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# For the 9th consecutive year, Malta is named the most LGBTQ+ inclusive country in Europe
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/for-the-9th-consecutive-year-malta-is-named-the-most-lgbtq-inclusive-country-in-europe/
- Published: 2025-02-26T09:19:58.000Z
- Updated: 2025-02-26T09:19:58.000Z
- Description: 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 […
- Author: Graham Robson
- Tags: ILGA, ILGA-Europe, LGBT, LGBTQ

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**](https://rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org/?ref=scenemag.co.uk). 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.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2024-rainbow-map-e1740561531688.png)

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**](https://rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org/?ref=scenemag.co.uk)