PN candidates meet gay rights movement

laurence schembri

May 27th 2009, 12:03

Ms. Gaby, he`s fishing for votes, do not take the bait, 20 years at the top,the Nationalist Party never acknowledged your movement. U-turns as the last hurdle?

Godfrey Galea

May 26th 2009, 20:26

@ c Attard

You're right! What happens is that I get angry when I see blatant discrimination from PN side and I can't cope with it... I am sure that MGRM and all its member will know who to believe in the end. Thanks Mr/Ms C Attard

C Attard

May 26th 2009, 15:58

@Godfrey Galea: MGRM is not being fooled at all. MGRM is duty bound to meet all parties, being the representative of the whole gay community, which is composed of nationalists as well. It then has to relay objective information. The problem is that whenever these meetings with the PN are reported by the Times, the impression given is that somehow the MGRM is happy with the PN's record just because it had a meeting with it. I think Gabi's comments that equality does not come in bits and pieces, as well as MGRM's numerous press releases over the past 5 years about how Casa and Busuttil voted on gay rights, should be enough for everyone to realise how rabidly anti-gay the PN is. But MGRM does right in not closing the door to anyone.

Godfrey Galea

May 26th 2009, 14:03

If MGRM fall for this.... I don't know what more can happen... enough of this back stabbing. Come don't be funny. You are being discriminated don't you see it???? A party who has never voted in your favour not even in cases of homophobia and you even meet with that party??? Are you serious??? PL is fighting for your rights and you don't recognise it??? Come on???? This cannot be serious???? You're kissing the hand which is stabbing you.... and you don't see this. Will MGRM be added to the list of hunters, tarzna workers, housing equity scheme wishers and all the other people who have been fooled??

Please don't let stupidity reign in our country!!

Joseph Vella

May 26th 2009, 10:53

@ Moira Cassar
Moira...hello!!!
PL marginalised gays??? When was the last time you opened up a local newspaper or turned on the TV?!?!?

C Attard

May 25th 2009, 15:38

I am a gay man who voted YES in the 2003 referendum and PN a month later. However, let's be honest, the PN and conservative parties in general are no friends of gay people, and Busuttil and Casa confirmed this over the past 5 years with their negative track records. Just like they did a year ago before the general elections, when they said they'd support a wide-reaching EU anti-discrimination Directive only to vote it down a few months later, they're once again making promises before the election to buy our votes. No self-respecting gay man or lesbian should trust them now. They are not our friends and they never will be. Let's stop blaming the Church and start directing our anger where it counts: at our elected representatives who should be working in our interests and who are nothing but hypocrites ready to backstab us at every opportunity they get.

Moira Cassar

May 25th 2009, 11:39

Well done Dr Busuttil for meeting with the gay rights movement - hopefully this is a step in the right direction for these people who have previously been emarginalised by PN and PL.

Russell Sammut

May 24th 2009, 22:58

Dear Mr Busuttil,

Can you explain how you are going to fight discrimination? as all I can see in the arguments raised in this article are mere contradictions. In a plausible way can you or your team tell me how you are going to fight discriminisation? It seems that we are equal on some issues (maybe tax and obligations) and less equal on others (probably rights & benefits), Isn't this a form of discrimination?

Keith SC Grech

May 24th 2009, 14:46

Part 2

The PES intends to continue to push forward its fight in favour of citizens’ rights. In its manifesto, Protecting citizens’ rights –Point 26 speaks for itself:

We are committed to ensuring that EU legislation respects citizens’ rights as enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. We will strengthen anti-discrimination legislation to ensure equal
treatment on grounds of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation and religion or belief.

Keith SC Grech

May 24th 2009, 14:44

Part 1

The PL is contesting these elections on behalf of the PES, the centre left wing block in Europe.

The PES, for years has been fighting for improvement of civil rights and just a few months ago won an important battle in the plenary sessions of the EU Parliament. Known better as the Lynne report.

http://www.alde.eu/fileadmin/files/Download/Liz_Lynne_report_-_discrimination_EN.pdf

On Thursday 2 April 2009, the European Parliament plenary sitting adopted a legislative resolution on the "proposal for a Council directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation."

The vote passed thanks to the joint efforts of the PES and the green parties.

In recent days the European Parliament has reminded Commission President José Manuel Barroso of his commitment to put forward a directive outlawing discrimination on a whole range of grounds, including disability, age, religion or belief and sexual orientation, as Brussels finalises preparations for a social policy package to be presented in June.

This shows the commitment the left parties in Europe have towards civil liberties and how they are tackling today's discriminatory challenges.

Joe Xuereb

May 24th 2009, 02:20

Maybe it was the wrong choice of words but I doubt it. I would suggest that regarding the matter of gay rights, there is in fact nothing to discuss. One need only look at countries that sorted out this issue decades ago. And go for it. I feel that dragging the feet on the matter ensures no loss of votes. Whereas treating the matter more robustly would put the MEP in a promised position of no return which could prove loss of votes, embarrassment, and an awkward situation to be in. I am a firm believer in checking out track-records. Especially when one's greatest contribution is 'it will be discussed'. Give me what is mine. There is nothing to discuss.

Dr Inġ. Patrick Attard

May 24th 2009, 00:06

Well done to the Malta Gay Rights Movement for the meeting. They should issue press releases of the other meetings they had and will have with other candidates they met.

They should endorse a candidate or party for the upcoming election, keeping in mind not only the promises but the track-record too!

See a collection of articles related to the upcoming EU Election here (mostly from the Times):
http://patrickattard.blogspot.com/search/label/EU%20Parliament%20Election%20Jun09

Joe Fenech

May 23rd 2009, 21:02

Yes, this exactly the most pressing problem the country is facing!!!

PN..u halluna!!!!!!!!!!

Gay rights and not gay rights: who cares? First of all: why should gays declare their sexuality publicly? Whether people are hetero, lesbian, gay, SM..who cares what they do in their intimacy? Now if you're a show off and have to go to Gay Prides, gay bars and all that business and make a joke of your sexuality, then TOUGH!

As a country, we should have general laws which protect cohabiting couples' financial, succession, etc interests but sex or whether marriage should not come into it.

D. Micallef

May 23rd 2009, 20:30

After the Labour Party spoke clearly about gay issues for a number of times, GonziPN tries to fool again the gay community in Malta with a simple meeting.

PN's track record in the European Parliament speaks loud and clear. On the other hand PL is not staying on the fence as some have tried so say, but spoke and ACTED clearly in favour of gay rights.

It's a matter of principles - the conservative GonziPNists will NEVER grant a single right to gay people. Gonzi is on record saying that people with these 'problems' are not fit to be on the PN ticket as candidates.

Let us not forget, that the only gay friendly legislation in this country was back in Dom Mintoff's times, when homosexuality was decriminalised.

PN's stand was made clear in Parliament by none other than Deputy PM Tonio Borg

“Qalu li nsejna lil dawk in-nies ta’ l-istess sess li mhux se jiġu protetti bil-liġi tal-kera. Mela… hekk jonqos issa”

“Tgħidu li fil-liġi tal-kera s-sid għandu jitqanna wkoll b’relazzjonijiet, mhux biss li jintiret mill-miżżewġin, imma jintiret ukoll minn dawk li marru barra, l-Olanda, iżżewwġu ta’ l-istess sess, imbagħad jiġu Malta u s-sid irid jirrikonoxxihom ukoll'

http://patrickattard.blogspot.com/2009/02/kulladd-l-mgrm-tikkritika-bl-arax-il.html

martin portelli

May 23rd 2009, 19:46

Essentially Dr. Busuttil can't expect to have his cake and eat it. His version of equality is illuminating. His voting record staunchly following the EPP dictates on the matter leaves little room for doubt. His much touted support of LGBT rights stops at lip service in Malta only. Yes we agree to disagree Gaby how very nice and civil he is,. Dr. Busuttil is admitting that his hands are tied by party statue poor thing, I bet privately he firmly believes that he fully supports equal rights for LGBT citizens. At this point I am sure he is finding it hard even to convince himself.

RUDOLF DEGIORGIO

May 23rd 2009, 18:50

The 2 PN MEP's during the past 5 years never voted a single vote in favour of anything related with GAY RIGHTS.....today they met the maltese gay rights movement.... UNBELIEVBLE......GHALL-VOTI KOLLOX JGHAMLU DAWN TA GONZIPN

STEVEN CAMILLERI

May 23rd 2009, 17:46

WELL DONE PN its about time you make the NATIONALIST stand!!!

Mark Grech

May 23rd 2009, 17:34

In fact a substantial level of agreement was achieved in today's meeting. For example the PN group have agreed to be signatories to the 10 point IGLA Europe pledge formulated to promote equality and combat discrimination based on sexual orientation. This is an important step and recognizes the realities and challenges of today's society.

James Dimech

May 23rd 2009, 17:10

Without going into the substance of the issues, I think Dr Busuttil handled this well by drawing a line on what PN can accept and what it cannot. Period.

On the other hand LP is sending out mixed messages which get us nowhere. As usual they are trying to keep everyone happy by sitting on the fence.

jbusuttil

May 23rd 2009, 17:07

@ D.Ellul
Did Claudette Abela Baldacchino fool me yestarday visiting the Archbishop? Kindly advise me so that I will know to whom to vote to on the 6th of June.

philip pace

May 23rd 2009, 16:47

Dear Simon,
Is that glass infront of you half empty or half full?
You either agree or disagree!
That is the problem.
The PN will combat discrimination?
You must be joking!
Your party track record shows this quite clearly. Bravu!
Your party is still embedded in the past no matter how much one tries to hide it.
You won't get my vote as I am suffering from a different sort of discrimination brought in by the VAT which your party brought in once we joined in the EU.
Maybe you would like to meet and talk to you about it.
I would be willing to do so.
But would you?

Keith Grech

May 23rd 2009, 16:34

it seems that no agreement was reached. The Gay Movement seem to be asking for a higher level of recognition. Unfortunately, the article ran short and did not elaborate much on the demands of the Gay Right Movements. Presently, in the EU the PES parties are working hard to fight the battle against discrimination -http://www.schwusos.de/schwusos/service/Downloads/TRACT-EN.pdf such controversial and progressive themes were only highlighted by a few candidates in this years campaign......what a sorry sight and a missed chance to better our society. Keith SC Grech

Joseph Vella

May 23rd 2009, 16:01

PN is a conservative party and will NEVER secure gay rights - 22 years in government and still no civil partnership rights. PL's position is clear on LGBT issues. Too late for PN to try and steal the votes of the LGBT community!!!

edwin formosa

May 23rd 2009, 15:52

Prosit Dr Busuttil + PN. Patti chiari, amicizia lunga. Dikjarazzjonijiet bhal dawn ghandhom isiru b'mod car qabel l-elezzjoni. Hekk titlob is-serjeta u d-decenza

Edric Micallef Figallo

May 23rd 2009, 15:38

"One was either equal to another, or not." - In the case of what rights, based on what prerequisites and actionable in what circumstances and grounds? In a few terms, "equality" cannot be bandied around as a basis for rights whenever one is capable of complaining.

"Equality" is misconstrued by liberal lobbies and pressure groups and has been turned into a buzzword to be used by anyone that can garner enough political force, mostly through electoral numbers. This is done in order to affect political parties that are ready to sell out their principles, heritage and political identity for mere electoral convenience. Anyone that is ready to do so is sending a signal to the electorate that he is not to be trusted. Moreover, all the electorate should be informed on where a candidate clearly stands. Many do get tired with "ifs" or "buts", many do prefer a clearer and more determined approach. Otherwise we can conclude that compromise is not done because it is right according to principle, but because it is convenient according to electoral calculations. Is this "political realism"? If yes, then we can understand the reality that many are disillusioned and apathy is rampant.

M Grima

May 23rd 2009, 15:33

What is there to discuss that hasn't been discussed . The demands are simple and fair.They are the same rights accorded to the rest of the population.These are same age of consent,Gender recognition, a legal structure to marriage giving to gay couples the same rights accorded to the rest,no discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in housing and employment .Inheritance rights would be protected through the marriage act. Individuals to serve openly as gays in the armed forces. The issue of adoption can be discussed at a later date though that too should be a right depending not on wheter you are gay ,or not, but on your ability to be a good parent.

Is it so difficult for the PN to recognise rights which are given to most in the civilised World and yet denied to it's people in Malta. For the PN to hide behind the excuse of discussion is contemptible.

Randolph De Battista

May 23rd 2009, 13:51

"PN will work to combat discrimination" - Well you can start by arranging your marred track record with regards minority rights!! How can PN talk about combatting discrimination when it's MEPs abstained on a motion against homosexual discrimination?!?! And mind you, this wasn't a mistake since they didn't arrange their vote!! It's purely unbelievable!

D Ellul

May 23rd 2009, 13:34

To members of the gay rights movement: Do Not be fooled again by the Nationalist Party. In the European Parliament the most gay-friendly track record belongs to the Labour Party and the PES. Facts speak for themselves, and I reiterate, do not let them fool you for the second time. On June 6 vote Labour.

rene joseph

May 23rd 2009, 13:30

"The PN will work to combat discrimination against people over their sexual orientation,"PN MEP Simon Busuttil said today.

well simon should also explain his track record on gay rights then ...