For the 9th consecutive year, Malta is named the most LGBTQ+ inclusive country in Europe

For the 9th consecutive year, Malta has been named the most LGBTQ+ inclusive country in Europe, according to the 2024 ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map & Index. Conversely, the UK has slipped from a score of 53.40% in 2023 to a score of 51.88% in 2024. This is grim reading for LGBTQ+ residents of the UK as the country scored a high of 86% in just 2015.

The annual ranking which evaluates 49 European countries based on their LGBTQ+ rights and policies, assessing areas such as equality, family rights, legal gender recognition, freedom of expression, and protection from hate crimes.

According to statistics, Malta, which received a score of 87.84%, leads the way with progressive laws and strong protections. Following closely behind are Iceland and Belgium, both recognised for their continued commitment to equality and human rights.

One major highlight this year is that Belgium officially banned conversion practices, taking a strong stance against these harmful and pseudoscientific “treatments” that seek to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

However, at the other end of the spectrum, countries like Russia, Azerbaijan and Turkey have the lowest scores, reflecting severe legal restrictions, discrimination, and increasing hostility toward LGBTQ+ communities.

The rankings highlight both progress and setbacks across Europe, urging governments to strengthen protections, combat discrimination, and ensure equal rights for all.

Chaber, Executive Director of ILGA-Europe, said: “The efforts at division and distraction from consolidated authoritarian regimes are further leaking into other European countries at a time where elections could push Europe into the hands of leaders who wish to shape a radical right, anti-democratic European Union.”

Full report HERE