Parliament of Malta hosts Global Parliamentary Forum

Over 30 legislators from Europe, Africa and North America have gathered for a special debate in the Parliament of Malta to call for continued collaboration to advance LGBT+ equality.

The Global Parliamentary Forum, organised by Cyrus Engerer MEP with support from the Global Equality Caucus and Parliamentarians for Global Action, saw out LGBT+ elected officials and allies make impassioned speeches in defence of global LGBT+ rights in a three-hour session to mark the end of EuroPride Valletta 2023.

Cyrus Engerer MEP, co-organiser, with Deputy Speaker David Agius and Commissioner Helena Dalli.

Cyrus Engerer MEP greets Unity Dow MP of Botswana as members of GEC arrive for the debate.

Focusing on the theme of ‘Leadership and Representation’, attending lawmakers spoke about the importance of LGBT+ people serving visibly in elected office and working with brave allies to build consensus on inclusive laws.

In an opening speech, GEC Director Alan Wardle acknowledged that international convenings such as the GPF help legislators to share knowledge and experiences, and thanked legislators for continuing to show leadership on LGBT+ equality issues in a world where progress cannot be taken for granted.

GEC Director Alan Wardle opening speech at the Global Parliamentary Forum.

Unity Dow MP (Botswana) speaks at the Global Parliamentary Forum.

With Deputy Speaker David Agius presiding, multiple GEC members spoke during the debate, including Unity Dow MP from Botswana, Lisa Lachance MLA from Nova Scotia, Tomas Vytautas Raskevičius MP from Lithuania, Maja Moraçanin from North Macedonia, Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis from Massachusetts, and European Parliament Vice President Marc Angel MEP.

Also speaking from the House of Representatives floor were Helena Dalli, the European Commissioner for Equality, and Petra De Sutter, Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium. To honour the host parliament, the session closed with speeches by MPs from both the Maltese government and opposition.

European Commisisoner for Equality Helena Dalli.

Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Petra De Sutter.

Overall, legislators expressed concern that opponents of equality have become well-organised and well-funded, with a transnational campaign gaining traction to roll back rights for trans people, rainbow families, sexual & reproductive rights, and inclusive policies in education and healthcare.

To counter this, legislators agreed to continue speaking out against prejudice and to work together to advance inclusive legislation, sharing knowledge across borders.

Cyrus Engerer closing remarks at the Global Parliamentary Forum.

In emotional concluding remarks, Cyrus Engerer MEP - who received a standing ovation as he honoured friends who had lost their lives to hatred - praised the progress that had been made in Malta in recent years but emphasised that there is still work to do to affirm social acceptance and legal equality for all.

The Global Equality Caucus would like to thank all those who contributed to the Forum. We will continue to work with all partners to drive forward the Forum’s agenda for LGBT+ rights in Europe and beyond.

All photos courtesy of the Office of Cyrus Engerer MEP.