CHAMPIONING LGBTI RIGHTS WHILE FAILING WOMEN’S RIGHTS: UNRAVELING THE MALTESE PARADOX IN GENDER EQUALITY POLICIES

Abstract

This study inscribed within the gender regime theoretical framework aims at deepening the literature on the Maltese conundrum in gender equality policies, namely being the best country in terms of legislation to protect the LGBTI* while lagging behind in terms of women’s rights and especially considering the strict ban on abortion. Attention has been put on the already known factors more akin to political science, and more importantly on the cultural factors that explain those changes. This has been addressed through a case-study research design, built on 8 semi-structured interviews with LGBTI rights activists and pro-choice activists, and on a qualitative discussion of the latest statistics issued by the European Union in the Eurobarometer and by the European Institute for Gender equality, respectively in the case of queer communities and women. This qualitative study also brought Malta to the theoretical discussion on southern European gender regimes. The study confirmed the relevance of previously identified factors and nuanced some, while it highlighted the key importance of family values and national identity to make sense of this seemingly paradoxical situation. Results suggest that Malta can indeed be inscribed within the cluster of southern European gender regimes given the similar features it shares with other Mediterranean countries which are commonly included in it. *Throughout this study, the term LGBTI, standing for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex was adopted, in line with ILGA Europe’s terminology.