Wednesday 2 September 2009

Independent: Malta first EU state with all candidates for equality pledge

2.9.9? by Chiara Bonello

Malta is the first EU state to have all its elected MEP candidates sign ILGA-Europe’s 10-point pledge, committing themselves to promoting equality and combating discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

Joining the other four Maltese MEPs, despite his initial reservations, Nationalist MEP David Casa signed the pledge, making Malta the only EU state to have all its MEPs backing the initiative.

Other member states are moving at a somewhat slower pace. In fact, only Spain and Denmark are slightly above the halfway mark when it comes to candidates signing the pledge. A number of member states have had no candidates sign up, as yet.

On a European level, in fact, almost one fifth (19 per cent), or 139 of the 736 newly elected MEPs, have signed up and committed themselves to the 10 key issues outlined by ILGA. This non-governmental organisation works on a European level to represent persons and organisations of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals.

Its mission is to act as a voice for all those facing discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. It strives to promote the right to equality and freedom, to educate European institutions and to strengthen the capacity of European human rights organisations.

The initiative, which began during the electoral campaigns, lists ambitious EU legislation on equal treatment, the right to free movement in the EU for LGBT people and an inclusive definition of family among its priorities.

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