The International LGBTQ Youth and Student Organisation (IGLYO) voices its concern for the 2 young lesbian women assaulted in Malta this weekend (13 January 2012). In particular, one 16 year old woman was struck in the face and dragged by her hair across pavement by an assailant clearly motivated by homophobic bias. After the incident, police failed to arrest the young man who carried out the violent attack and his brother, who also participated in the harassment.

IGLYO calls on police to take appropriate response to such violent biased-based crime by arresting the young men involved in the attack. Also, the event has revealed that teachers in Malta schools encouraged the young woman's family to treat her negatively to change her sexual orientation- the family, however, has accepted the woman since she came out and continues to do so. IGLYO condemns the lack of action from the police, as well as the misconduct by Maltese teachers and school officials.

IGLYO insists that Malta law enforcement uphold their obligation and arrest the assailants involved in this attack. Furthermore, IGLYO insists that school administration and the Maltese government investigate the harmful and discriminatory actions by schools officials and institute anti-discrimination policies in education.

IGLYO also calls on the European Union to pass the Horizontal Anti-Discrimination Directive as soon as possible. This incident highlights the importance of EU-wide protections from discrimination, particularly in the area of education.

IGLYO is a Brussels-based umbrella organisation representing the needs and interests of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer young people throughout the pan-European region. For more information, visit www.iglyo.com or email info@iglyo.com.