#Allwelcome campaign launched to promote inclusion for LGBTIQ customers and employees
It seeks to create a safe space for the LGBTIQ community.
Businesses, shops and retail outlets can now join a campaign that seeks to promote a more inclusive nation. Various organisations involved aim to be more inclusive not only towards employees but also towards customers and partners, in reference to the LGBTIQ community.
The #ilkollmerhba #allwelcome campaign strives towards a business environment that is respectful of the LGBTIQ workforce, clients and business partners. Business organisations are encouraged to join this campaign to contribute towards diversity and equality at the workplace.
The principles of the campaign
The principles that each business organisation will adhere to once part of the campaign are as follows:
1. Respect for human dignity, ensuring that human rights are respected as are the individuals themselves, no matter their gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, nationality or religion.
2. Eliminate discrimination at the workplace and the market place, ensuring no discrimination in recruitment and employment stages, as well as respecting privacy and treating harassment.
3. Support LGBTIQ staff to create a positive working environment so that all members of staff can do their jobs without stigma and with dignity.
4. Adequate representation of diversity in our publicity campaigns to show support through internal policies, but also beyond the work environment and to seek to promote equal rights for all.
But what do the locals think about all this?
Locals are taking to online platforms to voice their opinions about this new logo to be used by businesses. Some are saying it is “implying a difference between the LGBTIQ and the rest of the human population”.
Others are saying, “If we’re marching towards a state where everyone is indeed equal, why is it that we need to label things like this? Isn’t this a step back? Implying that a shop is ‘ok with serving gay people’? Has there been any case here in Malta where people have not been served because of their sexuality? Are shops that do not display this going to be considered homophobic?” These guys are posing some serious points here.
Gabi Calleja from the Human Rights Directorate told the Times that the initiative wasn’t just a logo. “We are starting with the larger operators, but we want to include everyone from the largest businesses in Malta to small village grocers and band clubs.”
Are you a business or organisation and wish to apply?
Businesses and organisations can sign up to become part of #ilkollmerhba #allwelcome here. For more information, you can call the Human Rights and Integration Directorate on 2226 3210.
What do you think about this new campaign?