Colourful, noisy gay pride parade in Valletta

Dr Ing. Patrick Attard

Jul 23rd 2010, 02:08

‎"We're not taking anything from anyone, we're giving rights to those who didn't have them", President Cristina Fernandex de Kirchner on signing the new Marriage Equality Law in Argentina (21st July 2010).

anthony girard

Jul 20th 2010, 17:01

@N Pace

Ghandu HAFNA x'jaqsam. Ahseb sew !

N. Pace

Jul 20th 2010, 16:29

@ Anthony Girard

Jaqaw inti kellek ilma???

iddahhaqx, x'ghandu x'jaqsam!

Joe Xuereb

Jul 20th 2010, 16:23

@N.Pace. You miss the point completely because you have sex on the brain. I could talk for 127 hours about human sexuality, hetero or not, and not once mention the actual bedroom act. To afford you a little spoon-feeding to make sure you understand, please note that sexual acts are specific to a homosexual individual and a heterosexufal one (although technically overlapping and interchangeable - that's how complex the sexual act is). However, when talking about human sexuality one is talking, well, human sexuality across the board. I hope you understand the difference. Of course an illiterate will not recognise the difference. But an 'educated' person will. And the educated can teach the ignorant - surprise! surprise! - provided 'they go to school and are willing to learn'. We've all been there, N.
@Mark Zerafa. Well said. Makes sense AND I'M NOT AFRAID TO ACCEPT IT.- QUESTIONING DOESN'T THREATEN FIRM IDENTITIES, once so feeble.
Time was when I'd have rejected your comment. I then rejected RC absurdities and saw the light. My 'road-to-damascus' - an arduous, often painful road in progress (nothing overnight). I now have an honest life embracing anything under the sun and the panoramic vision expands
day-by-day.

anthony girard

Jul 20th 2010, 15:47

N Pace

So it's OK to parade the streets of Malta with buckets in our hands when we had no water to wash our............ - a sacrosanct right, mind you; but not OK to do the same to create awareness of the lack or many more basic rights than water in taps.

And why the emphasis on sex, bedrooms etc

N. Pace

Jul 20th 2010, 12:51

Ok, most of us (I am one of those) agree that one should not be discriminated because your sexual orientation does not lean towards the normal or so as not to be insensitive, the masses (ie. male/female etc).

But quite frankly, do we honestly believe that by flaunting our sexuality in public, parading with rainbow balloons is going to give homosexuals more rights?

I reiterate that I am in favour of homosexuals not being discriminated but honestly one's sexuality should be kept to the bedroom and not flaunted around. It is not a matter of intolerance it is a matter of something that should be kept private.

A mature approach, through dialogue with appropriate parties should be held rathe than parading oneselves in Valletta's main streets

Joe Xuereb

Jul 20th 2010, 11:26

To those who would like a gay pride no show next year
Ditto - who like to think that they can always recognise a pansy boy (hairdresser, window-dresser, dancer) so that they can feel safe and comfortable in their pseudo-machismo
Ditto - to all those who need to start to come to grips with reality

Here is a sample of alternative homosexuals

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mark_Bingham2.jpg Mark Bingham died trying to control the 9/11 hijacking outrage+magnificent sportman
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigel_Owens Nigel Owens - one-time suicide risk because of harassment
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gareth_Thomas_(rugby_player) Gareth Thomas, international rugby player


Not forgetting the tragic haunting story of Alan Turing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Turing

I believe he lives on in the well-known icon that is the Bitten Apple on the Internet.

Never mind the Alexander the Greats and Julius Caesars of the ancient and Leonardo nearer our time. These are our contemporaries.

@ Joe Fenech et al. If you know nothing about an issue other than to feather your shallow mattress, don't you think you'd cut a better figure if you kept in the background and looked, and listened, and scrutinised, and examined conscience, and took on board, and scratched below the surface. Nuff said.

Mark Zerafa

Jul 19th 2010, 23:41

To those raving on that homosexuality is unnatural, I say this: yes, at prima facie, being gay is an evolutionary dead end. Gay behaviour does not propagate one's genes to subsequent generations. However, gay behaviour has been observed in nature (do yourself a favour and look it up..just google it!). Evolutionary scientists have speculated that this may enhance the inclusive fitness of an individual, in that the animal displaying gay behaviour whilst not directly passing his/her genes to the next generations, would help in raising the offspring of his next-of-kin that share many of his/her genes. This has been dubbed the "gay uncle hypothesis" .So gay behaviour, although repulsive to the fervently religious zealots, may not be that unnatural after all! And this is science, which always triumphs over the anachronistic blind faith of the dark ages.

Kayleigh Muscat

Jul 19th 2010, 22:52

I think everyone should try n stop trying to be accepted by others and look inside themselves and try to accept their own being however they are. That's all it is.

Jesmond Micallef

Jul 19th 2010, 19:13

Furthermore, fundamentalism may be percived to be dangerous but so is the extremism of how large a community or a country is.

Even a language can have a fundamental connotation to it. The language of the land. People might say, its a complete must when integrating for example. The bigger communities decide the destiny of the smaller minor ones. The Maltese integrate quite well in Germany but the Maltese do not tell the US forces or the Turkish there to speak German for example.

I hope that reading and writing in the timesofmalta.com helps in keeping my english language skills in good shape. I am afterall emotionally attached to the language considering my upbringing in an ex British Colony.

Dr Ing Patrick Attard

Jul 19th 2010, 19:00

Well done to the organisers and all those who could attend.

The Catholic Church bullies and pressures the State through its psychological, financial and logistical power.

It is unfair that such a huge organisation confronts such a small minority. In Argentina Cardinal Bergoglio said that Gay Marriage is the work of the devil and it destroys the family - This is completely untrue.

Christopher Pollard

Jul 19th 2010, 18:40

Re Joe Zammit

Substitute "Celibate men" for "homosexual acts" in your simple argument and you may see how simple it is.

Joe Xuereb

Jul 19th 2010, 18:29

London's Gay Parade two weeks ago http://www.demotix.com/news/376748/gay-pride-parade-london-2010
http://cid-bc2ef5bccbf98e58.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/.res/BC2EF5BCCBF98E58!2188?ct=photos&sa=902895311
http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=5970&MediaType=1&Category=24
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IBIWwweVcg
ct=photos
http://www.gaybarcelona4u.com/events/barcelona-gay-pride.html
Baker Street>Oxford Street>Regent Street>Piccadilly>Lower Regent Street^Trafalgar Square. Tens of thousands and counting. At the bottom of Lower Regent Street the usual evangelists threatening fire and brimstone. Cordon of police dividing the preachers and the homosexual (and their heterosexual supporters, Mayor, etc.) revellers. I asked one policeman, are you protecting them (the saintly spouters) from us or us from them. He replied, we're (the police) are here because we believe in freedom of speech. Meanwhile, any lesbians worth their salt were fully-blown kissing each other with the police cordon behind them, and behind the police, the holey of holies sundry preachers. Not unlike a three-tier wedding-cake but on the horizontal. Needless to say, all this canoodling is stored on a thousand digitals for posterity. Until next year. When it will be bigger and better.
It is Wawa's (Warsaw) first. But as we say, 'small beginnings.....small acorns.......'

D Vella

Jul 19th 2010, 18:16

Live in The World Joe...not in your World.

Chris Zarb

Jul 19th 2010, 18:03

..Chris Zarb, continued

The debate about whether gay is right of wrong has been played out for centuries and it is now well established that any individual that possesses the slightest modicum of common sense would conclude that being homosexual is a natural variation, displayed in most species.

The line of reasoning (or lack thereof) so clear in the comments below is a representation of what is wrong with Malta: a beautiful country monopolised with self-righteous, arrogant, angry and frustrated people so quick to dismiss people who are in any way, shape or form – different.

And to those who still think they’ve got it all figured out - if your stupidity is so much that you are unable to understand the words I wrote above let me break it down for you:

I’m here, I’m queer, get used to it.

Chris Zarb

Jul 19th 2010, 18:03

..Chris Zarb, continued

The debate about whether gay is right of wrong has been played out for centuries and it is now well established that any individual that possesses the slightest modicum of common sense would conclude that being homosexual is a natural variation, displayed in most species.

The line of reasoning (or lack thereof) so clear in the comments below is a representation of what is wrong with Malta: a beautiful country monopolised with self-righteous, arrogant, angry and frustrated people so quick to dismiss people who are in any way, shape or form – different.

And to those who still think they’ve got it all figured out - if your stupidity is so much that you are unable to understand the words I wrote above let me break it down for you:

I’m here, I’m queer, get used to it.

Chris Zarb

Jul 19th 2010, 18:02

It is utterly reprehensible that in this day and age there are people (like many on this board) who shamelessly discredit and belittle fellow human beings for the simple act of being themselves.

What is most disgusting about the homophobia so flagrantly displayed in this forum is the lack of understanding of what it means to be gay. There seems to be this notion (I have yet to understand from where it stems) that being gay is a choice. Why would anyone chose to live a life that is filled with hatred, discrimination and fear?

The people who are so quick to judge, quoting a book allegedly written 2 millenia ago by magicians, or else using dicta spoken by priests who are so out of touch with reality, think they are best placed to decide what should and should not be among gay people in a democratic society. How dare they?

Is this what your God of love teaches you? Is this what you go to hear every Sunday at mass? If so, I really do pity you and hope that one day you will turn the anger and frustration within you into something more positive.

Marcel Dingli

Jul 19th 2010, 17:10

I want my rights ! i want to marry my cat ! i simply love him and adore him, so why cant i ?

Joe Zammit

Jul 19th 2010, 16:24

A simple argument:

Acts that go against the law of nature are unnatural.

Homosexual acts go against the law of nature.

Therefore, homosexual acts are unnatural.

Homosexuals, leave your sinful life and return to God and to his one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. Come out of your miserable life to a life of grace full of joy and peace that only God can give you!

Christopher Pollard

Jul 19th 2010, 15:49

re Victor Vella

Well I think that is the most original remark for a long time. Usually we gays are blamed for the break up of the family (for reasons which are never given) but Mr Vella suggests that the break up of the family will create more gays and lesbians. So from his point of view we can't win.

He also implies that trust and commitment are not found in gay and lesbian relationships - I hope other readers find that as ridiculous and insulting as I do.

Daniel bonnello

Jul 19th 2010, 15:06

What a bunch of closed minded (catholic) 'people' you are...Who are you to judge a person and what he/she wants to do with their life. Just because people are not born the same as you doesn't mean they are different. You are different !!!

Dennis Debono

Jul 19th 2010, 13:07

Dear Valerie Borg,
to be honest I do not care whether a person is gay or not.
I even do not care whether gays get more rights from the state....BUT I am against them adopting children....children come from an attraction between a man and a women, the same attraction develops into more...and the children are NATURALLY produced.
Now how can 2 gay couples NATURALLY produce children?....if this is possible then I will accept them adopting children as well as it will not be against human nature.

on another comment you said: "You can say all you want but homosexuals have been around before your christ has and will be here for eternity so you know what you have to deal with it not us"

If you do not believe, and do not know details of our Religion, please do not speak about it, and insult others with your comments.

Jesus Christ has been around for 2000 years, but his Father (GOD) created the world (including gays). So GOD has been around before gays!

We believe in 3 persons forming one GOD.

Joe E Galea

Jul 19th 2010, 12:58

@Victor Vella: Of all the hatred-filled ignorant bigots posting in here to comment on this article, yours is the most hilarious and incredible.

@David Gatt: It's not a circus, it's a peaceful manifestation by courageous gay people who are fighting for their human rights, which unfortunately in malta the government keeps on hindering to tackle this important issue.

On this unfortunate island, the Church brainwashing and hatred dissemination coupled with the mega-ignorance of a large number of bigots who think they are gods, still reign. It is very very sad indeed.

Mario Muscat

Jul 19th 2010, 11:03

In my humble opinion Gays should have the right for same sex marriage, but I have my reservations when it comes to adopting children. I might be wrong but to me it does not feel right for the child , but , I stand to be corrected.

Victor Vella

Jul 19th 2010, 07:32

With the advent of divorce we will be having many such gay parades. Broken families and infidelity at marriages will increase the number of lisbians and homosexuals. This is being created by human beings where males find comfort and trust with males and women with women. This psycological effect is haunting humanity where trust and commitment which are important for healthy relations are running thin. The future society is going to be a sick society where infidelity is going to be on the increase from every sector of society. The core of society, the family ,is already attacked while the outer edge namely the church, the government, the courts are all showing signs of corruption.

David Gatt

Jul 19th 2010, 00:23

With these circuses these people continue to distance themselves from normality

Daniel Vella

Jul 18th 2010, 23:51

Reading all these comments make me a very sad bunny indeed. Malta has a long way ahead if it REALLY wants to call itself a modern country.

1) To all those who are saying that homosexuals have as much rights as heterosexuals - WRONG. We cannot marry (or have a "union" if gay marriage offends you so much). Marriage gives certain benefits and securities to the couple which we obviously can't have!

2) To all those who say gay adoption is an abomination because children need a mother and a father - what about children raised by single parents or in institutions? What about children raised by abusive parents? As long as these parents are a straight male and female couple, then it's ok?

3) Even though most Catholics are not ready to admit this, the root of all this intolerance stems from our religiously-ingrained culture. I'm not saying all Catholics are haters, but unfortunately the majority of them (or at least the ones I know) are. If you look at the countires with recognized same-sex unions most of them (not all - Spain for e.g.) are largely non-religious/atheistic.

Joe Xuereb

Jul 18th 2010, 20:30

@ Joe Fenech. These comments are not about cleverness. Careful with the 'languages' bit - if that were the theme I am sure I could beat you under the table on any day of the week so I'd advise you not to venture there. Condescension over.
So you've worked with gay people. Haven't we all seeing we're all over the place. And yet, you don't really like us, that is pretty obvious - 'I don't care what you do in bed' sounds too much like a toddler's tantrum. In your vacuous protestations, you sound quite disturbed at the thought of homosexual shenanigans (I, on the other hand, am not threatened by the hetero equivalent). I wonder why this is? Thanks for posting the comment anyway Joe. It told me all I needed(?) to know. As if what you think of homosexuality is any of MY business. But homosexuallity is your business big time it seems for one reason or another. For to to sort that one out Fenech.
You doth protest too much Joe. And that is worrying. For you I mean. Me - I know who I am and it feels dandy from this vantage point.

Rachel Azzopardi Carbonese

Jul 18th 2010, 18:38

The heated discussion illustrates the ignorance and intolerance that prevails in this country. It is embarrassing to read comments like 'I don't necessarily agree with homosexuality' and ' what rights don't homosexuals have?',and 'why are they proud to be gay?'.

As a straight person i am lucky NOT to be part of a minority group. I have never been made to feel stigmatised by the society i live in. I have never grown up in fear of being judged by my friends, my family, the neighbours, the church and so on. I have never had to 'come out of the closet'. I have never had to worry about being open about my sexual orientation in my workplace. I have never been denied the possibility of ever being married to the person i love, or denied the right to adopt a child.

Then some people ask the question: 'but what rights?'.

Homosexuality is not a choice, but a sexual orientation with which one is born. Before everybody starts to comprehend that fact, we will unfortunately remain the socially intolerant nation that we are, resistant to change and lacking in diversity.

Jason Azzopardi

Jul 18th 2010, 18:14

Why shouldn't they be proud. Yes they should and have every right to be. They did not break the law, did not commit any crimes. So what's all the nonsense by some people. As Maltese and European citizens, they have equals rights like any other Maltese or European citizen and they should also be proud of who they are.

Shame on those people who don't mind their business and try to make jokes at their expense.

Joe Fenech

Jul 18th 2010, 17:42

Joe Xuereb:

You don't have to be patronising and demeaning. I've probably been to more libraries than you and read in more languages than you do.

All I said was :

I DON'T CARE WHAT PEOPLE ARE, HOW THEY DO IT, AND WITH WHOM THEY DO IT.
I DON'T WANT TO KNOW WHAT THEY DO IN BED, AND HOW CREATIVE THEY ARE IN THEIR RUMPY PUMPY! IT'S THERE OWN BLOODY BUSINESS!!

No one is throwing stones at them either. People who feel they've been discriminated because of their orientation should take the matter to court, and FULL STOP !

Don't give us that rubbish that "one can't get a job if he's gay"! In the case that they go discussing what they do in bed at work, yes - employers should fire them for professional misconduct. This applies to whether one is gay, straight, transgender..whatever!

As to the concept of being gay and pride: that's just a very old, outdatedhippy thing, nothing more, nothing less.

william staines

Jul 18th 2010, 15:19

Some of these bigotted comments made here are what you would have got in the UK in the 1950's. Malta has a long way to go before it can call itself a modern european country and not just in this topic. Some of the writers need to get out and about more, see what's happening in the big wide world.

Peter Borg

Jul 18th 2010, 14:51

Gosh! I hadn't had a clue Malta was so backwards until I read some of the homophobic comments below. Shocking awe!

Joe Xuereb

Jul 18th 2010, 13:39

@ Antoine Attard. 'One man, one woman for life' you say. That's what religion says Antoine. Unfortunately for us, homosexuals and heterosexuals alike, and the numerous ones that overlap (read bisexuals) are lead by the laws of nature which says 'monogamy is not a fact of life but an aspiration'. The aspiration is, of course, a facade called dignity and respectability here on earth and a promise of a cushioned-seat in heaven. As a fully paid-up member of the homosexual community, I won't buy into either.

@Vassall. Mistakes happen when one is putting any number of idiots in their place. Innuendo or not, you got my message and it screwed you up enough for you to respond. As you say, you exercised your options to upgrade yourself from idiot to idiot+. No apologies of course. An atheist homosexual is ALWAYS right. Try the atheist bit at least. The homosexuality is optional, if gloriously liberating. Go back to wifey and enjoy.
'scratched the surface' (your words). Careful now. All kinds of horrors lurk just below YOUR surface if I know anything about human foibles . Careful, because 'wara li thokk' you're on your own. I fought my battles. You fight yours.

Annalise Farrugia Bennett

Jul 18th 2010, 12:48

When are we going to live and let live. All these people are asking for are simple rights that straight people have why deprive them. Homophobia hurts so many people without these (homophobic) people realizing that they make other people's life hell. As for the so called catholics mind your own business. Remember that when pointing one finger three fingers are pointing back at you. Hopefully one day GAY people get some of these right in this country! RIGHTS NOW!

alex montebello

Jul 18th 2010, 12:44

OMG!!!
How naive was I to think that we are living in a progressive, modern society!! I *genuinely* thought that the gay cry of discrimination against them was a tad exaggerated. Reading the comments below i see that bigotry and hatred is very much alive and kicking on our little rock.

Some of the people below sound like they would lock up the likes of Leonardo Da Vinci, Alexander The Great, Socrates, Oscar Wilde, Tchaicovsky, Janis Joplin, Virginia Wolf, Hans Christian Anderson, Elton John, George Michael and our very own Caravaggio.

To the bigots i say this: if the law of ratios is correct, then tit is likely that you son, brother, cousin, uncle, neighbor, friend is homosexual and is suffering huge emotional turmoil because of the likes of you.

For what its worth, i am a straight man with a gay cousin who I love very much.

Antoine Attard

Jul 18th 2010, 10:38

I am in no way an expert, and certainly will not try to condemn, etcc.

However, just like the case of divorce, I am not in favour of anything else than a straight one man one woman for life couple. What do I wish for myself and my children, and I dare add that this is the same wish, deep down in one's heart, of practically all Maltese citizens - to be happy in life with one partner of the opposite sex, with the idea of having children from such a union.

OK, all individuals have rights; however, I hope that these 'minorities' do not manage to obtain some preferential treatment. God, or if one does not believe in God [poor chap], nature had 'prepared' 2 sexes in order to reproduce and populate the world for future generations.

Perhaps, a Straight Couple Walk is now appropriate, without hurting any one's believes or circumstances.

M.Bajada

Jul 18th 2010, 10:36

I am GAY AND PROUD of it.

GAYS RULE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Patrick Sacco

Jul 18th 2010, 10:30

Why PRIDE? Being gay is AGAINST nature! There is absolutely NOTHING to be proud of!

David Caruana

Jul 18th 2010, 10:23

@ Joseph Vassallo:

"Why should I have to put up with blokes kissing each other in the street? It made me puke when I was young and it makes me puke now I'm old."

Is Homophobia Associated With Homosexual Arousal?

from a study by Henry E. Adams, Lester W. Wright, Jr., and Bethany A. Lohr
University of Georgia

"The authors investigated the role of homosexual arousal in exclusively heterosexual men who admitted negative affect toward homosexual individuals. Participants consisted of a group of homophobic men and a group of nonhomophobic men; they were assigned to groups on the basis of their scores on the Index of Homophobia. The men were exposed to sexually explicit erotic stimuli consisting of heterosexual, male homosexual, and lesbian videotapes, and changes in penile circumference were monitored. They also completed an Aggression Questionnaire. Both groups exhibited increases in penile circumference to the heterosexual and female homosexual videos. Only the homophobic men showed an increase in penile erection to male homosexual stimuli. The groups did not differ in aggression.

Homophobia is apparently associated with homosexual arousal that the homophobic individual is either unaware of or denies."

https://www.psychologytoday.com/files/u47/Henry_et_al.pdf

D Muscat

Jul 18th 2010, 09:52

everyone must have equal rights. but i cannot accept the fact that gays want more rights than anyone else.

Ramon Casha

Jul 18th 2010, 06:44

To MGRM: I'm sorry I could not make it this year. Still with you in spirit.

To those who ask "Why should they be proud to be gay?" Could it be a counter-reaction to the centuries of being made to feel ashamed? Even in this day and age there are many who are "in the closet" because of the attitude of some people. This parade is a reaction to that attitude. There is no shame in being gay, any more than there is reason for shame to be straight.

M.Bezzina

Jul 18th 2010, 06:01

While I agree that the gays must have their rights (to certain extent) I dont agree with the term marriage between gays and also adoption of children between them.By the way we dont need to be like other countries just to please few people!!Certain rules must be.

d camilleri

Jul 18th 2010, 00:57

just because you find the same sex attractive it doesn't mean you should be treated special; we all deserve the same things! Sexual preference is not a moral issue if it takes place between between consenting adults.

any homosexual who calls themselves a catholic is doing themselves a disservice. Why would you want to be part of a faith that calls you intrinsically evil?

@ joe zammit: hell is scary for little kids...grow up!

d camilleri

Jul 18th 2010, 00:57

just because you find the same sex attractive it doesn't mean you should be treated special; we all deserve the same things! Sexual preference is not a moral issue if it takes place between between consenting adults.

any homosexual who calls themselves a catholic is doing themselves a disservice. Why would you want to be part of a faith that calls you intrinsically evil?

@ joe zammit: hell is scary for little kids...grow up!

Joseph Carmel Chetcuti

Jul 17th 2010, 23:27

Wish I was with you but congratulations as you celebrate the right to love and to do so openly and unapologetically. We fight for the right to be ourselves, for an identity that is ours. Congratulations to all those MPs who have the courage of their convictions.

Joseph Vassallo

Jul 17th 2010, 22:39

@Joe Xuereb; I presume that you meant Joseph Vassallo not John. You couldn't even get something that simple quite right; but what an idiotic thing to say (that being married is flaunting heterosexuality). Has anyone said you should be kept separated from your partners? No they haven't. That is because they have no interest in your goings-on but object to being forced to witness your behaviour.

We aren't discussing people with some genetic disorder. It is about people who make a conscious choice of sexual orientation. Feelings of insufficiencies, need of security, lack of self confidence, infantile genitalia; name any reason you want and there is always a choice. You made yours and I made mine, but I don't parade my choice in your face to emphasise the fact that i am "straight".

I think it is you who needs to do some deeper thinking because despite your assertions, you haven't even scratched the surface.

Make a point of completing your sentences if you want intelligent people to read your opinions; if you don't, you are lowering yourself to innuendo because you have no conclusion to make.

Over and out!!!

Joe Fenech

Jul 17th 2010, 22:36

D Attard

If they have asked about your sexual orientation during a job interview, report them to the authorities. Satisfaction is guaranteed.

Come on, this is Gonzi's Malta. It's progressive, cool, open, happy!

Philip Tanti

Jul 17th 2010, 22:30

Funny old game,i was lead to believe it was Adam & Eve, not Adam & Steve!!!!!!!

Joe Xuereb (London UK)

Jul 17th 2010, 22:17

Wednesday.21.07.10. Channel4(UK TV). Two Gay Dads+four children. Older children speak re: growing up with two dads.
This documentary is at 9pm. I went to the bother of advertising it. If you can see it somehow, do yourself a favour, do. Do YOURSELF a favour. I probably won't bother. I can get that infor. anywhere/anytime I like. Living in London has benefits.

David Caruana

Jul 17th 2010, 22:05

@ E Busittil

"Can't think of a more unnatural thing that the adoption of children by gay people".

There are so many children in this world who are in desperate need of a loving home and parents, but no, let's leave them in orphanages because the oracle of wisdom thinks it is unnatural that gay people adopt children.

@ Joe Zammit et al
Jesus told me to pass on this message to you : WHERE THERE IS LOVE, NOTHING CAN BE WRONG.

How dare you judge others? Remember these words, the moment you will leave this life, all your judgments will flash before your eyes, and you will be up for a big surprise. Change your ways before you come close to that day.

May the Gods bless you, brother

David Caruana

Jul 17th 2010, 21:56

@ E Busittil

"Can't think of a more unnatural thing that the adoption of children by gay people".

There are so many children who are in desperate need of a loving home and parents... but let us all listen to E.Busuttil and leave these kids in orphanages because he's the oracle of wisdom and he decided that adoption by gay people is unnatural.

@ Joe Zammit et al
Jesus told me to refer this message to you.... WHERE THERE IS LOVE, THERE CAN'T BE ANYTHING WRONG.

Stephen Formosa

Jul 17th 2010, 20:53

@ all the hatemongers, homophobes etc... (credit to Lily Allen)

Look inside, look inside your tiny mind
and look a bit harder
cause we’re so uninspired
so sick and tired
of all the hatred you harbor

So you say it’s not okay to be gay
well I think you’re just evil
you’re just some sexist who can’t tie my laces
you’re point of view is medieval.

Joe Xuereb

Jul 17th 2010, 20:12

@Marbert Aquilina. If there is no Pride next year, how will I know the hatred has stopped.
@K.Consiglio. 'Marched in peace? Read the title of this article again, it says that you were noisy'. You obviously wouldn't be seen dead at a demo.
@JohnVassallo. If you're married you're flaunting your heterosexuality.
@MarkAndrews. Contradictory or what?!

LONDON, 1960s. My first sighting of a graffiti: 'GAY OPPRESSION IS CLASS OPPRESSION'. So, a Straight Parade would make sense. Not 'Pride' though for hetereosexuals are not villified for being so. Just food for thought. Do your homework. Find out.
@NickyAzzopardi. Homosexuality a trend?!
@E.Busuttil. Wednesday.21.07.10. Channel4(UK TV). Two Gay Dads+four children. Older children speak re: growing up with two dads.
@C.Busuttil. That which people fear they put down and attack. Heterosexual men fear homosexuals because.......heterosexual men deprived of women (e.g. in prisons) often turn homosexual for the duration. It is below the surface.
All these negative people speak like homosexuality could never affect them ( that makes it sound like a malady which it isn't). What if your child turns out gay? You cull him/her? Throw him/her out? Homosexuality is just below the surface. I could tell stories but my comment would be STITCHED.

Roderick Chetcuti

Jul 17th 2010, 20:05

Ghadna LURA

Joe Zammit

Jul 17th 2010, 19:48

Par. 2358 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church says:

"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."

Homosexuals, leave your sinful life and turn to God to live in peace with him for ever. Approach Jesus in our churches and ask him for the grace to always overcome the temptation of homosexuality. He will surely give you this grace as he has already given it to many others.

Michael Briguglio

Jul 17th 2010, 19:48

AD - The Green Party is the only party with a clear and consistent position on LGBT rights. D salutes the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community and the movements and activists who struggle for LGBT rights. We support such calls for a more equal and inclusive society, which is ultimately what democracy should be all about’.

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 is 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. AD is also the only party with a clear declared stand in favour of registered partnerships.

The LGBT community can rest assured on AD’s support. Unlike others political parties, we do not say one thing to one audience and another thing to another audience

Arthur Soler

Jul 17th 2010, 19:36

@ E Busittil

Quote: "Can't think of a more unnatural thing that the adoption of children by gay people".

Exactly what makes you an expert on what is natural and what is unnatural? If you look at the natural world and especially chimpanzees, homosexuality is very common throughout the animal kingdon.

http://www.innovations-report.com/html/reports/life_sciences/report-72574.html

Now if you believe that God created the earth and all life on it, what purpose might he have had to introduce homosexuality in at least 1500 amnimal species ? And if you believe in evolution, is our species not evolved for "lower" animals who practise homosexuality? So why is it unnatural? Perhaps it is not the social norm, and in Malta it certainly is not....but that does not make it unnatural.

What I find really unnatural is the close mindedness of people like you....i.e. if it is not your way it has to be the wrong way,

In case you are wondering...I have been happily married for 40 years with one wife, and we have three wonderful kids. But I see nothing wrong at all, or unnatural ,with homosexuality.

JOe VELLa

Jul 17th 2010, 19:23

Sir,
Seeing various extreme thoughts on this topic, including mind, I decided to refer to wiser books and I found these interesting:
"Let me take the speck out of your eye,"
when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? [Matthew 7. 2-4]

Do not judge your companion until you are in his place. [Judaism - Abot 2.4]

Those with dry grass on their body cannot help to put out fire. [ African Traditional Religions]

Happy are the people who find fault within themselves instead of finding faults with others. [Islam-Hadith]

When you focus on the faults of others, your perceptions soon become distorted,
increasing your own imperfections. [Buddhism Dhammapada 252-253]

The lesson is life is short live and let live.

Martin Debono

Jul 17th 2010, 19:21

To those bothered by alternative lifestyles, I say look away if it's too much for your delicate sensibilities. We live in a more or less secular and free country - get used to it!

M. Aquilina

Jul 17th 2010, 19:02

The gay pride or parade is just a procession. Just stop fooling around. Gays are equal to us heterosexuals! What they got less than us? They ARE humans! They have feelings, a heart that can love and also they need to be loved. If we perceive them different, then its our problem and not theirs! God created us to love and to be loved. God is love! God loves them as He loves me and you! So why parade? No need to tell the world what sexual orientation you are. Its us who discriminate and categorize. God sees no colour, for Him, blue, pink and red is just a colour! Hope that next year this parade/pride stops!!!

J. J. Borg

Jul 17th 2010, 18:58

The confusion demonstrated in many of these ant-gay comments would be funny except that intolerance is no laughing matter. People who have no clue as to the reasons behind Gay Pride are claiming that they are proud to be straight or caucasion or even married! As they say, "only in malta" - the finest haven of intolerance in Europe.

anthony girard

Jul 17th 2010, 18:43

As I glance through the various comments, I realize what a sad, sad country we are living in. Here we have a group of persons who organise a march to make aware that they deserve the same rights as other persons in society and which the 'powers that be' keep denying them. Most civilised countries in the EU have granted these rights to ALL their citizens - straight and gay - decades ago; and we, here in this tiny country, think we know it all and make a mockery of something as touching as this morning's Gay Pride parade. It's OK to parade in favour of animal rights and the preservation of the environment but not for the rights of fellow members of society. Pathetic !!!

Joe Xuereb (London UK)

Jul 17th 2010, 18:38

@ ialamango(4hrs.30mins.). You and your kind need most help so I left you till last and dedicate a comment just for you. So for your own good, pay attention.
You suggest 'lets-organise-a-parade-coz-we-are-straight!' - short eight-word-sentence there and two abysmal mistakes. LoL!! Light-hearted enough comment there a`lamang. Until it backfires.
I'll explain.
My sexual orientation was vilified. I left my country to breathe. I made it my business to put human sexuality under a microscope in order to survive the onslaught. I discovered things that made my life worthwhile and interesting, and, and, and.... On the way I also discovered some hard facts that apply to both homosexuals and heterosexuals; indeed more relevant to heterosexuals. Facts that aren't comfortable reading. I did MY work to find out. You, alamango, must do YOUR work to find out what ails you, what I mean. It's called tough love. When you've done your homework, come back and suggest 'lets organis.................straight!'. Second time around, your plea will (or should) take on a serious tone. Not throwaway. No putdown. Just nose to the grind and discover who you are and where you're going. Hard slog if you can handle it. Beyond this, my lips are sealed.

D.Galea

Jul 17th 2010, 18:37

I laugh because few realise that these demonstration don't take place because they have been given the right to, but only because they are allowed to, as long as they are allowed to.

By present interpretation of the Maltese code of law, this demonstration offends the Roman catholic religion, Endangers Maltese society thus should be censored & corruption of minors in a single blow.

Being the case that in this event such laws are hushed and swept under the carpet to avoid international embarrassment only further demonstrates the hypocrisy of the Maltese justice system.

C. Borg

Jul 17th 2010, 18:16

it is strange how the majority of respondents to this thread are males. Is it perhaps because the same forces that have supressed females for centuries are the same forces that are supressing gay people? Women marched the streets, trying to overturn the repression they have suffered in much the same way as gaypride does. Of course, men must have thought this daft...they have never had to fight for their rights.

With respect to those who argue about a family being made up of a mother, father and child; how do we get around the statistics which tell us that in some western countries almost 2/3 of marriages end in divorce, with children being torn between visitation rights and the emotional turmoil that ensues; lets not mention the rampant cases of marital infidelity (statistics here are varied but some say as high as 90% of men in some countries) and the number of children who unwittingly call daddy their non-biological father.

Ronan Cauchi

Jul 17th 2010, 17:50

Humans come in different shapes and sizes. Tall, fat,short,thin.... love is the same. Gays and lesbians are still men and women. And every person should have the same rights. We are all humans. These are our brothers and sisters. It's not the sexuality that's important. It's the feelings. We all have them. They marched to send the message that they are not scared by your thoughts and ideas. It's a march of individuality, not a march of sexuality. Any homphobe reading this should be ashamed for hating people of his own species

R. Azzopardi

Jul 17th 2010, 17:32

I haven't read all the blogs here so please forgive me if I'm out of context. I seriously belief that tolerance towards our gay friends has increased drastically in the past ten to fifteen years. I am, however, concerned that many gay people believe that heterosexuals do not tolerate them, or even hate them! A few weeks ago I had a word with a gay man who I had never met before and he told me "intom ma thobbuniex!" I couldn't stomach that comment. I turned to him and said "why should i not love you? aren't you a fellow human being like I am? we may have different views but doesn't stop me from respecting you". I'm sure that the vast majority of people, especially those under the age of 40 agree with me.

e busuttil;

Jul 17th 2010, 17:26

Please ONCE AND FOR ALL

Leave marriage and children out of gay rights. Marriage should be betwen man and woman, irrespective of any religion. That is not to say that gay people should not have any sort of relationship - a social contract should be enought.
Can't think of a more unnatural thing that the adoption of children by gay people

mbusuttil

Jul 17th 2010, 17:18

to A Spiteri & Keith St.John

Mr.Spiteri you're so right when you say "where's the pride in being a gay?!?!"

Keith quoted "Pride has nothing to do with being gay" - so why call this manifestation "a gay pride"

Can the gay pride people decide which way they're going? If you go on emphasizing the term gay pride there must be something wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mandy micallef

Jul 17th 2010, 16:54

Freedom of speech... everyone has the right to be with whom they want to be with. Why should i be with a man and marry a man just because society accepts it? I dont want to be with a man, i am not straight, and there is no one that will ever make me be with the oppisite sex. Im Proud to be Les and if anyone doesnt like that then it tough luck. Straight people dont understand what its like to be different ,to think and feel different from the majority of the world, but if you were in our shoes then maybe just maybe you would think and feel different and not judge people. To all the LGBT out there in the world, be Proud of who you are,and dont let anyone make you feel different.

Paul Barrett

Jul 17th 2010, 16:51

Why do people find it so difficult to understand that you can have feelings for and indeed be in love with someone; want to live with them as an equal - irrespective of their ethnic origin, religion or sex.
A bit of tolerance of others private lives costs nothing.

D Vella

Jul 17th 2010, 16:42

I see that the Tourism Authority is promoting Gay Tourism through it's support of various gay parties which take place throughout Summer. Strange then that the very Government from which this authority gets it's funds are so against equal rights for it's gay citizens. Perhaps foreign gays should be warned that while their pink pound is welcome, they are not!

s.koludrovic

Jul 17th 2010, 16:41

So if eventually Gay men or women do manage to get married,and get to adopt children, what happens should they divorce. Who of them gets to keep the house, get the alimony money, and get visiting rights.

Stephen Peters

Jul 17th 2010, 16:40

Why a gay pride march?

When you read the number of veiled (and not so veiled) homophobic comments that are posted you will see how necessary a Gay Pride March is. What is sad is that many of the homophobic writers would call themselves Christian. Christianity is, surely, the religion of love and acceptance...... long way to go, Malta.

John Carmel Navarro

Jul 17th 2010, 16:36

It is high time that Malta takes the shekels of and win the fight for freedom of the individual, at long last those brave people that took to the streets can voice their individuality without persecution from the supposedly Catholic Country. I do not wish to lower myself as some of the bloggers have done by saying that I am straight as we are all equal irrespective to our sexuality. I never consider myself as different from any person who is gay.

Mario Ellul

Jul 17th 2010, 16:32

Why weren't we allowed to march to Parliament..isn't that where democracy resides and our so called representatives debate?. Why a right turn at Castille so we couldn't speak at the very door of the man who heads a Government which is not for all the people?. We proclaim democracy and freedom but only in name and to look nice in front of the EU. For each one that came out and took part there hundreds more who are oppressed and castigated at home,at Church and work and because of their daily needs are unable to excercise their rights.

Joe Zammit

Jul 17th 2010, 16:32

God condemns homosexuality as grave sin that separates the sinner from him and puts him or her on the path to hell.

God and the Catholic Church are the real lovers of homosexuals because they want them and help them to come out of their miserable life, a life full of grave sins, to a life of grace. When homosexuals leave this horrible life, they tell you how unhappy they have been before, slaves of their passions.

In homosexuality there is no love but only lust.

So homosexuals, take the right step in the right direction and leave the vice of homosexuality to return to God and be free doing only what pleases God for your own benefit. Others have taken this step, you can as well!

M.MICALLEF

Jul 17th 2010, 16:22

To all those straight people who havent a clue of what they are talking about, or how if feels to be different from the majority of the population, and who havent anything better to do than to try to belittle others just 'get a life'! You do what make you happy and i will do and be with who makes me happy. No one has the right except myself to choose with which sex i prefer to be with, and if i choose to be with a woman then thats my choice and there is nothing any1 can do about it. Why would i want to be with a man anyway, the majority of men in the world just have 1 thing in mind anyway. So go live your own lives and let us same sex couples be happy.

Karl Consiglio

Jul 17th 2010, 16:16

@Al Buhagiar,

Marched in peace? Read the title of this article again, it says that you were noisy.

Jmontenbello

Jul 17th 2010, 16:11

I just cannot understand how can we call ourselves a modern society , Europeans. If you travel around the largest capitals in Europe you will find Gay Prides and Parades which last a week. Were even straight people travel to join the celebrations. And In Malta all these comments and insults for just a march that lasted less then 2 hours. so yes we do accept ourselves in the society but its the society that keeps refusing to accept us. adoption is a very delicate issue but please stop repeating the story of two mothers or two fathers. how many separated families in Malta?? how many children are having 4 parents instead of two !!!!
is that normal??

Malcolm Degabriele

Jul 17th 2010, 16:11

IF TWO WOMEN OR TWO MEN CANNOT REAR A CHILD IN A FAMILY, WHY ARE CHILDREN ENTRUSTED TO NUNS AND PRIESTS IN INSTITUTES?

Please do not keep insulting the many single parents, including widows, who reared children without the father/mother figure.

Gay couples can bring up children in a loving family.

Paul Smith

Jul 17th 2010, 16:00

cassar:

(and look at the social state of that country, a complete mess). Coming from someone that does not even live in the UK and has not one single clue about what he talks about. Some one that does not live in a country of 63 million people with diverse cultures creeds and freedoms, someone that has very little incline into a large complex society - you carry on though Cassar living in your little fantasy world

Mark Andrews

Jul 17th 2010, 15:29

Firstly, I am straight, proud to be straight, have many gay friends including prominent people in the video attached to this article and am totally for gay rights.

However, something that I feel uncomfortable with is how this gay pride PARADE is being used as a protest. If it was advertised as a protest, then I'd be there myself, because I agree with the separation of church and state and which is often the largest factor with gay rights becoming law.

I have to ask, if we wanted to organise a straight pride parade, would we be called homophobic?

Karl Consiglio

Jul 17th 2010, 15:17

I think this is pretty much the opposite of pride I think this is more of a cry for help, not for rights, but for therapy.

Al Buhagiar

Jul 17th 2010, 15:17

Isn't it funny how we marched in peace and then you read all these hate comments? We march because year after year you keep posting hate messages like these. Stop the hate; tolerate!

Karl Consiglio

Jul 17th 2010, 15:16

I think this is pretty much the opposite of pride I think this is more of a cry for help, not for rights, but for therapy.

M. Xuereb

Jul 17th 2010, 15:04

I really cannot understand why some people get so overly emotional because a recognised minority takes to the streets once a year in a peaceful march to remind the rest of society that they do not enjoy the same rights as everybody else and that this is unjust.

Why are these people so bothered about the possibility that there could be as many as 5-10% of people who are gay? Why are they so deeply opposed to having gay couples recognised by the State and treated the same as other couples in all civil matters? What are these people going to loose if gay people are treated in the same way as them?

I bet these are the same people who are so vehemently opposed to divorce. Don't these people have anything better to do than stand in the way of other people's lives? I can see the point of people who make their voices heard for better opportunities for everyone, but not the point of those who advocate misery for everyone else.

Paul Smith

Jul 17th 2010, 15:03

Some of the anti gay comments on here clearly show why Malta is one of the most backward undemocratic countries in western Europe.

Mark Seychell

Jul 17th 2010, 14:40

Can't say that I agree with homosexuality, but kudos for these people to stand up for what they believe in. Perhaps more people representing different beliefs should follow their example.

Joe Xuereb

Jul 17th 2010, 14:35

@Joe Fenech. You're right in a way. Why would a homosexual be proud, any more than a heterosexual would be proud. But listen carefully to what I'm about to say.
Homosexuals are supposed to cower in corners, speechless, frightened. But that was in the past. Today homosexuals are proud because they do not cower, speechless and frightened anymore. See what I mean, they're proud because they're not supposed thanks to the the stupidity/idiocy of the wider community. Do you understand this Fenech?
The 5%/10% incidence-of-homosexuality is scientifically proven by serious researchers (any library will provide you details). Have you ever been to a library, Joe? To fragile homophobes the upper statistic - ie 10% seems exaggerated. This because they think they can recognise a homosexual by his, let's say, fragility (effeminacy)**. And these types of homosexual aren't exactly thick on the ground. For the simple reason that most homosexuals are unrecognisable from anybody else. They're lawyers, judges, policemen, doctors, road-sweepers, shop-keepers, teachers, prostitutes, priests, scaffolders. And mostly married homosexuals (men and women). Seen in this light, I would suggest that 10% in Malta is a gross under-estimation. You're with me still, Joe? And all the other clever dicks?

**Heterosexual-straight-men-with-plucked-eyebrows anyone?

Raymond Bezzina

Jul 17th 2010, 14:13

How can same sex couples ever claim equal family rights to that of
a heterosexual family, when in reality they are not a family of one
man and one woman ?

I believe, that in this issue, what they are demanding is a privilage
and not a right.

Aldo Busuttil (not the Singer)

Jul 17th 2010, 14:12

Gay people are normal people. I don't min having a gay sitting right next to me at work or in a a club. They are normal people. I never saw anything wrong from gay people (I saw it from straight or so called straight people). I think we should accept everyone's behaviour. Every one is free to do what he wants as long as they do not disturb others. Regarding same sex marriage I fully agree. It they want it they can have it. As regards to adoptions, this is a different thing. Third persons are involved. So I do not agree that gay couple can adopt. A child needs to have a mother and father and not 2 fathers or 2 mothers. A gay couple cannot adobt a child and pretend that the child is raised normally. I hope I made my point. And I say to every ‘Live and let live’. Everyone for his own way....

Malcolm Degabriele

Jul 17th 2010, 14:08

Why shouldn’t we be proud of our sexuality, whatever it may be? Straight, gay, bi, trans: we’re all part of this diverse and beautiful humanity.

Gay Pride is an opportunity to pass on this message to all society that gays exist and make up about 5% of the population even though in Malta we’re not very visible. That’s upwards of 15,000 adults.

Gay Pride is also a message to young people to be proud of themselves and what they feel. In this very conservative country, a lot of young people are gay but act straight and even go to the lengths of marrying in order to hide what they are. This is bad for them, bad for society, and bad for their partners who will eventually come to know.

Gay Pride is a message that human sexuality is complex and being gay is NOT a choice.

Gay people have throughout the ages given a great contribution to society even though they were persecuted and still are in many countries. Some examples: Alexander the Great, Oscar Wilde, John Maynard Keynes, Aristotle, Virginia Woolf, Leonardo, Tchaikovsky, Wittgenstein, EM Forster, Michelangelo, Lord Byron.

Have a nice Gay Pride day even if you're straight.

M. Ellul

Jul 17th 2010, 13:59

All they want is acceptance by the community... Heterosexuals are accepted then why not Gays? Yes they should be proud of themselves as they are not afraid of being different regardless of the stigma that still exists!

Don't say that they are accepted as it is very clear in the previous comments that they are not fully accepted by the community.

M Merceica

Jul 17th 2010, 13:42

To all those who seem to be confused and comment in your columns against gay rights.

Speaking on my behalf,I couldn't give a toss wheter you love me or hate me just as long as you don't interfere with my lifestyle and allow me to live the way I want to live, that includes the same rights which you all enjoy. I pay my taxes the same way that you do and I don't just ask for the same rights as of you all have,but I demand them as of right.

To the speaker from the Nationalist Party. How hypocritical.You stood up there and more or less told us you were one with us when your party does nothing.It's not nice words we want but legislation and as you said'off stage' you were authorised from 'above' to utter those words,them why didn't 'above' come and say them himself.?

To the Socialists. We expect more from you.Words are not enough.

To Michael Brugulio and the AD. Well done. You have always stood side by side.You are much appreciated. Thank you.

Nicky Azzopardi

Jul 17th 2010, 13:37

People who took are part just doing it for the cameras and for the title of MODERN-AGE.

No straight or gay person can ever say that gays are normal, because they are NOT. Religion or no religion there is a reason why Men & Men cannot have children and vice versa.

I don't mind gay people at all, but all they want is coverage. They are not discriminated against by the Government, and the Church has its own agenda. The Church cannot change its rules to accommodate every twisted mind in the world. You fit the Church, not the other way round.

And no, marriage and adoption are not right. The REAL discrimination is raising a child without a mum just because you like having sex with men.

J. Schembri

Jul 17th 2010, 13:21

Sorry , but I cannot understand why these people are proud to be gay. Why don't heterosexual people organise such marches?
My idea of a family is the union between a man and a woman where there is the possibility of the couple to have children, children who will keep our country running in the future.
Why do gay couples want to have their union recognised by the state, can't they just live together like many other couples are doing?
Why should I be bothered if the person standing next to me has a different sexual orientation than mine?
Whistle blowing and colourful air filled balloons fit appropriately for this march.

ALBERT FENECH

Jul 17th 2010, 13:15

If a man wants to have sex with another man - then good luck to him. If a woman wants to have sex with another woman - then good luck to her too! But please don't try and convince me that this is "normal" and that I should look on such a relationship as being "normal". I can accept natural freaks but please don't try and turn me into a "freak acceptor" too. We have enough bullshit to contend with in our everyday lives in 2010 otherwise I will soon reach a stage where if I have sex with my lovely pet doggie bitch or with my pet goat I will also want that "normalised" too! How much more drivel are we expected to absorb? Maybe we will soon be asked to accept paedophiles as being a "natural" development of "modern life".

Joe Fenech

Jul 17th 2010, 12:52

WHO CARES WHAT THESE PEOPLE DO IN BED? Why are they proud to be gay? Am I proud that I'm straight? I REPEAT : W H O C A R E S !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why do we want to know that they're gay?

Why do they think they're being discriminated? :

1) People are not going to ask them what sexual orientation they bear when they go for a job, and certainly no gay in his right mind is going to turn up at an interview dressed like Michel Serrault in La Cage Aux Folles! Neither will he be going clad in leather or wearing leotards!

2) Gays CAN'T expect to adopt children: you can't have your cake and eat it. YES, sane kids need a mum and a dad, not 2 dads or 2 mums!

3) As to marriage, property, wills, etc - all they need to do is go to a notary! What's all the fuss?
You chose to live your way - which most people have no problems with - but you can't expect to be 'treated like a hetero couple, that gets married, bears kids.

Stephanie Testaferrata

Jul 17th 2010, 12:23

For my better understanding, can someone please explain to me which goods and services gay people are discriminated against. Thank you.

Alan Caruana

Jul 17th 2010, 12:05

Thumbs up to those who had the courage to attend. For every person i am sure that there are 1many others who did not attend due to their job, family, beliefs and other stigmas. Unlike other minorities, gays are invisible but their number amount to around 5/10 % of the whole population, that means around 40,000 gay people in Malta alone.

ASpiteri

Jul 17th 2010, 11:59

where's the pride in being a gay?!?!

is this what these people are fighting for...to be proud of being gay?!?!?

one should always be proud of him or herself, but not because of his or her sexuality but for the individuality of the own person.

victor rodenas

Jul 17th 2010, 11:43

Both political parties representatives were there,..so they must have their rights!.....I hope that nobody will say that..`it was`nt in the electoral programm !`.

Anthony Borg

Jul 17th 2010, 11:43

Yes, as citizens they have everyright to parade or protest to highlight attention to their demands - they are not second class citizens. But at least we did not see the usual, despicable gay manifestions that are common in other European Capitals.