Over 1,700 police officers were trained by the Human Rights Directorate within the Parliamentary Secretariat for Equality and Reforms on equality legislative reforms, the government said.

A government statement issued Thursday read that the implementation of the Equality Strategy for LGBTIQ+ individuals, which extends till 2027, was discussed at a national conference organized by the Human Rights Directorate within the Secretariat.

As part of this effort, the directorate trained over 1,700 police officers, including on legislation implemented in recent years, specifically reforms regarding the LGBTIQ+ sector.

Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg spoke about the legislative reforms carried out in recent months to advance the reformist agenda in favour of equality and human rights.

She mentioned the legislative amendments made in recent months, including granting non-binary individuals the right to be registered as such on their birth certificates, and amendments strengthening the law prohibiting fraudulent conversion therapy practices.

Buttigieg said that since the first Pride March in Malta 20 years ago, there has been a revolution in the recognition of LGBTIQ+ individuals' rights, ensuring their civil rights, which she emphasized are fundamental human rights.

She added that, as in recent years, Malta will continue to promote these rights in international forums, particularly as it will hold the Presidency of the Council of Europe next year.

Buttigieg said that Malta has achieved international recognition, having ranked first in the European index for the protection of the rights of this community for the ninth consecutive year.

She said that as a country, significant progress has been made in laws that ensure dignity and equality for LGBTIQ+ individuals.

However, Buttigieg said that the work must continue with greater commitment to overcome obstacles and prejudices that cause injustice and discrimination against members of this community.

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