition. On Mount Tabor during the transfiguration, Jesus had with him MOSES AND ELIAS. Both figures of the Old Testament and both are in heaven. They were saved by God through Jesus who had to come. After all, Jesus is the Second Person of the Holy Trinity who took up human nature in time. But he is with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit from eternity. The whole world was created through Christ.
Joe Zammit
Apr 5th 2009, 20:17
Christ commanded his Apostles and their successors: "Go and teach all nations. Whoever believes and be baptized will be saved. Whoever will not believe will be condemned." Christ himself wanted to be baptized to set the example. After the apparition of Christ to Saul (St Paul), Christ told him to go to Ananias and this will tell him what to do. Ananias told him that the first thing was to be baptized.
Joe Zammit
Apr 5th 2009, 20:09
) Original Sin exists. It is the sin of our first parents. Understandably, it is also the infallible teaching of the Catholic Church. St Paul speaks of the sin of Adam and Eve and says clearly: "As in Adam ALL MEN SINNED, ...." All people are born with Original Sin. That's why Christ established the Sacrament of Baptism, to clean us from Original Sin. In both the Old and the New Testaments we find instances which refer to Original Sin. The Fathers of the Catholic Church, i.e., those who wrote since the times of the Apostles, all speak of Original Sin. One can browse on Original Sin in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. There, one can find a clear exposition of this sin with all theological proofs.
A. Muscat
Apr 5th 2009, 13:10
@Mr. Joe Zammit.
Jesus (The Bible ) says ORIGINAL SIN does not exist.
Matthew 19:14 (also Mark 10:14, and Luke 18:16).
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
All the many millennia of previous prophets (Moses, Abraham, Jacob, Noah, ...etc.) and their people are all condemned to never receive true salvation simply because Jesus, arrived to late to save them. In other words, they have sin forced upon them (by Adam, 1 Corinthians 15:22) and the chance for redemption withheld from them (By Jesus' late arrival after their death, Galatians 2:16).
Paul says
"Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come."
Romans 5:14 "For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath reason to boast; but not before God."
Romans 4:2 If Jesus had only arrived as soon as Adam committed his sin and not thousands of generations later then maybe all of these generations could have received true salvation (like this generation).
Joe Zammit
Apr 5th 2009, 08:53
God and the Catholic Church are friends of all people. They love all people but they love them to the extent that they show them the way to heaven and how to please God here on earth. The Catholic Church is giving us sterling service when she tells us what is good to be done and evil to be avoided. She is helping us when she tells us that homosexual acts are grave sins that separate us from God and put us on the way to hell. Homosexual acts please only the devil and stubbornness in these acts harm homosexual themselves. Thank God, there are homosexuals who are coming aware of their miserable sinful life and turn to God and his Catholic Church for repentance and conversion. This is what love urges us to do. Telling homosexuals to remain in sin is the worst thing that can be done against them.
Joe Zammit
Apr 4th 2009, 21:01
Regarding Original Sin one can read it in the Genesis when Adam and Eve committed sin. Before Original Sin there was no suffering, no death and no tendency to sin (concupiscence). Tendencies to sin, like homosexual tendencies, came about after Original Sin. We all have some evil tendency but by God's all-powerful grace, we can win every temptation we have and prove to God that we love him sincerely, that we consider him first and foremost in our lives, that for us he comes before all pleasures of the world. Then God, as a loving father, will fill our hearts and souls with deep eternal joy and peace. Blessed are those who live for God and please him in whatever they do!
A. Muscat
Apr 2nd 2009, 16:45
I Tend to agree with PDebono
What the difference between Taliban and the crusaders? Two missions with same purpose under different names. Wouldn’t both lynch who ever dare to oppose?
A. Muscat
Apr 2nd 2009, 15:31
@ Joe Zammit
Can you please define what the original sin is? Such thing I could not find it in the Bible. There are too many verses which declare that there is only ONE God in existence and that He does not hold mankind responsible for the sin of any man. Examples of these verses are available to this day (e.g. Isaiah 43:10-11, Ezekiel 18:19-20, Deuteronomy 24:16...etc.). If however the ‘original sin’ is associated with the trinity’ please tell me where can I find the word trinity in the Bible (OT and NT)
Alex Ellul
Apr 2nd 2009, 14:11
@Kenneth Galea: Christ, upon whom Christianity bases its teachings, thought us that we should not judge.
Those abusing Christianity may be dead in 50 years time but Christianity will not. I believe that it will still be part of society's life as it has been for the past 2000 years.
We must not judge and condemn one another otherwise society will suffer, and this holds true for everyone, all of us, no matter who we are, what we are. Prejudices work both ways
Joe Fenech
Apr 2nd 2009, 11:11
The knowledge of people like Joe Zammit relies on local catechism - so there's no point really to even react.
Gays have always been with us: it's not a trend. Science tells us that is a genetical condition - so what's the big fuss? Let people live their own sexuality. Mr Zammit - you live yours but don't interfere.
Kenneth Galea
Apr 2nd 2009, 10:02
Joe Zammit is clearly living in 600BC era. You are too narrow minded because you choose to do so and you have clearly not moved on! This is exactly why Catholic religion will become history in 50 years time because the religion is still stuck in the past and 'they' are reluctant to move accoring to the realities of life.
Joe Galea
Apr 2nd 2009, 08:44
@Joe Zammit: Who are you to jusdge that a homosexual act is a grave sin? Why are you so homophobic? Your church and your religion is no friend to anyone who falls out of its lines. Why every time a subject like this your name crops up in multitude posts? I have an idea why but this paper will censor me. You should start opening your mind and start learning some science and not be just brainwashed by your church. If God is what you and your church portray Him to be I prefer to be an atheist or at most Buddhist. However, I believe that the TRUE GOD is a loving GOD and He created everyone what s/he is with a purpose. LGBT were created to add colour to life and most probably as a means of natural contraception to limit the growth of a species. Grave sins are those committed by people like you when inciting hatred and sprout with hypocrisy.
Joe Fenech
Apr 2nd 2009, 01:38
If gays are discriminated, it means that they go and talk about their sexuality. How would an employer know? I hardly think they go dressed up as the Village People for their interview!
Just do it, enjoy it but make no fuss about it.
Alex Ellul
Apr 1st 2009, 23:38
I do not see why any religion or church should be targeted by LGBT exponents. The problem lies with the state. Citizens still vote for mainstream politicians who are not interested in such discussions let alone chnaging/removing/creating laws to suit the minorities.
It is in the interest of these LGBT exponents to set up their own political parties and change politics by means of democratic processes. Calling the Church Taliban does not improve the situation. Really such unfair titles only show the prejudice still existing towards the Church, its leaders and members.
Contrary to what one commentator wrote here, I do not see any prevalent prejudice in our society. We all know that homosexuals are today accepted by society in general, but still seen as negative by individuals, same as is found in other western countries.
Putting religion in the equation does not fit, since church membership is free, and anybody can join or leave at his own free will.
@PDebono:About comparing the Church to a Taliban, I am amused by the thought of our humble Archbishop dressing up in a battle fatigue, bullet rounds on his chest, grenades dangling by his belt and a kalashnikov pointed towards the skies.....
Joe Zammit
Apr 1st 2009, 21:35
Out of love God has created human beings with intelligence and a will. We are responsible precisely because we have a will, something animals do not have. After Original Sin our will alone is not capable to overcome temptations, any temptations including homosexual ones. But, and it is a big BUT, by God's all-powerful grace WE, INCLUDING HOMOSEXUALS, CAN SAY NO TO HOMOSEXUAL ACTS and please God. Yes, all homosexuals can. Only those who are stubborn in their lust do not agree.
Joe Zammit
Apr 1st 2009, 21:29
The teaching of the Catholic Church is infallible and a sure guidelines on what is good to be done and evil to be avoided. Any other teaching which is against that of the Catholic Church is wrong and must not be followed. It must be considered false. Homosexuality is a tendency that by God's grace one can overcome the temptation. Indulging in homosexual acts is a grave sin. It is a sin precisely because those having homosexual tendencies CAN OVERCOME the temptation. Those who consider homosexual acts as rights are the GREATEST ENEMIES of homosexuals.
Homosexuals, leave your sinful life and convert! Your conversion is possible as it was possible for others before you, always by God's all-powerful grace. These have converted and are now happy and in peace with God, with their relatives and with themselves.
Joseph Schembri
Apr 1st 2009, 20:36
@Joe Zammit: People who speak like you do, quoting Catholic catechism that gay tendencies are 'disordered' (=unnatural) must take a crash course in Ethology (animal psychology). Gay tendencies are found across a whole spectrum of animals, including Man, throughout many observational studies and history.
People like you probably believe that 'nature' is a manifestation of God's handiwork. If you do believe so explain to me the disorderliness of homosexual behaviour in wild lions, giraffes, several fish species and even common house flies. Are all these animals committing 'grave sins'?
We might not be able to explain everything that we see in the world around us (though there are several interesting hypotheses) to the satisfaction of people like you, but at least, please live by the adage of live and let live.
PS what is it with you and homosexuality... your name crops up each time there is a mention of this 'abomination'. Have you got an itch you can't quite reach?
J Martinelli
Apr 1st 2009, 18:05
Without trying to distract anyone from the subject, may I add that discrimination is not limited to gays and lesbians and therefore for fairness sakes, we should include: the very tall, the very short, the obese, the anorexic, the bald, the not so handsome, the single mothers, the poor, those with less than 20-20 vision, the physically challenged, and anyone else who happens not to be as perfect as 'us'! As a matter of fact anyone who looks or behaves differently than the 'models' we see on the screens (of different sizes) is deemed not to conform and consequently becomes a victim of discrimination.
Joe Zammit
Apr 1st 2009, 17:36
A homosexual tendency is no sin at all, but indulging in homosexual acts is a grave sin that separates the offender from God and puts him on the way to hell. Homosexual acts are ALWAYS grave sins. The enemies of those with a homoseXual tendency are those who encourage them to succumb to the temptation and commit homosexual acts. God and the Catholic Church are their greatest friends. They want and work for their spiritual and material welfare. Homosexuals, forget the false idea of rights; there is no right to sin. Approach our churches and speak to Jesus in the tabernacle. Ask him to give you the grace to overcome temptation and you will be at peace with God, with your relatives and with yourselves.
Joe Zammit
Apr 1st 2009, 17:28
In The Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2358 we read: "The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. EVERY SIGN OF UNJUST DISCRIMINATION in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfil God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.
D Galea
Apr 1st 2009, 14:53
with all due respect to the church, had this been another institution wouldn't the LGBT NGO have actually acted against it, through a civil or constitutional suits for breach of the freedom of information? I know that in a society such as ours actually winning such a suit would be no easy task, but wouldn't the press coverage alone bring all the issues to light in front of the whole nation?
Such a lawsuit with a media campaign which combines 1. the information the LGBT NGO wants to make public and 2. respect for those institutions who disagree could help.
While I respect the Church's right to disagree with the opinions of the LGBT NGOs should it wish to do so, this does not extend to the suppression of information. The Church is also subject to and has to act within the confines of the law.
PDebono
Apr 1st 2009, 12:20
That really is shameful if true.
Before the Church removes its Taliban stranglehold on the nation, things will never move forward. The Church's place is in the Church, not in any other institution, and it really would be a disgrace if it kept on interfering in matters which are none of its business.
Moses Mula
Apr 1st 2009, 10:53
The Maltese are very tolerant, a Maltese political leader said not long ago. And I bet this opinion is shared by all political leaders and thousands of Maltese. Well this report is clear evidence that tolerance towards minorities is not very high, even when they are maltese. Politicians are partly to blame of course, and do not let me start when it comes to the church. I sadly remember the comments passed at my workplace when I was still in Malta, regarding gay people. And the same when I was a kid in school. People do not think that even if one is heterosexual, a person can still find certain comments offensive and disgusting. And kids need to grow in a loving enviroment, it does not matter if they are raised by a mum and dad or two parents of the same sex. I for one would have prefered to be raised by to mums or dads, instead of my selfish mum and dad.
M Grima
Apr 1st 2009, 10:40
We don't only feel discriminated against. WE ARE. The State denies us our civil rights, the Church discriminates heavily by word and deed and prejudice is rife amongst the ordinary Citizens of these Islands. For so long we have been beaten,spat upon,children castigated and grown gays avoided, the Government and the Church looking on complicit in their silence.