Half a century of change

Over the years, Malta has experienced a definite and positive shift towards greater cultural acceptance of LGBT+ in all aspects of life. This, together with changes in legislation introduced by the government, saw the Maltese Islands rank at first place on the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Europe Index in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

SAME-SEX SEXUAL ACTIVITY LEGALISED Being homosexual is decriminalised, allowing Maltese citizens to have a relationship or sexual contact with a person of the same sex without being accused of criminal actions.

1973 2002

LGB PERMITTED TO SERVE OPENLY IN THE MILITARY Lesbian and Gay people are allowed to serve in the military openly without being discriminated against for their orientation.

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ANTIDISCRIMINATION LAW IN EMPLOYMENT This law made it a priority to protect all employees and to ensure that equal rights are given regardless of the orientation, age, sex and religious belief. GENDER IDENTITY Malta became the first European state to enable applicants to change their gender identity by completing a affidavit with a notary.

2004 2012 2014

FIRST PRIDE MARCH The first Pride march highlighted that LGBT+ people were present on the island and more equal rights were needed to make Malta a gay friendly country. ANTIDISCRIMINATION LAW IN ALL AREAS The 2004 antidiscrimination law is amended to cover everyone from being discriminated against anywhere in Malta.

CIVIL UNION ACT AND JOINT ADOPTION This law enables same sex couples to have equal rights as married couples. This also means that people of the same-sex are given the right to adopt a child and build a family together.

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2015

INTERSEX PROTECTION Malta became the first country in the world to outlaw sterilisation and invasive surgery on intersex people.

BAN OF GAY CONVERSION THERAPY Malta is the first European country to ban gay conversion therapy. Anyone that tries to cure, change, repress or eliminate a person’s sexual orientation will be fined or jailed.

FIRST CHILD ADOPTED BY A GAY COUPLE Kris Grima and Steve Vella welcomed Ben into their lives.

2016

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SAME-SEX MARRIAGE Same-sex marriage is legalised. This law also means that people are not obliged to announce their gender i.e. husband and wife becomes spouse and mother and father becomes parents.

RANKED FIRST ON THE RAINBOW INDEX The ILGA-Europe Rainbow Index, reflecting the human rights of LGBT+ people in Europe, voted Malta the most gay friendly destination in 2016, 2017 & 2018.

2017 2018 2019

GENDER NEUTRAL IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS Malta introduced the neutral ‘X’ gender marker for official documents.

AMENDMENT TO THE IVF LAW The amendment to the pre-existing law enabled same-sex couples to use IVF services. GAY BLOOD DONATIONS Previously, gay people that were sexually active were not allowed to donate blood due to the higher risk of STIs within the gay community. With new technology being introduced in Malta, more detailed tests will be taken from everyone that donates blood.

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