Claudia Calleja
Lesbian attack ‘an opportunity’
US deputy assistant secretary, Daniel Baer, during yesterday’s web interview.
The recent attack on two teenagers, who were targeted because of their sexual orientation, provides Malta’s leaders with the opportunity to condemn such violence, according to US human rights politician Daniel Baer.
“Focusing on the legal aspect is important but there is a broader commitment... There is an opportunity for leaders to speak out and condemn violence against anyone and pass on the message that it will not be tolerated,” he said.
Dr Baer is the deputy assistant secretary of the US Bureau of Democracy, Rights and Labour. He was replying to a question sent by The Times in a web interview for international journalists on human rights and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people
Dr Baer said the attack meant the government had to focus on better legal protection for gay people.
“One of the most important things is to get serious about investigating and redoubling efforts to investigate and prosecute such cases,” he said.
But there was also the political aspect through which the country’s leadersought to condemn such actions and fight discrimination, he said. “When ministers talk, people listen.”
The attack took place in Ħamrun on January 13 and two teenage boys are expected to be charged in court.
NGOs and organisations, including the Church, issued statements condemning the violence and calling for increased legal protection for gays.
A peaceful demonstration was also held at Ħamrun square where the attack took place. However, there was no official statement of condemnation from the government.
A Justice Ministry spokesman yesterday said that, “of course”, the government condemned all forms of violence. It was seeking to address the issue by expanding the definition of a hate crime to include homophobia and the amendment was being discussed in Parliament.
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Joe Xuereb
Feb 2nd, 02:41
A.Spiteri. Can ALL gay men and women defend themselves against assault by sick-thinking men? That is like saying that all women can defend themselves when they are abused and assaulted by sick-thinking men. For obvious reasons, I disagree with you.
A.Spiteri. A woman does not suffer discrimination because she is a woman(if a woman suffers discrimination that hinder her advancement, that is sexism, a different matter, and there should be special laws that say women must not be discriminated against to their detriment).
I was saying......a woman is not abused and assaulted by a sick-thinking men because she is a woman, or because she is a heterosexual woman. Society generally celebrates feminism and her sexual orientation in particular. Not so homosexual people. When they are attacked by some sick man because of their sexual orientation - and I can assure you that homosexual victims of assault most often suffer in silence (I mean, can you imagine a young gay man with blood and bruises all over going to his father and say, Dad, this guy hit me because I am gay. Gay people are isolated A.Spiteri. They need all the protection they can get because, unless it is spelt out by the powers that be, i.e. the Government and the Church(this last one in particular having done much damage and now, too little, too late, is calling for the condemnation of aggression against gay people. Shame!) that gay people are as worthy as any member of society, the situation will persist and gay people will continue to be treated as second or third class citizens. Anybody who thinks that gay people want to be treated in a special way is missing the point entirely. Just because a minority is singled out for special protection does not make them special. Rather, it is educating the people to see differentness as just that, differentness. Unfortunately, many people are incapable for working out in their mind how to live a peaceful life, without aggression. They need others to point this out to them..
@John Neville Ebejer. What exactly is your gripe against the U.S.A.? It is not my favourite country (I am not sure anywhere would be the way things are going to be quite honest). It is, like
Malta, not perfect. The US Deputy Assistant Secretary David Baer is merely expressing an opinion in favour of homosexuals. Now Mr. Ebejer, do you have it in for the U.S.A. because it is America? Do you have it in for homosexuals? Is it both? I think we should concern ourselves with Malta, our country, beset as it is by a million and one problems of all sorts. What is wrong with you and I trying to lift it up a bit? And let us hope that no foreign reader will shoot us down, reminding us that Malta should put her house in order. Because Malta is not perfect as I am sure you know. You do know, don't you, Mr. Ebejer?!
@Albert Fenech. For all your exposure to gay people through work, your ignorance is astounding.
@Andrew Borg Cardona. No, I would not expect MPs to pronounce every time a homosexual person is a victim of assault. Lets us say they discuss the matter, make a one-off public announcement condemning such violence, and then set up some law. Simple! Or should be seeing that this time around they have the backing of the Curia. As for them getting out of the ghetto; how can they when most dare not tell their parents and friends and so many still, the bullish and not so bullish, marry and have children to conceal their proclivities. As for gay people having bars, etc. as Albert Fenech claims, that proves nothing. It proves that gay people are tolerated as long as they stick to their ghettoes. Gay people do not freak out when they see a straight couple. But straight people do, maybe because they are so insecure in their orientation(seeing that orientation is not a black and white issue).
@V.Cauchi. These young lesbian women were attached because they were lesbians. How would you like to be attacked because you were a heterosexual male (I am presuming that you are)? Cauchi, if you are going to lose any sleep, do you not think you should fret more about the antics of the child-bearing majority. And as for the Church Commission not stepping where angels fear to tread - what makes you think the Church is so angelic? Cherubs and seraphs are there in profusion to be sure but at ground lever? - I don't think so. But then that's me, refusing to be duped.
@Michael Borg. A man of 22 being attacked for whatever reason, happens. And it happens all the time. If he is attacked because he is gay, that is a different matter and needs to be singled out. Not making it(the aggression), or him special. Merely saying that aggression towards people who are different is illegal. The law that protects people against aggression is already in place. But this IS an opportunity for the Maltese as a society to be educated to think that homosexuality is just a fact of life, always has been, and always will be.
Morana Axisa
Feb 3rd, 08:20
Mr Joe Xuereb - well said! At last an intelligent grown up person has taken the ball! PROSET!
Gerry Cowie
Feb 1st, 20:37
Still a lack of animal lovers who bombard these columns with comments when animals are hurt and keep quiet when it involves people! Shame on them!
Marc Cassar
Feb 1st, 19:28
Maybe the local legal system should look at South Africa for guidance;
Please see:- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16835653
Peter Paul Sacco
Feb 1st, 17:46
To send an unequivocal message that violence will not be tolerated harsh sentences must be meted out to the perpetrators and not the usual "taghmilx reat iehor". Anyone wanna bet that the two bullies will be let off with just a slap on the wrist and told not to be naughty again?
Noel Tonna
Feb 2nd, 08:19
You are right Mr. Sacco. A message needs to be sent to these thugs, and anyone else committing such crimes. I would be disgusted if they do just get a slap on the wrist. But then they probably would be told not to do it again!
John Neville Ebejer
Feb 1st, 13:13
Irrespective of the case, on which everyone agrees that violence against anyone is condemmable (we do not need to qualify citezens by their sexual orientations to benefit from law protection).
Doesn't this American patronising attitude annoy anyone?
With America standing for the symbol of injustice, exess of use by the few at the expense of the many, and all sort of inhuman 'achievements' , how can they push such attitude?
A Spiteri
Feb 1st, 11:53
the lesbain attack should indeed be an opportunity, but not to push for special laws that elevate gays' incidents. it should be an opportunity to riducle anyone who even considers assualting someone becuase of his/her sexual orientation!
gay and lesbians are normal people, they can defend themselves as anyone. they don't need any special laws!
joseph saliba
Feb 1st, 11:28
Agreed, but our leaders are absorbed in issues more urgent/vital to the nation right now. After all a crime is a crime - "Kulhadd ihoss tieghu".
Noel Tonna
Feb 1st, 11:26
In the past two months I have been in the midst of two cases of violence one on persons and the other on physical property. The first one being a person who is still a minor to mention his name, but I know him very well. This young teenager was attacked about 10 days ago in Sliema at the park where dozens of families hang about. This boy was attacked by 5 other boys his age 16 and up while he was just enjoying the evening talking to his friend. From nowhere one thug pulled the friend and threw him to the ground and started beating him. Then when this young man tried to help his friend, 5 more came at him and ended up in hospital with boody nose, a big bruise on the forehead and aches and pains everywhere from the punches and kicks. To make things worse, one of the thugs even boasted on the internet on what a high he had at this time and how he is looking forward to engage this boy once again in another fight.
The second one was an attack on private property by very young teenagers on several cars and street furniture in the town and street I live in some two months ago.
I hope that we don't have to have a fatality for anyone to take drastic action and see that justice is done. I would like to know what is happening, to know whether these thugs have been arraigned and will eventually end up serving some kind of sentence.
Kurt Waschnig
Feb 1st, 10:42
The recent attack on two teenagers, who were targeted because of their sexual orientation, shows the current intolerance against gays and lesbians in Malta.
Minorities enjoy the same constitutional rights as the majority in every democratic society. All legal laws must be applied to protect gays and lesbians and every attack on them must be punished.
Gays and lesbians can lead a normal life in many liberal western countries and are not exposed to physical attacks.
I am happy to read and to hear that perceptions have changed and gays and lesbians even got the legal right to get married and to have their own family.
They were killed and persecuted in former times without rights, helpless and they had to lead a hidden secret life because of their sexual orientation.
That has changed in a positive way.
People who live in democracies are used to liberal rights, a liberal constitution and they meet their own decisions and determine their own way of life.
Perceptions have changed and gays and lesbians can lead their life in public without fear.
Therefore every attack on human beings because of their sexual orientation must be condemned and the recent attack on two teenagers in Malta is a serious attack on human right
Human rights politician Daniel Baer is right “Focusing on the legal aspect is important but there is a broader commitment... There is an opportunity for leaders to speak out and condemn violence against anyone and pass on the message that it will not be tolerated.
This message must be passed on by all political parties, politicians and other influential organisations.
Especially ministers should raise their voice in public people will listen to them and the government should address the issue by expanding the definition of a hate crime to include homophobia.
Human rights must be protected by every member of society.
Best regards
Kurt Waschnig Oldenburg Germany
e-mail: oldenburg1952@yahoo.de
E Schembri
Feb 1st, 11:43
You said .."Therefore every attack on human beings because of their sexual orientation must be condemned and the recent attack on two teenagers in Malta is a serious attack on human right"
This is not correct! Why should it be considered a serious attack just because they are lesbians? What about old people and kids who are equally vulnerable and unable to protect themselves?? What about people who get tons of verbal abuse simply because of their religious beliefs?
Every attack is a serious attack on human rights, what ever the reason, religion, race or sexual orientation!
This incident is no worse a crime than other attacks, period!
...unless we are no implying that people of different sexual orientation should be privileged?
Michael Borg
Feb 1st, 10:37
qoute " targeted because of their sexual orientation" it not a matter of ORIENTATION " it s violence thats all, no matter what . i wonder why this fuss . so if a man age 22 is attacked we make a law against men aged 22 being attacked and so on !!! come there better things to do
Joseph Grima
Feb 1st, 10:35
Don't hold your breath Mr Baer. Ours is a confessional Government and one in its death throes for that matter. You had better address yourself to the Leader of the Opposition who is sensitive to these problems and has clear plans to address them when he leads the next Government in a few months' time. In the meantime, enjoy what's left of Malta and promise to come back after a real Prime Minister will have had the time to dig his teeth into bringing Malta in line with the rest of modern Europe.
V. Cauchi
Feb 1st, 10:18
We must not forget the existing provisions of art.339 (1) (n) of the Criminal Code which states that "Every person is guilty of a contravention against the person who - (n) annoys, vexes or scoffs at any imbecile, aged,
crippled, feeble or deformed person".
It is a matter of either amending this provision to include homosexual people, or upgrading criminal provisions relating to the defenceless class of people in paragraph (n) also to a hate crime.
So long as homosexual people keep their antics within closed doors, as they have done since 1972 when a freshly formed Labour government expurgated homosexuality from the Criminal Code, they do not cause any serious concern to the public insofar as morality is concerned. It is only their public, often exaggerated, manifestation which raises eyebrows and the Minister would do well to consider how well founded would any amendments be not to impinge on our concepts of moral order as enounced in the same Code.
Or do I hear someone say that it is about time we expunge some provisions relating to Crimes affecting the Good Order of Families, Crimes relating to the Reciprocal Duties of the Members of a Family, Crimes against the Peace and Honour of Families and against Morals found in Title VII, Part II, Book First (sic) of the Criminal Code? Then the issue can become hotter than it seems to be at first sight.
That is why Church Commissions should step lightly on ground where angels fear to tread!
william staines
Feb 1st, 11:44
You V Cauchi are what we call in English 'a merchant banker' and frankly your statement saddens me, better you keep your bigotry to yourself, if there is anyone exaggerating it's you!
Wally Vella-Zarb
Feb 1st, 15:24
Your third paragraph speaks volumes about you. Yes indeed, you really are a 'merchant banker'!
william staines
Feb 2nd, 05:27
Wally Vella Zarb.....I hardly think that V Cauchi needs you as a porte-parole, he seems perfectly capable of expressing himself, surely you observed that amongst all your observations and assumptions, why not say something yourself on the topic in hand?
Mario Pace
Feb 1st, 10:11
"The recent attack on two teenagers, who were targeted because of their sexual orientation, provides Malta’s leaders with the opportunity to condemn such violence, according to US human rights politician Daniel Baer."
Would he have said the same thing had these two persons been targeted because of other reasons, such as being morbidly fat?
"But there was also the political aspect through which the country’s leadersought to condemn such actions and fight discrimination, he said. “When ministers talk, people listen.”
"Dr Baer said the attack meant the government had to focus on better legal protection for gay people."
Fight discrimination or focus on better legal protection? This guy needs to decide, either we fight discrimination or we introduce preferential treatment for gays. Adulterous women, prostitutes and homosexuals are stigmatized because of their sexual behaviour. Is it fair to condemn harshly only those who target gays because of their sexual behaviour but condemn lightly those who target adulterous women and prostitutes because of their sexual behaviour? Is it fair or is it discriminative?
Violance is violance, whether it's because you're gay or fat or adulterous or blue or red or whatever.
Alison Bezzina
Feb 1st, 10:04
Condemning violence is just lip service whilst changing the law is a long shot.... but not recognising the existence of homosexuals in a 2012 health campaign is despicable!!!! This is the Ministry of Health's latest campaign on safe sex..... http://www.alisonbezzina.com/why-dont-we/
We're so far off from the starting point!!
Andrew Borg-Cardona
Feb 1st, 09:40
Of course the attack was despicable, but why would anyone expect the Government (or the political parties for that matter) to condemn violence? Statements of the bleedin' obvious are just that: platitudes. Are they expected to make a statement every time anyone gets beaten up? And I dislike the idea of calling an attack on two young girls "an opportunity".
PAUL BUSUTTIL
Feb 1st, 09:55
" An opportunity " means an excuse to do something which under normal circumstances absolutely nothing would be done , DAAA?
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Feb 1st, 10:18
ABC should go back to his ABC. Where on earth do you start with such ignorant and ill-informed human beings (notwithstanding their degrees)? Homosexuals in Malta were for a long time 'invisible' and now that they are becoming visible (at long last), they will attract the prejudice and hatred of some members of Malta's community. I do not know why ABC is getting so cut up about governments speaking against the vilification of homosexuals when his own party (PN) has been rewriting history and reminding everyone of what PN supporters had to go through under the MLP - allegedly!
ALBERT FENECH
Feb 1st, 10:23
I am in complete agreement with Dr Borg Cardona - for a change! This has nothing to do with Government or with political parties. I am not aware that Malta has a high incidence of homophobic attacks or that gays and lesbians are subject to targeted attacks of violence. There are a number of well-known bars frequented by gays and lesbians and there have been no incidents. I am involved in a company where there is a good percentage of gays and lesbians and these are certainly not a target for anything or anybody. They are an important part of the work force - period. So let's not make a mountain out of a molehill or try to create a "situation" or an "opportunity" that does not exist. This was a gratuitous act of violence and it should be treated in the normal manner that such acts of violence are treated with.
ALBERT FENECH
E Schembri
Feb 1st, 11:47
@ Paul Busuttil
Every attack is an opportunity, one way or another.
I don't think anyone in his right mind will attack a disco bouncer, policeman, body builder or someone who more likely to fight back.
Attacks are always on vulnerable people with the aggressor/s confident that they will win the fight. Duhh!
Andrew Borg-Cardona
Feb 1st, 11:54
Mr Chetcuti - your aggression helps no-one. In fact, it confirms that care should be taken not to ghettoise LGBT victims by creating a fuss, which was my main point. Obviously, the attack was shameful and I hope the aggressors get the book thrown at them.
Charles Micallef
Feb 1st, 09:37
@ Dr Baer,
The Ministers in MALTA are far to engrossed in their day to day political party's activities and condemning such acts is alien to them, as one can see, they did not even utter one single word of condemnation towards this or any other such violence, just in case the culprits or their families are members of their party, and they will then risk losing their vote! This comment is not political but what i stated is a fact of life in Malta, absurd as it may sound!
Christina Pace
Feb 1st, 09:51
They are stupid because they are keeping a handful of votes, and loosing many more from the LGBT community. I for one will not be voting for any candidate that has either spoken against marriage equality, gay rights and protection against hate crimes, or has not acknowledged the need for new legislation.
Not many left to vote for i suppose.