Michael Briguglio
Beyond myths and rhetoric
LGBT is a relatively new term in political discourse referring to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender identities. Despite its "newness", it refers to struggles for recognition and rights on the basis of one's sexual orientation.
In this regard, it is now recognised by many sociologists, psychologists, political activists, policy makers and others that sexuality is not simply about nature and biology. As much as sexuality has to do with hormones and the like, it is also a question of how it is defined by different people, different groups and different societies. Indeed, definitions of what is "right" or "wrong" in terms of sexuality are put forward by power structures in the economic, political, religious, cultural and scientific realms, among others.
If one looks at homosexuality, one can note different meanings given to this term across time and space. For example, many social policy regimes in various societies assume and advocate heterosexuality and discriminate against other sexualities, both directly and indirectly.
In European societies in the late 19th century, homosexuality was considered to be morally wrong and a threat to the family. Homosexuality was punishable by law and discourses were propagated against it.
Later on, it the post-war years, homosexuality was considered by dominant structures to be a disease, a mental disorder or an abnormality. In the 1960s and 1970s, however, various societies, including Britain and Malta, started to decriminalise homosexual acts, though this was quite a bumpy ride. Such decriminalisation was influenced by the sexual revolution and courageous people who stood up to be counted.
As the Gay Liberation Movement of Britain put it in the 1970s, "every person has the right to develop and extend their character and explore their sexuality through relationships with any other human being, without moral, social or political pressure... we demand honour, identity and liberation".
The revival of conservative ideology in the late 1980s brought about a new backlash against gay and lesbian rights and the AIDS issue led to opposition by right-wingers against some victories previously achieved.
Yet, as social theorist Michel Foucault teaches us, for power there is resistance. Various gay rights movements became even more active in their appeal for equality and respect, resulting in a political constituency that was also supported by people whose values became more open on sexuality.
Since then, various societies have introduced various social reforms - from anti-discrimination at work to recognition of gay marriages - and being gay, lesbian, transsexual or bisexual became recognised identities among others in post-traditional societies.
The LGBT community has made many victories, yet, many challenges remain. In some societies, such as Uganda and Iran, basic gay rights are still inexistent and being gay can actually lead to death. In others, such as the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Britain, Denmark, South Africa, and Canada, to name a few, various rights exist, including marriage and forming civil unions, depending on the country.
In Malta, homosexuality was decriminalised in the 1970s and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation at work was made illegal following Malta's EU accession. Yet, people with an LGBT identity are being discriminated in various other areas, most notably when it comes to family policy.
Green parties have always been the most progressive parties when it comes to LGBT rights. The track record of the Greens in the European Parliament is a case in point. Greens are also the most ardent supporters of LGBT NGOs.
Malta is no exception. Alternattiva Demokratika - the Green party's principles are not for sale. We have always been against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and, unlike the other political parties in Malta, we fully support the proposed anti-discrimination directive being proposed within the EU.
Besides, we are the only party with a clear declared stand in favour of civil partnerships.
Some may want us to go further and others believe that we are too radical. We invite all those who wish to contribute to our policy-making to take part in our forthcoming debates concerning our electoral manifesto.
If one takes a look at the other political parties in Malta, one can immediately note the difference.
The Nationalist Party keeps ignoring the fact we form part of a secular modern world and opposes the introduction of various LGBT rights. The track record of Nationalist members of the European Parliament is a case in point.
Labour, on the other hand, is once again characterised by its "moderate" and "progressive" balancing act. On the one hand, it has its own LGBT section within the party, which, to date, is conspicuous by its silence in the public sphere. On the other hand, it has members of Parliament in its ranks whose opposition to LGBT rights is notorious. Some tabled parliamentary questions are shameful indeed.
The struggle of LGBT activists and movements is ultimately part of the struggle for a more equal and inclusive society, which is ultimately what democracy should be all about.
The author is chairman of Alternattiva Demokratika - the Green party.
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Joe Zammit
Jun 12th 2010, 12:15
Facts on homosexuality
1. Homosexuality is an evil tendency
2. Homosexuality is unnatural
3. Homosexual acts are grievous sins that separate the sinner from God and puts him on the way to hell
4. Homosexuality can be overcome by God’s grace and good will on the part of the homosexual
5. The enemies of homosexuals are those who encourage them to continue in their sinful life
6. God and the Catholic Church are the greatest friends of homosexuals to the extent that they help them to come out of their miserable state to the state of sanctifying grace, of joy, of freedom from their passions, and of peace of mind with God, with their relatives and with themselves.
Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Jun 13th 2010, 02:27
It is a pity that the Catholic Church does not take Joe Zammit out of his misery.
Joe Zammit
Jun 17th 2010, 11:46
Joseph, the truth shall make you free. Homosexuality is evil and separates homosexuals from God and puts them on the way to hell. This is misery indeed! Those who are one with God are rich and want to make others rich as well, rich because they are full of grace, imbued with divine love and experiencing eternal joy.
Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Jun 12th 2010, 01:26
Well written article. The Greens have an excellent record of standing up for the rights of gay men and lesbians. I also applaud Labout for taking a strong stand and putting the PN on notice. It, too, now says it has to acknowledge difference including that difference which is linked to sexuality. But when oh when is it going to do anything about it except talk and talk and talk? It is now time for the PN to walk the talk and not just by passing cohabitation legislation which does not formally take into account gay men and lesbians. Yes we have to be mentioned in the legislation. We must not remain invisible.
The time has gone when gay men and lesbians were little more than genitals in action. Thank God we have now moved from discussing the causes of homosexuality which as I explained yesterday to a man putting together an educational video on homosexuality and the Church was the ultimate insult and act of disempowerment.
Joe Zammit
Jun 11th 2010, 16:17
Michael Briguglio,
So you are using homosexuality as bait and considering homosexuals as gullible people who will swallow your bait covering (sic!) the hook.
Dawn Cummings
Jun 11th 2010, 14:34
@Joe
If the homosexuals were made by your God then why changing their sexual tendency? Are you not happy with God's work?
Same for the catholic priests. 100% of them should be heterosexual and living in celibacy and 0% should abuse children sexually...but oh no...the evil devil has tampered with God's numbers...see below please.
"...from Malta where, according to the diocesan authorities, 45 of the 850-odd priests on the island have been accused, suggest it is alarmingly widespread"
from http://www.economist.com/node/15868530?story_id=15868530
That makes 5.3%...
Joe Zammit
Jun 11th 2010, 16:23
Dawn, you have said it yourself. They have a tendency. The tendency alone does not make them homosexuals. If I have a tendency to steal, I'm not a thief for that tendency. When I start stealing I become a thief. The same applies in this case. One becomes a homosexual NOT if he has that tendency but when he starts indulging in the evil sexual acts of homosexuality. By God's grace they can win all temptations of homosexuality.
Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Jun 12th 2010, 01:36
@Joe Zammit - Oh dear dear. So we are just genitals are we? Does a homosexual only love a partner during sex? There are practising homosexuals and non-practising homosexuals. Incidentally homosexuality is a 'tendency' as much as heterosexuality is a 'tendency'. Zammit should also consult the dictionary. There are various meanings to the word 'tendency'. Like a tendency for a fabric to wrinkle ... that does not stop the fabric from not being a fabric if it is not wrinkled!
Antoinette Cefai
Jun 11th 2010, 13:44
First of all Well done Micheal! we need more of the AD sound.
@ Joe Zammit,
I apologise for maybe failing to understand your point. You seem to be arguing that being a homosexual rather than a hetero is a choice. if it was a choice, and society offers such a resistance to such a choice, would you think that the more it goes, the more ppl find themselves in the criteria of what we call LGBT, and decide to stay in it just for fun? to let society ruin their lives, and fill their time fighting for rights which revolve around a choice?! I
You put the argument that if a person is a homosexual, cant find peace with God, family and oneself. I highly disagree with you simply because this issue has to be treated and society has to support these ppl. recognition and support is what brings peace with oneself and the rest.
can you tell us how u concluded taht homosexuality is a choice .. and an evil ?! have u conducted a study that proves you so right?!
carmen caruana
Jun 11th 2010, 13:27
@joe zammit
I'm a homosexual and what makes me a slave is people like you that think that can talk in God's name. I know that God loves me more than he loves you because I don't hate anyone and i don't judge anyone. People like you will die shortly and open minded people are increasing more than ever. History and the future are on our side. My vote? of course AD....as thousands of maltese gay persons will do in the next election. We are one, united and much much stronger =]
Love and Peace x x x
William P Flynn
Jun 11th 2010, 13:19
In order for LGBT to have their rightful recognition, Malta has to first decide on Chapter 1 Article2 of our Constitution. Otherwise there will always be those who will come out as usual and talk about "unnatural" against god's will". And the government rulers will be "advised and taught" according to the constitution, which principles are right and wrong - by "Church authorities".
People forget that families make LGBT they don't fall down from outer space. They come from and are part of families; they have parents, siblings friends, and workmates. Does that make them “unnatural”?
But right now the "church authorities have the right to teach" Maltese people what is right and what is wrong; and these authorities will always think LGBT is wrong.
This is in the Constitution.
Do you agree or disagree that the country should be advised on what is right and what is wrong by Catholic "authorities" and theologians?
If you are Maltese, you are invited to register your vote in this poll. One vote. No foreigners please on this one. Anyone, however, is invited to see the polling results are shaping up at any time.
Click: http://www.fuse.com.au/wpf/Malta-Poll1.html
Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Jun 12th 2010, 01:42
If their God is so bloody minded it is time to drop him from everything. No crosses in classrooms to indoctrinate children. No reference to God in any matter that concerns the state. No kissing of crosses when taking an oath for public office. No 'Our Fathers' at parliamentary meetings. If they want to hold processions well and good but make them pay for the money spent by the State in such matters. Let's get over this god delusion! He has caused more heartache than good.
Chris Hayes
Jun 11th 2010, 12:33
@ Mr Joe Zammit
What is evil, Mr Zammit, is the unplumbed depth of your own delusion. Your fundamentalism and fanaticism are really quite revolting.
Joe Zammit
Jun 11th 2010, 10:40
Your are wrong Michael Briguglio! Homosexuality is grave sin and can never help anyone in his physical development. You are grossly mistaken. Homosexuality renders him slave. Those who, by God's grace, have come out of homosexuality tell you the miserable life they were in and now, not then, are at peace with God, with their relatives and with themselves.
No evil can ever be a right.
Homosexuality is evil.
Therefore, homosexuality can never be a right.
Any gay rights movement is just smoke!
Darren Galea
Jun 11th 2010, 12:26
If there is a god, you're making him cry right now. No one can be this dogmatic.
You also, time and time again, provide a perfect example of Poe's law. Your ramblings are so insane it makes it to hard to distinguish them from a parody of fundamentalists as compared to the real thing.
Or, if internet slang takes your fancy, you are possibly the best troll I've seen on this website.
Nadia Zammit
Jun 11th 2010, 13:22
Sur Zammit,
bir-rispett kollu lejk bħala persuna, nara l-kummenti tiegħek u aktar milli jiddispjeċini għall-kumment tiegħek li jinċita diskirminazzjoni, inħoss li dak li ktibt huwa biss injoranza u aljenaliżmu. ma tistax tkejjel dak li huwa tajjeb u ħażin skond il-morali tiegħek li wara kollox mhix universali u wisq anqas rappreżentativa. li ktibt kien ikun wisq aħjar li żżommu għalik u mhux tiġġudika l-omossesswalita bħala "evil". li thobb mhux dnub u li tħobb bħalma tista' tħobb inti huwa BISS dritt fundamentali tal-bnedmin kollha rrelevanti mill-kulur, sess u reliġjon.
J Farrugia
Jun 11th 2010, 18:51
There are no special rights for gays and other strayed persons. They have only the same rights afforded to me and to other normal persons in this world. They dont have special privileges because of what they are. No, they should not have the right to marry persons of their same sex, which is an abomination of nature. and they should not have the right to adopt children. I have no special right to adopt a child, and these abnormal persons have no right to adopt children. Children come from the union of MAN and WOMAN and from no other unnatural formula. God made them man and woman to procreate humanity and going against God's plan is an abomination of the natural order. and we know what happens when mankind goes against nature. Disasters. And Nadia Zammit, this is not incitement, it is the plain God given truth and NO ONE not even the European or World Court of HUman rights will change a comma from what God has ordained. Man is nothing. Only God will Judge our unnatural actions and not the world or european courts. It's not for you to judge normal persons. It's the other way round.