The first ever government guidelines on the recognition of sex, sexuality and gender were launched by Minister for Equality, Research and Innovation Owen Bonnici.
The guidelines were developed by the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics (SOGIGESC) Unit within the Human Rights Directorate.
The document provides guidance to the public administration on the collection, use and amendment of name and/or gender information or gendered terminology in individual personal records or when communicating with service users. This is all part of building a public service that is everchanging and adapting itself to the modern realities whilst providing a high-quality service.
Training on the guidelines will be provided in collaboration with the Institute for the Public Service as of next year.
During his address, Minister Owen Bonnici said that the concrete measures implemented by the government since 2013 have put our country in the top spot with regards to LGBTIQ rights.
“But there is still much work to be done,” Minister Bonnici continued, “and these guidelines are another important step towards ensuring dignity and respect at all levels for all, regardless of sexuality or gender. By means of these guidelines, we aim to build a service of excellence in a modern world which always goes hand in hand with the requirements and changes in society, ensuring a consistent and high quality in government departments and entities.”
