‘Tattooed and pierced ...but no less human’

Six campaigners are tattooed, pierced and on a mission to change negative perceptions of body art and adornment. Tired of suspicious looks and what they perceive as prejudice, they have started a Facebook group and online petition to drum up support for their cause. “We don’t tolerate public racism or homophobia, so why should we allow discrimination to take place against people with tattoos and piercings,” asked Damian Allison, 32. They see their Accept Tattoos and Piercings in Malta campaign as a fight for acceptance, tolerance and civil rights. As of yesterday, about 1,350 people were members of the Facebook group and more than 260 had signed the petition. It is for anyone “fed up of seeing or suffering discrimination just because they are tattooed, pierced, or both – be it at the workplace, outside with friends or walking around with their kids”. Mr Allison said the petition was intended to raise awareness among the public and it would eventually be presented to the “relevant authorities”. “We are not saying ‘anything goes’ at work but why should people be judged on their appearance rather than their abilities? Employers are bowing to prejudice by saying the public don’t want...