Quoting from, http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/
‘a strong debate would reflect that the Maltese society was "a nation which cared about minorities".
The Civil Liberties Act, she said, was a government commitment to continue "breaking down barriers".
"This is not about gay rights but about human rights. We want to live in a society where every individual enjoys the same rights, with an equal access to opportunities. The point of departure being that we are all human beings," Dalli said.
The ‘Legalize Nudist beaches and topless bathing in Malta’ facebook pressure group commends the government for discussing the civil union bill, however, Hon Dalli, other PL officials and the opposition seem to infer that LGBT are the only minority group in Malta. In our case minister Dalli said that having naturist beaches was not on the PL manifesto!
Minority groups, include women, disabled people, ethnic and religious minorities, immigrants, gay persons, children, the elderly, hunters and us naturists. We wish that every effort is made to ensure that ALL persons living in Malta TRULY do not become victims of discrimination and political agendas that favour majorities. Sometimes our Constitution gives minorities rights but then our laws, conditions or culture take this away from us! Government needs to ascertain that minority’s fundamental human rights and civil liberties are safeguarded.
As a pressure group we believe that naturism is a liberating lifestyle and belief which encourages self-respect, respect for others and for the environment, and embodies freedom and a unique sense of communion with nature. It is purposefully non-erotic and non-sexual and engenders a wholesome appreciation of self and others.’ We therefore believe that the government and opposition need not side us away from main minority groups as our right to practice our belief is very valid and accepted worldwide.
Similarly other groups such as the physically/mentally disabled and ethnic/migrant/religious groups need urgent discussion and attention. For example, with regards to some female groups various inadequate conditions and situations make them a minority group as they are being dominated by abuse of many forms. For example, ‘seven out of 10 working women claim that their employer does not have an equal opportunity policy at work to avoid discrimination and harassment. One in every 10 women experienced some form of sexual harassment at work but half did not report the abuse or avoided the perpetrator. Only one in three of those harassed said they confronted their abuser’ (http://www.timesofmalta.com/
We encourage the government and opposition therefore to not ‘dwell’ solely on LGBT rights but rather, discuss all minority rights with equal importance and no political gain hunting! This ensures real "breaking down barriers" and fundamental civil and human rights for all. In some instances we are seeing more attention given to animal rights than certain minority groups and this is sad and concerning!
