Discrimination still widespread - survey

Discrimination in Malta based on gender, sexual orientation, age, religious beliefs and disability has diminished greatly over the last five years but is still widespread, according to an opinion survey released in Brussels yesterday.

The results also show that the Maltese in general still consider a different colour of skin as a problem. Nearly seven in 10 agreed that there is still widespread discrimination against people of different ethnic origin.

A sample of 500 participants took part in the survey conducted by Misco last July on behalf of Eurobarometer as part of an EU-wide survey.

A total of 58 per cent of respondents said that homosexuality is still a taboo subject in our society; 65 per cent feel it is not wise to state a homosexual tendency at the workplace, while 57 per cent feel that a homosexual is less likely to get a job.

Being dark or black is also considered to be a disadvantage: 65 per cent agree that people with a different skin colour have more difficulty in finding a job; 59 per cent do not agree that people of a different ethnic origin can enrich Maltese culture.

Overall, the situation is not that different in Europe. According to the EU-wide survey, 64 per cent of all Europeans feel that discrimination is widespread in their country with that based on ethnic origin and sexual orientation felt to be the most widespread.

The survey also delved into the knowledge of individual rights, an important tool when addressing discrimination.

The Maltese survey showed an exactly even split between those who say that they do not know their rights pertaining to discrimination and harassment (44 per cent) and those who say they do (43 per cent).

Maltese respondents show a higher level of knowledge than those in the EU as a whole, where a majority (56 per cent) say that they do not know their rights.

Asked whether they would like to see more female participation in politics, 86 per cent of Maltese respondents said yes.

Ivan Camilleri in Brussels