MGRM welcomes approval of hate crime law
The Malta Gay Rights Movement has welcomed the passing of Hate Crime legislation in Parliament that extends the scope of this law from race and creed to also include sexual orientation and gender identity. The Bill was approved by parliament last night.
"We thank both sides of the House for supporting this bill and sending a strong message to society that targeting someone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity is unacceptable and will incur tougher penalties."
The MGRM noted that this Bill was proposed during a protest following the incident against two young women who said they were lesbians in Hamrun earlier this year.
"The courage of these young people to report the crime played an important role in providing the required impetus to move forward with this legislative proposal which had been on MGRM's agenda for a number of years."
The next step, the MGRM said, is to ensure that police are adequately trained in dealing with such crimes and in actively reaching out to the LGBT community to ensure that victims feel safe to come forward and report such incidents. Adequate data collection is also essential.
"We also look forward to the passing of a second bill which will extend the remit of the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality to also cover sexual orientation and gender identity. This is expected to take place this week. It will allow the Commission to act as mediator and to investigate allegations of discrimination in employment on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity."
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GL Calleja
Jun 20th 2012, 15:23
A crime is a crime, is a crime.
Kevin Wain
Jun 20th 2012, 11:05
A ray of hope for greater tolerance in our country of which we have not seen that much of lately. Let us hope that this new law is not left on the shelf, that it is enforced unequivocally as is required for the protection of our minorities. I would like to express my congratulations to the gay community: you have fought and won for more rights i.e. less emotional and physical suffering for innocent individuals. Hopefully there will be more legislation in the future which include gay marriage and the adoption of children.
V. Cauchi
Jun 20th 2012, 12:56
Very bad signs of the times!
Joseph Aquilina
Jun 20th 2012, 11:01
I do not agree. The law should be equal to everyone and not have a different flavor of discrimination. All crimes are "hate" crimes.
Marc Buhagiar
Jun 20th 2012, 12:15
It's not equality if a group of people are at a disadvantage. Congratulations MGRM!!
Marc Buhagiar
Jun 20th 2012, 12:17
Also, would you not say then that women shouldn't have the right to sue for discrimination on grounds of sexism? Men and women are equal yes, but not everyone think that way unfortunately and we need these laws to remind these people that they can't do what they want. i.e. the two boys in the Amy case.
Joseph Aquilina
Jun 20th 2012, 14:13
@Marc Buhagiar
Would it be fair to for example have quotas for women, let say 30%, and no quota for men? Such a law would be discriminating, if you insert quotas then you insert them in such a way that they apply to both males and females where possible. The law as changed means that if I am hit and I am gay the law gives my aggressor a punishment, but if I am strait the same law, the same court would give my aggressor a lesser punishment!? In my books that is pure discrimination since I being strait have nothing less (or more) then someone who is gay. I still expect the state to give me the same rights. It is a simple concept which unfortunately because of the power of the media today many are forgetting.
Joseph Grech Attard
Jun 20th 2012, 10:00
Well done MGRM and well done both sides of the house. Such a positive vote IN THE PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES OF PARLIAMENTARY CONFUSION gives one a ray of hope that, at least, something is being done for the good of a minority in the country, rather than for the good of the Parties. Let's keep the ball rolling and pass more laws which are needed regarding homosexual rights. And let us pray that such laws are kept by ALL sections of the community, including those responsible for the spiritual needs of their followers. The laws are very much in line with Christ's words, actions and teaching. Homosexuality includes also many Christians!
Joseph Aquilina
Jun 20th 2012, 11:37
What will happen (like it seems already happened) is that people will declare themselves as homosexuals just to ensure they have more favorable terms at law. All crimes are hate crimes regardless if done against homosexuals or heterosexuals, regardless of made on homosexuals or heterosexuals! This is just a different flavour of discrimination!! In fact it is a paradox how such law is supporter by gay right activist considering that every gay person that I know is staunch on the fact that he/she has nothing different then any other person (and the are right) ... but today no, today the law see gay people as different ... amazing!!
Amante Reale
Jun 20th 2012, 09:07
This is great news. Finally a step forward.
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