PN Equality Forum Reaffirms Support For LGBTIQ+ Community Following Borg Manché Comments

The Nationalist Party’s youth wing has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to LGBTIQ+ equality following controversy surrounding comments made by PN figure Conrad Borg Manché about Pride.

In comments sent to Lovin Malta, the Forum Opportunitajiet Indaqs Partit Nazzjonalista (FOIPN) stressed that both the organisation and the Nationalist Party remain committed to “the principles of equality, dignity and respect for every person”.

“FOIPN and PN remain committed to the principles of equality, dignity and respect for every person,” the organisation said. “We believe that LGBTIQ+ persons should be able to live their lives free from discrimination and prejudice.”

The statement comes after former Labour MEP Cyrus Engerer criticised Borg Manché’s remarks, warning that they risk undoing years of progress made by the PN on equality and civil liberties.

The organisation argued that despite significant legislative progress in Malta, many LGBTIQ+ people still face discrimination, social stigma, mental health challenges and barriers when accessing certain services.

“These realities are also a reminder of why initiatives such as Pride continue to have relevance today,” FOIPN said, describing Pride as both a celebration of progress achieved and an opportunity to highlight the work that still needs to be done.

The group also pointed out that recent Pride events have included participation from senior PN figures, including party leader Alex Borg, reflecting what it described as the party’s evolving engagement with the LGBTIQ+ community.

Looking ahead, FOIPN said the PN should continue following the path it has taken in recent years by maintaining open dialogue with LGBTIQ+ organisations and civil society groups.

“We believe the Party should continue on the path it has followed in recent years: listening, engaging and maintaining an open dialogue with the LGBTIQ+ community and civil society,” the organisation said.

FOIPN also referenced the PN’s most recent electoral programme, which included proposals aimed at strengthening equality, inclusion and access to services.

The organisation concluded by insisting that equality and human dignity must remain core values within the party.

“As President of FOIPN, I have always believed that lasting progress is achieved through principled engagement and a firm commitment to equality and human dignity,” the statement read.

The comments come amid a wider debate within the Nationalist Party about its future direction on social issues, with some party figures urging the PN to continue moving towards the centre-right European mainstream while others advocate a more conservative approach.

What do you make of FOIPN’s statement?

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Gabriel Falzon

Gabriel Falzon is a social media executive at Lovin Malta, with a keen interest in digital media, local businesses, and the natural world. Outside of work, you’ll often find him baking up a storm, diving into video games, or exploring the endless corners of YouTube.