Malta has been ranked 1st yet again for the eighth year in a row, with a score of 89% for the equality of the LGBTI+ community. Malta scored 13% higher than Belgium & Denmark who both placed second on the list. In order for a country to be assessed and given a score, ILGA-Europe evaluates the policies and laws in place of each European country using a comparative assessment tool. Malta was able to present positive and relevant forms of legal protection which in turn, was able to boost its scoring on the list. Malta provided decent protection in hate crime & speech, civil society space, asylum and gender recognition whilst promoting non-discrimination. 

Of course, there is always more that can be done but Malta leads Europe substantially in being the first European country to reach a 100% score in having equality among people who identify as a member of the LGBTI community. 

For more information regarding Malta’s positioning and ILGA-Europe, visit them here.