Malta Gay News Library

Government of Malta: Marriage Act Amendment - Commencement Notice

2017-08-30T18:30:00.000+02:00

Legal Notice 212, Government of Malta
http://justiceservices.gov.mt/DownloadDocument.aspx?app=lp&itemid=28624&l=1

L.N. 212 of 2017 - MARRIAGE ACT AND OTHER LAWS (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2017
(ACT No. XXIII of 2017)

Commencement Notice
IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by article 1(2) of the Marriage Act and other Laws (Amendment) Act, 2017, the Minister for European Affairs and Equality has established the 1st of September 2017 as the date when all the provisions of the said Act shall come into force.

https://gov.mt/en/Government/Government%20Gazette/Documents/2017/08/Government%20Gazette%20-%2029th%20August,%202017.pdf

Government Gazzette 19,854

L.N. 212 of 2017: Marriage Act and other Laws (Amendment) Act, 2017 (Act No. XXIII of 2017); Commencement Notice - 29th August 2017.

We Made History - 12.7.2017

2017-07-15T10:25:00.002+02:00

Advocate: A Tiny Nation Learns the Rewards of LGBT Progress

2017-07-09T15:17:00.001+02:00

https://www.advocate.com/commentary/2017/6/19/tiny-nation-learns-rewards-lgbt-progress

19th June 2017

Malta, population 420,000, shows what political will and a commitment to separation of church and state can accomplish.

BY BORIS DITTRICH

Malta used to be known as a very conservative country, where social opinion, reflected in politics and policies, was heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic Church. Divorce was outlawed, abortion was — and remains — criminalized in all cases, and the law failed to address key human rights concerns affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people.

On one front at least, in the past four years, this country of 420,000 people has pleasantly surprised the world with progressive LGBTI rights legislation. It introduced a gender identity recognition bill, drawing on best practices that place it as a leader ahead of many other countries. Transgender people can have their gender identity reflected in their identity papers without the interference of courts, doctors or psychiatrists. Maltese citizens can choose to have “female” or “male” removed from their passport and identity cards and replace it with an X.

The government also introduced a law banning cosmetic surgery on intersex babies. Reparative conversion therapy for gay and lesbian people was outlawed. And the government adopted civil unions, including for same-sex couples, as well as adoption by same-sex couples.

What is the secret behind Malta’s rapid progress on LGBTI issues? I decided to visit the island and ask around. I met with human rights defenders, Catholic parents of lesbian and gay children, government officials, the archbishop, the prime minister and foreign diplomats. I asked them their take on the recent legal changes.

The Maltese Gay Rights Movement (MGRM), a voluntary organization, has been working to promote equal rights and ban discrimination for a very long time, unseen by the rest of the world. In the beginning, Maltese LGBT activists were considered outcasts, but eventually their message started to resonate with the general society. They were emboldened by Malta’s accession to the European Union in 2004. Malta slowly changed its perspective from an inward-looking island to a country with a broader perspective.

But the real game changer was the 2011 divorce referendum. Despite opposition from some political parties and a vocal Roman Catholic Church, the majority of the voters surprised everyone with their ‘Yes to divorce’ vote. It was the first time that the people distanced themselves from the church and the political elite. Soon people came to realize that legalizing divorce did not lead to disaster, the end of family life, or the Maltese identity, as some had predicted.

In 2013 the Labour Party won the general elections. Prime-minister Joseph Muscat showed the political will to adopt a progressive human rights agenda for LGBTI people that activists were advocating. Even the Roman Catholic Church had learned from the unexpected outcome of the divorce referendum. In 2014 Archbishop Charles Scicluna publicly supported the same-sex civil union legislation, acknowledging that it reinforced the dignity of same-sex couples and their relationships.

When I met with him on June 9 he said the church had treated gays and lesbians badly in the past and that he felt the church should apologize to them. He feels that the church needs to welcome everyone, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and support them in their dignity. Although he remains opposed to marriage equality — he regards marriage as a procreative bond between a man and a woman — he said he would not campaign against the marriage equality bill that the government has pledged to introduce.

Prime Minister Muscat invited me to his office. A few days before, he had been re-elected for a new five-year term. The proposed marriage equality bill, he proudly announced, would be the first new bill introduced in parliament under his second government. He expects the bill to pass easily, based on the pledges made by all political parties to support marriage equality during the election campaign — making Malta the 23rd country in the world to embrace marriage equality. He did not want to offer a revision of the ban on abortion.

As Malta continues to grow more outward-looking and forward-thinking, and continues its integration into Europe, the government should view its progressive stance on LGBTI legislation as an example of best practice, learn from it, and extend the inspiring progress on LGBTI issues to other human rights topics, including other sexual and reproductive rights.

BORIS DITTRICH is LGBT advocacy director with Human Rights Watch.
TAGS: COMMENTARY, POLITICS, WORLD

YouTube:

2017-07-09T14:27:00.003+02:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxPRRzZkpus

Published on 15 Sep 2016

Official teaser trailer of the Tom of Finland movie by Dome Karukoski. A story of Touko Laaksonen, the artist known as Tom of Finland. Coming 2017.

Times: 200 gay marriages since civil union legislation

2017-06-27T20:30:00.000+02:00

Opposition to object to replacement of 'husband' and 'wife' by 'spouse'

https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20170626/local/parliamentary-debate-on-gay-marriage-underway.651753
Monday, June 26, 2017, 20:55

Updated 9:45pm

Two hundred gay couples have married since the civil union legislation, two gay couples have adopted while five others are in the process of adopting, and 70 persons applied to formally declare their gender identity, according to information which emerged during tonight’s parliamentary debate on the Marriage Act and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill.

Introducing the second reading of the Bill, Equality Minister Helena Dalli said the rights of minorities could not be discriminated against and the Bill would allow the LBGTIQ community to live openly, unashamedly and without fear of being bullied. In the eyes of the government, each couple was equally valid.

The Bill would allow individuals marrying civilly to do so by means of a ceremony of their own choice, a change proposed to her by the late Ramon Casha, to whom she dedicated the clause. It would, however, would have no effect on religious marriages or ceremonies, further protecting the rights of religious institutions.

Shadow Minister David Agius criticised the government for the lack of consultation with the Opposition but reiterated that the party would not put any obstacles in the way of equality for all in marriage. However, he vehemently condemned the government for changing the terms “husband” and “wife” to “spouse”. This was absurd, he said, and he gave notice that the Opposition would be moving amendments in committee stage.

Opposition Deputy Leader Mario de Marco said that, while the Opposition’s abstention on civil unions had been the hardest day of his political career, voting in favour of the Marriage Equality Bill would be one of the easiest.

Apologising for the PN’s failure to fully acknowledge and respect the needs of the LGBTIQ community in the past, he said the Bill was a reflection of the need for laws to change in order to reflect social changes. Those who were concerned that the Bill went against his party’s fundamental principles were forgetting that Christian Democratic politics was founded upon the rights of all individuals, rights which all laws must respect.

Similar arguments were put forward by Opposition MPs Karl Gouder, Marlene Farrugia, and Therese Comodini Cachia, the latter warning against alienating those who believed that the word “marriage” should be reserved for unions between men and women. Together with Mr Gouder, she said that while almost all agreed with the spirit of the law, unnecessary controversy had been created with the removal of the words husband, wife, mother, and father from the Civil Code.

Clyde Puli ended the evening’s debate by asking for further clarification of the implications that the changes introduced by the law would have on the Embryo Protection Act.

The Marriage Equality Bill represents a long list of changes to existing laws which would ensure that references to husband, wife, mother and father become gender neutral, among other things.

The stated aim of the Bill, piloted by Ms Helena Dalli, is to “modernise the institution of marriage” so that all consenting adult couples would have the right to enter into marriage, with all the obligations this brings about.

So what's this gay marriage bill all about?

The Bill has generated strong emotions, with a flurry of opinions and Biblical quotes all through the day on the Times of Malta. The Partit Demokratiku said its elected MPs, Marlene Farrugia and Godfrey Farrugia, will be unequivocally voting in favour of proposed amendments to the Civil Marriage Act of 1975. But The Sunday Times of Malta yesterday reported that a number of disgruntled PN MPs wanted a free vote on the matter and were unhappy with the party forcing a bloc vote on the issue.

Although sitting PN MPs preferred anonomity, a number of its former members have no such qualms. Former Minister Tonio Fenech has slammed the PN decision as a "lose-lose" one, whose stance is shared by former PN treasurer Antoine Borg, who was pipped to a seventh district parliamentary seat by the Democratic Party's Godfrey Farrugia.

Doctor and former PN MP Michael Asciak has also argued in favour of a free vote on Facebook, adding that the party had not "allowed ethical space for discussion" about the issue.

However, other Nationalist MPs resorted to social media to lend their support for the new law. In a tweet, Claudette Buttigieg said the PN had promised to support gay marriage in its manifesto, and Karl Gouder, an openly-gay MP, wrote on Facebook: "I am proud to form part of a party which has moved on with the times and truly values that everyone under the sun is, and should be, treated equally."

Attitude: MALTA IS EUROPE’S HOTTEST DESTINATION FOR LGBT TRAVELLERS

2017-06-27T18:00:00.000+02:00

As well as the beautiful, picturesque beaches you’d expect from a Mediterranean haven, the capital city of Valletta has just joined the global heavyweights as the European Capital of Culture for 2018.

http://attitude.co.uk/malta-is-europes-hottest-destination-for-lgbt-travellers/

ATTITUDE MAGAZINE — MAY 31, 2017

Scenic View of Marsamxett Harbour and Valletta in Malta

Malta was once one of Europe’s best kept secrets, but is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean. An archipelago consisting of Malta, Gozo and Comino, the Maltese Islands are only three hours from the UK and offer a destination with enough history, culture, nightlife and year-round sunshine to keep every traveller happy – not least gay holidaymakers.

Malta was recently ranked number 1 in the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Inter-sex Association’s (IGLA-Europe) which ranks the continent’s best countries for LGBT human rights progress.

While in 2006 a Eurobarometer survey found that just 18% of the Maltese population supported same-sex marriage, last year the same poll found the figure had shot up to 65%. As well as having some of the best gender identity laws in the world, in April 2014 a bill was enacted to create civil unions with rights equal to marriage. In fact, Malta is a great destination for your wedding or honeymoon. There are plenty of impressive locations throughout the islands for your nuptials, such as Palazzo Parisio and the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

The Maltese Islands enjoy year-round sunshine. As well as the beautiful, picturesque beaches you’d expect from a Mediterranean haven, the capital city of Valletta has just joined the global heavyweights as the European Capital of Culture for 2018.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the fortified coastal city is a breathtaking monument to the rich medieval history on display. Valletta is the perfect place for a city break, with plenty of culture to soak up, such as Saint John’s Co-Cathedral and The Manoel Theatre.

There are plenty of exciting events coming in 2017 which includes a selection of festivals and initiatives which contribute to the Valletta 2018 Cultural Programme.

The Malta International Arts Festival (29th June – 29th July) provides a dynamic platform through which established and emerging Maltese artists can showcase their work and engage with broader audiences. Each year, the festival strives to enrich the cultural calendar with a host of events, including virtuoso music performances, visual installations, dance, and well-established international acts performing at various venues in and around Valletta.

The Valletta Film Festival (16th – 25th June) is Malta’s largest film event, a live and communal affair that transforms Valletta into a city-sized cinema, with 40 feature films and 25 short films being screened at several venues around the capital. Free screenings are also held at Pjazza San Ġorġ, Valletta, while masterclasses, conferences, and debates provide a platform through which participants can discuss film and contemporary affairs over the course of the festival’s programme.

One of Malta’s longest-running festivals, the Malta Jazz Festival (20th – 22nd July) is a highly-acclaimed music event that brings local and international artists to the city of Valletta for three days of jazz performances, concerts, and events. Each year, the festival features some of the most popular jazz musicians working in the music sector, and also offers a diverse programme of free activities and events, such as open-air concerts, master classes, intimate performances, and contests.

July will see the Festa Gay Festival taking place from 21st – 23rd July, which includes a parade and a big gay boat party! Malta’s Pride event is coming in September, with Pride Week starting from the 4th – 10th and Pride Day being on the 9th.

When it comes to cuisine, Malta boasts a true blend of Mediterranean flavours, with influences from Sicilian, Italian, Lebanese and North African cooking. The fresh, delicious produce is enjoyed as part of thriving open-air cosmopolitan nightlife, where you can stroll between relaxed café culture to clubs and bars in which to dance away the night. Malta has a small but thriving gay community made up of both Maltese and foreign residents, with LGBT-specific venues and plenty more to be found among the liveliest partying areas of Paceville, Bugibba and St Julians.

For those looking for nightlife, Malta is attracting world-class DJs to its many music festivals and venues, including the gay club AXM in St Julian’s.

For more information, visit http://www.maltauk.com/lgbt/

Lovin Malta: Maltese Gay Catholic Group Has The Best Response For Haters Of Rainbow-Flag Altar Vigil

2017-06-27T07:00:00.000+02:00

Some people worry about the prosecution of gays in Chechnya, others worry about altar etiquette
https://lovinmalta.com/news/this-maltese-gay-catholic-group-had-the-best-response-to-haters

Lovin Malta June 2017

Malta already plays a pretty cool international role when it comes to LGBT rights, but a group of Maltese gay Catholics has just raised the bar and is now literally flying the flag and firing up a storm.

The gay Catholic group, Drachma, which campaigns for better understanding between the Church and LGBTs, held a vigil on May 17th to mark the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) as it does every year.

"It was only natural for us, this year, to place the rainbow flag around the altar, along with the statue of Our Lady, as we prayed especially for our brothers and sisters in Chechnya who are undergoing brutal persecution just for being gay," the group said.

But American Christian conservatives freaked out about the "sacrilegious" act of wrapping the altar with a rainbow flag.

When a photo of the event was first uploaded to Facebook it seemed to have gone unnoticed. But two days ago it was picked up by LifeSite News, a website which is funded by donors who want to "end abortion, defend marriage and preserve religious freedom".

This morning the story made it to Times of Malta with a plug on the front page.

But Drachma, which enjoys a great relationship with the Maltese Curia and is proud of its work int he community, had the perfect response to the outrage:

"The rainbow colours of the flag symbolise the diversity that exists among God’s children and replace the colour pink as this is reminiscent of the six-pointed pink star that gay persons had to wear at Nazi concentration camps," Drachma said.

"Unfortunately, discrimination and homophobia are still rampant in all countries, including Malta, as exemplified by the fact that a small number of persons seem to have taken objection to the use of the rainbow flag in the chapel during this said vigil. It is, indeed, ironic and sad that the persecution, electrocution, arrest, public flogging and killing of gay persons in countries such as Chechnya, Nigeria and Indonesia goes unnoticed and is not even considered to be newsworthy, while such a simple and spontaneous gesture marking the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) was interpreted as a sacrilegious action."

"It is, indeed, ironic and sad that the persecution, electrocution, arrest, public flogging and killing of gay persons in countries such as Chechnya, Nigeria and Indonesia goes unnoticed and is not even considered to be newsworthy, while such a simple and spontaneous gesture marking the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) was interpreted as a sacrilegious action."Drachma, Maltese LGBT Catholic Group

In the past few years, the formerly-conservative Malta has transformed itself into a beacon of LGBT rights. A few days ago Prime Minister Joseph Muscat was re-elected in a massive way after his campaign focused substantially on his civil liberties track record. His first bill this legislature will upgrade Malta's civil union law into one that allows full marriage equality. Read the LifeSiteNews article about this development.

Times: Rainbow flag decorated altar fuels controversy

2017-06-27T00:17:00.002+02:00

Event marked International Day Against Homophobia

https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20170607/local/rainbow-flag-decorated-altar-fuels-controversy.650117
Wednesday, June 7, 2017, 07:01 by Keith Micallef

The rainbow flag altar during a prayer vigil organised by Drachma at the university chapel.

The altar decorated with a rainbow flag at a prayer vigil at the University of Malta chapel has stirred up a hornet’s nest, but the Catholic LGBT group of behind it is insisting that their only intention was to convey a message against discrimination.

Organised by Drachma on May 17, the religious event was meant to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

However, eyebrows were raised when organiser Chris Vella upload a photo of the university chapel altar wrapped in a rainbow flag on his Facebook account amid criticism that this went too far. The issue was flagged by conservative Canadian portal LifeSiteNews, which branded the act “sacrilegious”.

Contacted by the Times of Malta, a Curia spokesman yesterday pointed out that an altar should be arranged according to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (2002).

It states that “out of reverence for the celebration of the memorial of the Lord and for the banquet in which the Body and Blood of the Lord are offered, there should be, on an altar where this is celebrated, at least one cloth, white in colour, whose shape, size and decoration are in keeping with the altar’s structure”.

Furthermore, it states that “moderation should be observed in the decoration of the altar”. These rules also make it clear only Mass-related items should be placed on the altar, apart from a “discreetly” arranged mechanism to amplify the priest’s voice.

Asked whether the Church condoned the use of the rainbow flag or any other symbol, the spokesman invited the faithful to be aware of and adhere to the liturgical instructions.

When this was pointed out to the organiser, Mr Vella said that he was not aware of such regulations. However, he said he had no qualms about refraining from using the rainbow flag in future if ordered to do so by the ecclesiastical authorities. Nonetheless, he refuted criticism of the use of the flag, insisting that no Mass had been celebrated.

“We had no intention to convey a political statement. Our only intention was to put our prayers to God for all those suffering. Drachma was never about defying the Church or offending people… We did not want to fuel confrontation but to hold dialogue,” Mr Vella insisted.

Independent: PM Muscat commits himself to passing gay marriage law before summer

2017-06-07T10:00:00.000+02:00

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2017-06-04/local-news/PM-Muscat-commits-himself-to-passing-gay-marriage-law-before-summer-6736175061

Helena Grech, Sunday, 4 June 2017, 12:45

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, upon entering the Naxxar counting hall, said that the results are “humbling”.

Taking comments, he said that Parliament has much work to do, that it will be meeting before the summer recess and that the government is committed to passing the gay marriage legislation that has been sitting on the shelf.

Dr Muscat has just won the snap-election by a significant majority, with unofficial figures citing a 34,000 majority. This translates into a PL victory of 54.9%, with the PN managing to gain 43.8% of the vote.

In comments to this newsroom, Dr Muscat said that the resutls illustrate the trust shown to him by the people, and also indicate that surveys were pointing in the right direction.

He again committed this Government to continue leading the way in civil liberties. He said that before summer ends, his Government will be concentrating on passing the gay marriage law.

“Once the counting process is completed, Parliament will be meeting before kicking off the summer season because of work that has to be completed.”

Surrounded by emotional PL officials, campaigners, volunteers and faithfuls, he said that:

“We need to look forward from this divisive campaign. We had indications of a victory but obviously we had to wait for the result.

“When considering the unprecedented negative campaign, against the PL, the Government and against me personally, I will not allow bitterness to tear this country apart.

“I am ready to work with anybody who is ready to work with me.

“Our victory is indicative of the way we work, this is the first time in history that the PL has won two concessive victories with such huge majorities.”

Asked about the Cabinet, and whether it would be kept the same, he said that he cannot comment until the counting of the ballots are completed, and who exactly has been elected to Parliament is ascertained.

He said that he is humbled by the people’s choice to allow the PL’s ‘roadmap’ to progress.

This coming week, the PL is expected to host its winning mass meeting. Asked about when this will take place, Dr Muscat said that in light of the public holiday this coming Wednesday, this still has to be determined, however it is sure to take place at some point throughout the week.

He said that he will be travelling to Brussels due to Council Presidency commitments, and that he looks forward to the road ahead.

Times: Fast-track actions on HIV across Europe

2017-06-06T19:00:00.000+02:00

https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20170604/health-fitness/Fast-track-actions-on-HIV-across-Europe.649936

Sunday, June 4, 2017, 10:18 by

Charmaine Gauci

HIV testing is to be encouraged for the early pick-up of cases and to ensure early linkage to care for people living with HIV.

Never assume that people do or do not have HIV because of their nationality, gender, sexual orientation or lifestyle choices. No one comes with a label, so always practise safer sex. It is essential that educators and parents alike transmit this message when talking about HIV.

Since the beginning of the epidemic, more than 70 million people have been infected with the HIV virus and about 35 million people have died of HIV. Globally, 36.7 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2015. Almost 30,000 newly diagnosed HIV infections were reported by the 31 EU and European Economic Area countries in 2015. Although there have been impressive gains in reducing the number of AIDS diagnoses during the last decade, the burden of HIV infection remains unacceptably high in Europe.

In Malta over a 10-year period, from 2004 to 2014, 300 new cases of HIV were notified. In 2015, there were 61 new cases and in 2016 there were 63 new patients notified. These include 58 cases of HIV and five cases of AIDS.

There is good evidence on what works to effectively prevent and control HIV. The actions focus on prevention, testing and treatment. HIV prevention, both in terms of coverage and uptake, especially initiatives targeting men who have sex with men, migrants and people who inject drugs. HIV testing is to be encouraged for the early pick-up of cases and to ensure early linkage to care for people living with HIV.

There is a proportion of people in Malta who are living with HIV without knowing about it

Those tested need to be referred for urgent treatment. It is important to ensure that the proportion of people living with HIV with an undetectable virus in their blood is increased, both for their personal benefit as well as to reduce future HIV transmission.

In Malta, the Sexual Health Policy and Strategy outlines actions to support encompassing good sexual health practices and the prevention of infectious diseases including HIV. The definition taken is that outlined by the World Health Organisation: “Sexual health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence.”

A specific website is available at sexualhealth.gov.mt which targets various audiences. Prevention efforts focus on promotion of safer sexual health practices and training of professionals to support diagnosis and management of cases. Training also focuses on prevention, including youths to act as peer leaders. Testing is encouraged for people at various settings, including the community and the GU clinic.

There is a proportion of people in Malta who are living with HIV without knowing about it. Such an infection could do significant harm to themselves and to others. Stigma and discrimination are the reasons why people are reluctant to get tested for HIV despite the fact that there are anti-retroviral treatments available in Malta which give the opportunity to people to live longer and healthier lives. Onward transmission of HIV is also reduced when the person is receiving treatment. HIV people are offered free treatment by specialists at the HIV clinic.

The Maltese presidency of the European Union of the Council, in collaboration with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, held a technical meeting in Malta focusing on HIV. The aim was to get together leading experts on HIV prevention and control from across the EU to discuss how Europe can improve its response to HIV and achieve the targets outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals, the actions agreed at the UN High-Level meeting on HIV/AIDS and those adopted in the Global Health Sector Strategy at the World Health Assembly.

The experts discussed practical evidence-based interventions and strategies, shared achievements and examples of good practices and identified solutions to common challenges. The priority areas where the EU Member States agree they should scale up their efforts were discussed and the proceedings of the meeting translated into a technical Malta Declaration. This covers areas of prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and ensuring an enabling environment.

Stigma, which is also covered in this declaration, was given priority as it is very commonly associated with HIV since this is a serious, life-threatening infection. Some people do not know how HIV is transmitted and therefore fear that they might get infected through social contact.

Others hold strong views about sexual behaviour thus viewing sex as something wrong. We still find some people who hold negative views regarding certain groups of people, like drug users, LBGTI individuals, immigrants and coloured people. Stigma needs to be managed through educating the public. HIV is a condition that could be kept under control by using treatment.

For more information, call the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate on 2326 6000 or the GU Clinic on 2122 7981.

Useful advice

What is safer sex?

Safer sex is having sex with the decreased risk of acquiring or transmitting infections such as HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas, herpes, hepatitis B and warts (HPV).

How can you have safer sex?

▪ Insist on condom use for all kinds of sex (vaginal, anal and also oral sex).

▪ Limit the number of sexual partners.

▪ Get tested and suggest the same to your partner before engaging in sex.

▪ Avoid the use of excessive alcohol and recreational drugs.

▪ Non-penetrative sex like body rubbing and mutual masturbation can still transmit infections such as HPV, herpes, scabies and lice, especially when there are open sores/cuts, prolonged contacts and warts.

▪ Get vaccinated for preventable infections such as hepatitis A, B and HPV.

Dr Charmaine Gauci is Superintendent of Public Health, Ministry for Health.

Times: MGRM reports 15 cases of online hate speech in six weeks

2017-06-05T20:40:00.002+02:00

Online platform removed one of every three cases reported

https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20170602/local/mgrm-reports-15-cases-of-online-hate-speech-in-six-weeks.649676
Friday, June 2, 2017, 20:17 by Ivan Camilleri

An EU-wide monitoring exercise on online hate-speech led to the reporting of 15 cases in Malta in just six weeks, a report issued by the European Commission shows.

In one of every three cases, reported by the Malta LGBTIQ Rights Movement (MGRM) – acting as the Maltese counterpart in the study – the online platform agreed that the reported post was illegal and removed it from its site.

Last year, the participating online platforms – Facebook, You Tube and Twitter – had agreed to an EU initiative to adopt a new code of conduct on countering illegal hate speech online.

The code included a series of commitments to combat the spread of hate speech.

Among other measures, they committed themselves to review the majority of valid notifications of illegal hate speech in less than 24 hours and to remove or disable access to such content, if necessary, on the basis of national laws transposing European directives.

The code also underlined the need to further discuss how to promote transparency and encourage counter and alternative narratives.

The results of the monitoring exercise, conducted between March 20 and May 5, showed that a total of 2,575 notifications were submitted to the participating IT companies.

Out of these, 1,830 cases were submitted through the reporting channels available to general users and 745 were through specific channels available only to trusted flaggers.

Facebook received the largest amount of notifications (1,273 cases), followed by You Tube (658 cases) and Twitter (644 cases).

In addition to flagging the content to the IT companies, the organisations taking part in the monitoring exercise submitted 212 of the cases to the police, public prosecutors or other national authorities.

Overall, 59.1 per cent of the notifications led to the removal of the offending content. A third of the 15 cases reported in Malta were removed.

Xenophobia (17.8 per cent), which includes anti-migrant hatred, and anti-Muslim sentiment (17.7 per cent) were reported as the most recurrent ground of hate speech, followed by ethnic origin (15.8 per cent).

The overall results confirmed the predominance of hatred against migrants and refugees, the compilers said.

Lovin Malta: LGBT+ Activists Fight HIV 'Morning-After' Drug's Steep Price Tag

2017-05-28T20:00:00.000+02:00

Parties pledge to tackle PEP unaffordability

https://lovinmalta.com/news/lgbt-activists-fight-hiv-morning-after-drugs-steep-price-tag
Ann Dingli 27.5.2017

Emergency preventative medication for HIV is currently available in Malta... but costs €600. Party leaders recently pledged to work towards the removal of its unaffordable price tag, and have each signed an agreement to introduce free-of-charge PEP in Malta if their party is elected.

Post Exposure Prophylaxis, known as PEP is a drug that can be taken after a person is potentially exposed HIV to prevent them from becoming infected. A recent LGBTIQ debate with Malta's main political party representatives discussed the issue of its high price, and the parties' commitment towards bettering Malta's HIV medical treatment in general.

A report compiled by the Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC) describes the current HIV situation in Malta as "critical", claiming that as things stand, 671 new HIV cases could develop by 2021.

If the political parties deliver on their agreement to offer PEP medication for free, then people at risk would be less impeded to act swiftly after the threat of exposure. PEP medication should be used strictly in emergency situations and needs to be started within 72 hours after exposure.

Russell Sammut from ARC questioned party representatives at the LGBTIQ debate on their commitment to removing the high price tag on PEP, as well as on the investment in other HIV healthcare and treatment. Sammut urged leaders to follow through on this pledge to facilitate readily available prevention medication that could save the country a bunch of money spent on treatment for actual HIV care once it is contracted.

Nationalist Party (PN) leader Simon Busuttil said that if PN are elected it would be their aim to upgrade HIV treatment in Malta. Busuttil stressed his belief that all HIV medication should be free for everyone. Minister for Civil Liberties Helena Dalli added that the medication in question is actually mentioned in the Labour Party (PL) electoral manifesto, and that one of their focuses will be to make sure that the adequate medicines remain in stock on the island.

A snapshot of HIV in Malta*
In 2015 there were 61 known cases of HIV in Malta
HIV cases have increased by 20% per year since 2009
57% of that yearly increase is found within the 'Men having Sex with Men' (MSM) group
In 2014 the rate of new HIV cases in Malta was 11% higher than the UK
With the current medical treatment available Malta will have >2000 HIV cases by 2021
That will mean €271m spent on lifetime treatment from new infections

*All data has been provided by ARC Malta.

Click to read the full signed agreement covering Equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people in the 2017 – 2022 legislative period.

Do you think PEP should be made freely available in Malta? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section on Facebook.

Gay Malta & MGRM: Il-Manifest Elettorali u l-LGBTIQ

2017-05-28T16:00:00.000+02:00

Q&A Session between the LGBTIQ Community and the main Political Parties
https://www.gaymalta.com/2017-election

On Saturday 20th May arc & MGRM co-organised a public Q&A session titled "il-Manifest Elettorali u l-LGBTIQ".

The four main political parties participated in the Q&A session focused on LGBTIQ issues. The Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muscat, Opposition Leader Dr Simon Busuttil, Ralph Cassar (AD) and Dr Godfrey Farrugia (PD) put forward their LGBTIQ electoral proposals and answered any questions from those present.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4oYwCqib5g

Prior to the debate, each party was sent a questionnaire with a list of legislative and policy proposals which arc & MGRM would like to be addressed in the next legislature.

The responses to the questionnaire can be found in the pdf document below including any comments, provisos or additional measures listed by the respective parties.

[Click on the hyperlink above to view more photos].

News Book: Il-Knisja m’għandhiex x’taqsam ma’ reklam tal-MCUF

2017-05-28T14:00:00.000+02:00

http://www.newsbook.com.mt/artikli/2017/5/23/il-knisja-m%27ghandhiex-x%27taqsam-ma%27-reklam-tal-mcuf.60679/
Charmaine Attard - 23/05/17 10:16 AM

L-Arċidjoċesi ta’ Malta qalet ma’ Newsbook.com.mt li m’għandhiex x’taqsam ma’ kull tip ta’ propoganda li ssir taħt l-isem Maltese Catholics United for the Faith (MCUF).

Newsbook.com.mt ikkuntattja lill-Uffiċċju tal-Komunikazzjoni tal-Kurja biex jara jekk l-Arċidjoċesi ta’ Malta, għandhiex x’taqsam ma’ reklam ta’ paġna sħiħa li deher f’xi gazzetti Maltin f’dawn il-ġranet.

Ir-reklam taħt il-firma tal-grupp Maltese Catholics United for the Faith isejjaħ il-pożizzjoni tal-partiti politiċi dwar iż-żwieġ bejn persuni tal-istess sess bħala ‘glorifikazzjoni tad-dnub.’

Il-grupp jiddeskrivi lill-politiċi bħala korrotti u jgħid li l-Maltin għandhom ikunu lesti li ma jivvutawx biex – fi kliem Maltese Catholics United for the Faith – ma jikkompromettux ‘il-fidi tagħhom fuq l-artal ta’ sistema politika mxajtna.’

Il-Kurja, wara li qalet li m’għandhiex x’taqsam mar-reklam, żiedet tgħid li tirrispetta d-dritt tal-libertà tal-espressjoni ta’ kull individwu jew entità oħra.

B’differenza minn dan il-grupp, ‘l-Arċidjoċesi ta’ Malta twassal it-tagħlim tal-Knisja mingħajr ma tuża ebda isem ieħor, u tħeġġeġ lil kulħadd biex fit-3 ta’ Ġunju li ġej jaqdi dmiru b’responsabbiltà, kif qalu l-Isqfijiet ta’ Malta u Ghawdex fl-Ittra Pastorali għall-Elezzjoni Ġenerali 2017.’

Mhux magħruf min huma dawk wara r-riklam li qed jidher. Mhux magħruf l-anqas jekk dawn humiex parti mill-grupp konservattiv Amerikan li jġib l-istess isem.

Malta Today: Malta retains top place in Europe gay rights ranking

2017-05-28T12:00:00.000+02:00

2016 saw Malta introduced gender identity law and ban on harmful conversion practices, but issues remain outstanding with access to reproductive health for same sex couples still criminalised

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/77277/malta_retains_top_place_in_europe_gay_rights_ranking
Matthew Vella, 17 May 2017, 9:00am, Print Version

After introducing civil unions in 2014, both parties now approve of gay marriage

For the second year running Malta ranks first on ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Index, maintaining its classification among 49 Council of Europe Member States where LGBTIQ legislation and policy are concerned.

In 2016 Malta introduced the Affirmation of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression Act, banning harmful gay conversion practices and ensuring that no sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression could be considered an illness or disease.

The Trans, Gender Variant and Intersex Inmates Policy was also adopted by Corradino Correctional Services providing guidelines to be followed by correctional services.

“These legal and policy changes were accompanied by a strong civil society sector with a number of LGBTIQ NGOs actively involved in raising awareness, providing training and supporting LGBTIQ individuals and their families through a number of support groups and services,” the Malta Gay Rights Movement said.

“Some issues remain outstanding particularly in the area of access to health. Malta still lacks trans-sensitive and specific health services, its HIV treatment formulary is out-dated and far from what could be considered best practice, and access to reproductive health for same sex couples remains criminalised,” MGRM coordinator Gabi Calleja said.

The ILGA-Europe Rainbow Index highlights the vast disparities that continue to exist between different countries where LGBTIQ rights are concerned. Malta retained its top ranking with an 88% score, with Norway anad the UK in second and third place.

Besides attention-grabbing changes such as legal gender recognition in France and Norway, civil unions in Italy, and a ban on conversion therapy in Malta, the risks to progress in countries at both ends of the Rainbow Europe country ranking remain.

“One of the most common questions ILGA-Europe get asked by national governments is how to improve their ranking on the Rainbow Europe Map – the answer is political backbone. Political leaders need to understand that, if they don’t act now, the LGBTI equality gains we’ve all made together over the past few decades can be rolled back,” ILGA-Europe executive director Evelyne Paradis said.

“At the top of the Map, there is still work to do to make sure LGBTI people can live freely, and at the other end of the ranking, we see LGBTI people are literally living in fear of their lives. Our movement’s work is not over yet.”

Some risks are immediately obvious and painful, such as the gross human rights violations in Chechnya, not only for the fear such actions perpetrate in the local LGBTI community, but also the message of intolerance that this sends to the wider region.

“From the growing use of the refugee debate to shamefully fuel xenophobia, and so-called ‘populist’ parties directly appealing to the LGBTI community by vilifying other communities, and incidentally not supporting LGBTI policies in practice, to increased security measures in the name of anti-terrorism, and the silencing of independent media or universities, we can see the worrying potential this all has to undermine the work of LGBTI activists,” Paradis said.

Times: PN to include gay marriage in manifesto

2017-05-28T10:00:00.000+02:00

'It is the next logical step'

https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20170513/local/pn-to-include-gay-marriage-in-manifesto.647860
Saturday, May 13, 2017, 20:10

The Nationalist Party will be including gay marriage in its electoral manifesto.

Speaking during a live Facebook session this evening, party leader Simon Busuttil, who, together with the rest of Nationalist MPs, had abstained when the issue of civil unions had been voted upon in Parliament, said this was the next logical step even if to prevent the matter from continuing to be politicised.

When Parliament had debated civil unions, Dr Busuttil had said that while the Opposition agreed with unions among gay couples, it had reservations on allowing them to adopt children and felt that more studies were necessary.

Dr Busuttil said he believed that all rights that had been given by this government should be retained and the fear that was being spread was baseless.

The Facebook session can be followed here.

Interactions between HIV treatment and other types of medicine

2017-05-28T08:35:00.000+02:00

28.5.2017

The below link is being highlighted for HIV positive individual and healthcare workers. The link provides information on interactions between HIV treatment and other types of medicine.

For patients there may be too much medical jargon but the conclusions on interactions are clearly described. This is especially useful for when in doubt on whether commonly used over the counter medicines, commonly used herbal products or even vitamins, can be harmful if taken with HIV treatment.

Although recreational drug intake is not suggested with or without HIV, the website also lists the possible interactions of HIV treatment with recreational drugs.

http://www.hiv-druginteractions.org/checker

Attitude: Chechen Authorities' summon parents to prison camps to kill their gay sons

2017-05-06T20:00:00.002+02:00

The full horror facing gay men in Chechnya continues to emerge.
http://attitude.co.uk/chechen-authorities-summoning-parents-to-prison-camps-to-kill-their-gay-sons/

Authorities in Chechnya have been summoning parents to detention centres before telling them to kill their gay children, according to harrowing new survivor testimonies.

Horrifying accounts of brutality and killings have been emerging from the largely self-governing Russian republic over the last month, after Novaya Gazeta reported that over 100 gay and bisexual men aged 16-50 had been detained by authorities over the last few months.

The newspaper now claims to have a list of more than 30 gay men who have been executed by the authorities or their own families during the terrifying campaign of violence.

One man who escaped Chechnya, and whose name, identity and location have been kept a secret for his own safety, tells France 24: “We’ve always been persecuted but never like this. Now they arrest everyone.

“They kill people. They do what they want. They know that nobody will come after them because the order has come from above to ‘cleanse the nation’ of people like us.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRG1qeT8pak

“They torture people using electricity and deprive them of food. At night they would throw their leftovers in the cells instead of throwing it in the bin. It wasn’t to feed the prisoners, it was to see them humiliated by having to eat the leftovers,” he reveals.

“They line them up and force them to give themselves a woman’s name. Some of them preferred to be killed rather than suffer all that.

“Many resisted, but they beat them horribly. They gave them electric shocks. They always got what they wanted, because we can’t be heroes when faced with so much pain and humiliation.”

The man goes on to reveal that the families of those imprisoned are eventually summoned to the prison, where they are tasked with carrying out their own relative’s execution.

One of the prison-style camps where gay men have reportedly been tortured and killed by authorities (Image: Noyaya Gazeta).

“They tell the parents to kill their child,” he says. “They say: Either you do it or we will’. They call it ‘cleaning your honour with blood.”

He continues: “They tortured a man for two weeks. They summoned his parents and his brothers who all came. They said to them ‘your son is a homosexual, sort it out or we’ll do it ourselves’.

“They replied: ‘It’s our family; we’ll do it’.

“The family took him and killed him in the forest. They buried him there. They didn’t even give him a funeral.”

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.

Bringing home the reality of the situation for those who’ve managed to get out of Chechnya, the man adds: “If I go home, my own family will kill me.”

Chechnya’s Kremlin-backed leader Ramzan Kadyrov, who was installed by Vladimir Putin in 2007, has repeatedly denied reports emerging from Chechnya, while a spokesperson for Putin said last month that survivors were choosing to remain anonymous because there was no evidence of any wrongdoing.

Russia has faced increasingly loud calls from the international community to bring an end to the violence, and while a Russia Foreign Affairs minister confirmed to Yahoo News’s Katie Couric last week that an investigation into the situation was currently taking place, she was reluctant to comment on the matter further.

Video: https://twitter.com/_/status/857788006744244224

Tatiana Vinnitchenko, the head of an organisation currently helping survivors to flee Chechnya’s campaign of violence, has urged the international community to offer refuge to those affected“I really want to believe that countries in the Schengen Zone, but also Canada and the US, will have the good sense and the political will to give these people visas,” she told France 24.

“It’s very important and it’s our main problem at the moment. We can’t keep such a large number of victims here indefinitely.”

She adds: “If we don’t get them out they risk being found and put to death.”

WILL STROUDE — MAY 3, 2017

All Out: End forced "gay tests" once and for all [in Tunisia]

2017-05-04T18:00:00.000+02:00

17.4.2017

Tortured to "prove" you are gay. It's happening right now here in Tunisia.

If you're arrested under my country's anti-gay law, authorities can force you to undergo "anal testing." They claim it’s an examination to find "evidence" of your sexual orientation.

It's actually a traumatising sexual assault that proves absolutely nothing.

A few days ago, the National Council of the Medical Order in Tunisia called for ending this horrible practice when used against people without their consent. This is a step in the right direction, but it's not enough. Police can coerce people into forced "consent."

That's why my organisation, Shams, is partnering with All Out. If thousands of us speak out now, we can help end these abhorrent practices once and for all.

Tell Tunisian authorities to ban these horrible abuses completely and punish those who practice them.

Here's what one victim had to say about being forced to endure this inhumane abuse:

"I felt like I was an animal. I felt I wasn’t human... When I got dressed they put handcuffs on me and I went out, feeling completely in shock... The two police were standing and watching what the doctor was doing. I felt violated."

Medical and forensic specialists around the world have discredited this horrific practice. Even Tunisian authorities know they are just a way to torture and traumatise people they assume are gay.

Last month, a young couple from the city of Sousse was forced to undergo this horrific practice to prove they were gay. Doctors found no "evidence," of course, but the couple was still sentenced to eight months in jail.

It's time to put an end to medically sanctioned sexual abuse. Tell Tunisian authorities to completely ban "anal testing" today.

Thanks for going All Out,

Mounir Baatour
President of Shams – Pour la dépénalisation de l'homosexualité en Tunisie

SOURCES:

● Shams – Pour la dépénalisation de l'homosexualité en Tunisie
● Tunisia: Doctors Oppose 'Anal Test' for Homosexuality – Human Rights Watch, 12 April 2017
● Document: An anal test performed by a physician – Kapitalis, 10 April 2017 (in French)
● Despite a negative anal test, Achref and Sabri are sentenced to 8 months for homosexuality – Kapitalis, 10 March 2017 (in French)
● Dignity Debased. Forced Anal Examinations in Homosexuality Prosecutions – Human Rights Watch, 12 July 2016

AVAAZ: Petition to President Putin

2017-05-03T18:00:00.000+02:00

Now the journalist who broke the story is in hiding after getting death threats. Let's keep building a massive call to stop the crackdown! Add your name and tell everyone --

Chechnya is rounding up gay people and taking them to torture centres, and it's as horrific as it sounds. But a massive global outcry can force them to close. Join the urgent campaign with one click and tell everyone -- let's make this huge!

SIGN HERE

Dear friends,

Chechnya is rounding up gay people and taking them to torture centres, and it's as horrific as it sounds. Men are being electrocuted, tortured until they reveal names of other gay people, and beaten so badly that some have died.

Targeting gay people and dragging them into prisons is like something the Nazis would do. It’s both terribly upsetting and infuriating, but there's a plan to stop it.

Avaaz will amplify the call of brave local activists in the media and use our massive global outcry to force an end to the crackdown. Sign the petition below with one click and tell everyone - let’s get to one million:

Close the gay torture centres

To President Putin and all Russian authorities:

As concerned citizens from around the world, we strongly urge you to stop the crackdown on gay people in Chechnya, and to uphold the values of justice and tolerance.

Close the gay torture centres

It's almost too horrific to believe, but Chechnya has long been controlled by a brutal human rights abuser, backed by Russia. When asked about the torture prisons, his officials denied the existence of gay people at all. Saying: "If such people existed in Chechnya, law enforcement would not have to worry about them, as their own relatives would have sent them to where they could never return."

And now the well respected International Crisis Group has confirmed reports from people who've escaped from the prisons, and they're releasing the information to get global attention.

So let’s use this moment and build a massive outcry that puts Russia, Chechnya and their barbaric practices to shame. Join the call by clicking below, then forward this widely:

Close the gay torture centres

So much of what’s happening in the world right now feels out of our control. But each day we have a choice -- either sit back and watch the horror unfold, or do something about it. Together, let’s choose action, love and unity, and let’s channel it towards the terrified families in Chechnya who risk losing a loved one.

With hope and determination,

Rewan, Emma, Fatima, Sarah and the entire Avaaz team

More information:

Gay Men Are Being Rounded Up And Killed In Chechnya: Report (Huffington Post)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/chechen-gays-arrested-killed-reports-say_us_58e12a65e4b0b3918c843db6

Gay men go missing in Chechnya, reports say (CNN)
http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/04/europe/chechnya-gay-men-reported-missing/

Chechnya opens world's first concentration camp for homosexuals (Daily Mail)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4397118/Chechnya-opens-concentration-camp-homosexuals.html

Avaaz is a 44-million-person global campaign network that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people shape global decision-making. ("Avaaz" means "voice" or "song" in many languages.) Avaaz members live in every nation of the world; our team is spread across 18 countries on 6 continents and operates in 17 languages. Learn about some of Avaaz's biggest campaigns here, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
You became a member of the Avaaz movement and started receiving these emails when you signed "Community Petitions Site" on 2015-02-03 using the email addressbartolo.antonio50@gmail.com.
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To contact Avaaz, please do not reply to this email. Instead, write to us at www.avaaz.org/en/contact or call us at +1-888-922-8229 (US).

Pink News: Husband of murdered French policeman says he ‘lived like a star’

2017-05-02T18:00:00.000+02:00

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2017/04/25/boyfriend-of-murdered-french-policeman-says-he-lived-like-a-star/
Josh Jackman, 25th April 2017, 4:44 PM, 8 reader comments

The husband of the French policeman who was shot dead last week has opened up about his “extreme and profound pain”.

Xavier Jugele, 37, was murdered on Thursday while on duty on Champs Elysees avenue, in an attack which has since been claimed by so-called Islamic State.

The murderer, 39-year-old Karim Cheurfi, was killed at the scene. He had served more than 12 years in prison for shooting at police officers and was being investigated by intelligence service at the time.

Jugele’s husband, Etienne Cardiles, spoke about his murdered husband today at a remembrance ceremony led by President Francois Hollande at Paris police headquarters.

In front of hundreds of mourners including presidential candidates Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen, Cardiles described his husband as a lover of music and theatre, and “a man full of culture and joy”.

Jugele was one of the first responders after the attack on the Bataclan theatre in November 2015, where gunmen loyal to so-called IS killed 90 people.

And Cardiles repeated the quote coined by Antoine Leiris, who lost his wife during that terror attack and said: “You will not have my hatred.”

In an emotional, moving speech, Cardiles told the crowd: “I’m suffering without hate.

“When I first got messages saying something had happened on the Champs Elysees, and that a policeman had died, a small voice told me it was you, and brought back to me that generous and healing phrase: ‘You will not have my hatred.’

“I don’t feel hatred, Xavier, because it is not like you – because it does not correspond to anything that made your heart beat, nor why you entered the police force.

“Because public service, helping others and protecting everyone was part of your education and your convictions – and tolerance, dialogue and patience.”

Cardiles spoke lovingly, intimately and directly to Jugele, recalling how “going to the cinema to watch five films on a sunny August day would not make you blink.

“Your favourite stars were Celine Dion, (French singer) Zazie, Madonna, Britney Spears and so many others who made our windows rattle.

“Theatre transported you to another world, where you lived fully.

“You would shy away from no cultural activity,” he added.

“You would see the very worst films the day they came out, right to the end, no matter how bad they were.

“A life of joy and laughter, in which love and tolerance were your uncontested masters.

“You lived like a star, and leave like a star.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzccFEmAM8Y

Attitude: CHECHNYA’S PRESIDENT ‘VOWS TO ELIMINATE GAY POPULATION BY THE END OF MAY’

2017-05-01T20:00:00.000+02:00

http://attitude.co.uk/chechnyas-president-vows-to-eliminate-gay-population-by-the-end-of-may/
WILL STROUDE — APRIL 22, 2017

Kremlin-backed leader Ramzan Kadyrov has reportedly promised to wipe out the region's gay population by the start of Ramadan.

Chechnya's Russian-backed leader Ramzan Kadyrov has denied reports.

Chechnya’s president has reportedly vowed to “eliminate” the region’s gay population by the end of next month as the brutal persecution and torture of gay men in the region continues.

Kremlin-backed leader Ramzan Kadyrov has promised to wipe out gay men from the region by the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which begins on May 26 this year and is widely celebrated in Chechnya.

The UK’s Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Sir Alan Duncan, revealed the British government had been made aware of the horrifying threat while taking questions in parliament this week.

“Human rights groups report that these anti-gay campaigns and killings are orchestrated by the head of the Chechen republic, Ramzan Kadyrov,” Duncan said.

“He has carried out other violent campaigns in the past, and this time he is directing his efforts at the LGBT community. Sources have said that he wants the [LGBT] community eliminated by the start of Ramadan.”

Alan Duncan is the UK’s Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.

The minister, who is openly gay himself, added: “Such comments, attitudes and actions are absolutely beyond contemptible.”

Horrifying accounts of brutality and killings have been emerging from the Russia republic over the last two weeks, after Russian opposition newspaper, Novaya Gazeta reported that over 100 gay and bisexual men aged 16-50 had been detained by authorities over the last few months.

At least three men are known to have been killed, though the paper estimates the real figure to be higher, with witnesses and survivors reporting that detainees have been imprisoned together in large groups or ‘camps’, where they have been beaten and tortured – sometimes to death – by officials.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH9B84DlVc8

Denouncing events in Chechnya and urging the Russian government to take urgent action, Duncan told parliament: “The arbitrary detention and ill-treatment of over 100 men in Chechnya because of their sexual orientation is of the utmost concern to the UK.”

He added: “Statements by the regional government in Chechnya that appear to condone and incite violence against LGBT people are utterly despicable.

“We condemn any and all persecution and call on the authorities to promptly investigate and ensure that the perpetrators of human rights abuses are brought to justice.

Location of Chechnya within Russia.

“This would be in accordance with international human rights commitments adopted by the Russian government to respect the human rights of all individuals.”

ABC News reported last week that a prominent spokesperson for Russian president Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Peskov, has denied evidence of systematic detention and torture of gay men in Chechnya, saying: “We do not have any reliable information about any problems in this area.”

United Nations human rights experts have called on Russian government to intervene, while demonstrations of solidarity with Chechnya’s LGBT+ community have been held around the world, including outside the Russian embassy in London.

Flowers are laid outside the Russian embassy in London in solidarity with Chechnya’s persecuted LGBT+ community.

Meanwhile, an Amnesty International petition calling on Russian’s prosecutor general, Aleksandr Ivanovich Bastrykin, to launch an urgent investigation into current events in Chechnya had reached over 158,000 signatures by Saturday morning (April 22).

More stories:
Guardians of the Galaxy to feature an LGBT+ character?
Gay men in Chechnya give harrowing accounts of abuse – WATCH

Times: 163 registered civil unions in three years

2017-05-01T10:00:00.000+02:00

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20170415/local/163-registered-civil-unions-in-three-years.645261

Saturday, April 15, 2017, 16:23

A total of 163 couples were united through the civil union law in three years, according to Civil Liberties Minister Helena Dalli.

The number includes 22 same-sex couples who had initially been registered overseas while a baby was also adopted by a gay couple in the same period.

The civil unions law provides the same rights and obligations as a married couple.

The introduction of the law has led to a more inclusive and open society where people are not judged or emarginated, the minister told a news conference.

Dr Dalli spoke of the change in mentality in the country, especially towards LBTIQ individuals who now have the same rights and obligations.

Lovin Malta: WATCH: I'm Ben, I'm Two Years Old And I'm Making History

2017-04-30T12:14:00.004+02:00

A Maltese boy's journey to a loving home

https://lovinmalta.com/lifestyle/video-1/watch-im-ben-im-two-years-old-and-im-making-history
Chucky Bartolo March 2017

Little Ben is making history. He was the first child to be adopted by a Maltese same-sex couple Kris and Steve.

Ben also happens to have Down Syndrome.

Malta first met Ben eight months ago, after his father, Kris, posted a touching message on Facebook introducing him to the world, and thanking everyone for their support. But we now know that Ben's journey wasn't always easy, and he's overcome incredible odds to be the superstar he is today.

At just five months old, Ben underwent double heart surgery in London. The procedure was tough on such a young child, but Ben was tough and with the help of his fathers he pushed through and bounced back better than ever.

Doctors told Kris and Steve that Ben would have trouble learning to walk and eat independently, but a month before his first birthday he started eating solid food (with a particular fondness for clementines and pasta with cheese). A few months after that he learnt how to walk on his own.

Ben's parents work hard to ensure he has the best environment in which to grow and develop. He learns through observation and repetition, and with an incredibly inquisitive mind, and sometimes far too much confidence, Ben has made leaps and bounds.

March 21st marks World Down Syndrome Day, and Ben's parents would like to make a simple message very clear: Down Syndrome is not a tragedy. Although no local data is available, some statistics point towards 92% of fetuses diagnosed with Down Syndrome being aborted. That means for every 100 babies like Ben, only eight are given a chance at life.

But even those eight aren't always given a fair shot. As the Prime Minister Joseph Muscat stated, Ben has been refused by over 50 couples before he found a loving home, which questions the social morality and the ideology of the perfect child.

MGRM & Gay Malta: Position Paper on HIV Prevention and Treatment Guidelines

2017-04-09T11:15:00.002+02:00

Published by the Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM) and Gay Malta

April 2017

The information guidelines below have been formulated to provide information to Malta based Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) sexually active individuals who wish to have access to adequate prevention or treatment for HIV.

In view of the paucity of actions so far, and the slow development of an adequate sexual health policy, the unfortunate and inevitable result is of an increase in sexual health related diseases, including HIV, which disproportionately impinge upon our community with those most at risk being men who have sex with men and trans sex workers. This important issue requires several fronts of action and these guidelines relate both to the access of effective prevention from HIV infection and also to better treatment for those individuals who are HIV positive.

The local community is reminded that a highly effective measure for having safer sex is use of condoms. Effectiveness of condom use however has been shown to be greatly reduced when alcohol and drugs are involved. In addition, oral sex carries risk of transmission especially where oral ejaculation is involved. Oral sex is UNSAFE SEX!

It is very important to stress the need for regular and up to date HIV testing, at least every 6 months, for sexually active individuals at risk of HIV infection. Early confirmation of a positive HIV status is essential in obtaining early and effective treatment, and carries a better chance of leading a healthy life of normal life span. Regular testing can be undertaken at the GU clinic in Mater Dei hospital, private clinics locally and also several health services if one is abroad.

There is also now the opportunity of home self test HIV kits, which are a quick and confidential way of confirming an HIV status. (Any HIV test is always a look-back at the actual status several weeks back, as it takes some time for a positive status to show up in most HIV tests. The look back window is variable, according to the test type). Examples of home test kits can be found on several websites, such as http://hivselftest.co.uk/

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

PEP is a way to prevent HIV infection after a possible recent exposure. It involves taking HIV medications as soon as possible (within 3 days) after a single high-risk event to stop HIV from making copies of itself and spreading throughout your body.

PEP should be used only in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after a recent possible exposure to HIV. The sooner it is started the better the protection from acquiring HIV. If you think you’ve recently been exposed to HIV during sex or through sharing needles contact the GU clinic at Mater Dei straight away (preferably within 24 hours, but maximum 72 hours) to obtain PEP treatment. If the GU clinic is closed then attend the A&E (emergency) department at Mater Dei to obtain PEP. Protocols to issue PEP should be in place. Unfortunately, as per current policy, individuals will have to pay for a course of PEP treatment which costs around €600 Euros.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

High risk individuals are advised to include PrEP in addition to safer practices to reduce risk of acquiring an HIV infection. High risk individuals are gay/straight/bi/trans/queer individuals who have multiple partners or whose partner might present a risk through activity outside the relationship. Couples where one partner is HIV positive should consider PrEP for the negative partner, even if undetectability has been confirmed, as treatment may suddenly fail, putting the negative partner again at risk of infection.

It is very important to state that both PEP and PrEP should ONLY be taken if the individual isHIV negative, as evidenced by an up to date HIV test.

The issue is too detailed to fully cover in these guidelines but the links below to informative websites provide detailed background on the issue.

Preventative treatment called PrEP is available and authorised in Europe for all those who want to take charge of their own circumstances and protect themselves from HIV. PrEP is currently available free or at affordable prices in countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa and France, but not in Malta. Detailed information on PrEP can be accessed on the websites below:

http://www.prepwatch.org/ (background information on PrEP availability around the world)

http://www.iwantprepnow.co.uk/ (guidance on how to access PrEP)

As PrEP in Malta is not as yet available on the National Health Service, some in the local community have turned to ordering medicines online, at the cost of about €80/month for the generic product. The original brand is Truvada® and the community should avoid buying cheap products claiming to be Truvada® as it is highly likely that it is a counterfeit. The generic products’ names vary but the ingredients are the same, Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine.The current situation is unfortunate and undesirable, and such measures are only being proposed given that PrEP is not yet widely available in Malta at free or subsidised cost through the local health service. For those wishing to purchase PrEP online, experience within the local LGBTIQ community suggests use of this website:

http://www.aids-drugs-online.com/

Self importation has some risks associated with it. There is no quality protection provided by having drugs evaluated by EU Authorities. Supply time may vary and the postage time could be delayed if customs investigates the package.

Self importation is legal and orders should be kept to 3 month supply for personal use. Having a valid Maltese prescription, completed by a registered medical practitioner will facilitate the process but patients should allow up to eight weeks for delivery. Prescriptions can only be provided by doctors after negative status is confirmed as taking PrEP when already infected will not be effective in controlling infection and risks development of resistance to the treatment.

Those taking PrEP are advised to talk to their doctor as routine tests, such as kidney function will need to be monitored frequently. PrEP users should also undertake regular (every 3 months) HIV tests while taking the preventative medication.

How to take?

Daily, every other day or during times of sexual activity (intermittent). Important to note women need to take it daily for vaginal intercourse. See the link below to see which best suites your circumstance:

http://www.iwantprepnow.co.uk/#!how-to-take-prep/mm6t5

If you are HIV Positive

The listed website also provides other treatment options for HIV Positive individuals at own cost and which provide better treatment outcomes. Those HIV Positive individuals receiving treatment in Malta are for now advised to remain on their current treatment, (even though this is considered outdated by international guidelines) if they are tolerating the treatment and able to achieve and maintain undetectable levels.

Communication with authorities to improve standard treatment to internationally acknowledged guidelines and recommendations is ongoing, and is of high importance to the community.

The community is also reminded that such prevention is only against HIV and does not protect against other Sexually Acquired Infections (SAIs) which are on the rise and also of great concern.

Other informative links:

Rainbow Support Services - Know your HIV Status
http://sexualhealth.gov.mt/
http://www.testmalta.info/
http://www.tht.org.uk/