Malta retains top spot for 'Rainbow Europe' gay rights, say activists

FILE PHOTO: A projection showing the Maltese flag by digital artist Duane Laus cover the facade of the Auberge de Castille during the opening of Valletta 2018, European Capital of Culture, in Valletta, Malta, January 20, 2018. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi

LIMASSOL, Cyprus (Reuters) - A new dynamic has emerged in protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ communities across Europe, but significant difficulties remain and youngsters are particularly vulnerable, activists said on Thursday.

Malta retained its top spot on the "Rainbow Europe" for 2022 for respect of human rights and full equality, while Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia and Armenia were at the bottom of rankings among 49 countries compiled by ILGA-Europe, an umbrella organisation for 600 gay rights advocacy groups.