Ivan Camilleri, Brussels
Malta defending Church position on anti-discrimination talks
Negotiations among EU states on a new proposal about an anti-discrimination directive have been slowed down in recent weeks following objections by pro-Catholic members, including Malta.
Malta, Italy, Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic are taking a pro-Church stance during the negotiations and have presented amendments to water down substantially the text of the directive particularly where religious discrimination is involved, EU sources told The Sunday Times.
The new proposal, which has angered the Church, intends to widen the scope of the current Equal Treatment Directive which until now only caters for anti-discrimination provisions related to employment.
The European Commission is now suggesting that discrimination will also become illegal in relation to sexual orientation, age, religious belief and disability as well as the provision of goods and services.
The British bishops, who recently came out publicly against the directive, gave some examples of what could happen if the text of the proposal is not amended.
"The organisers of a Catholic conference, for instance, would be legally obliged to make double rooms available to gay and unmarried couples as well as to married heterosexuals... or from insisting that people at church events behave in a way consistent with Christian teaching," the bishops said.
The Church described the directive as a possible new "instrument of oppression" against religion. Its authorities in various member states, including Malta's Curia, are therefore putting pressure on their governments to defend the faithful.
The government would only say negotiations are still ongoing at working-party level. However, a government spokesman admitted there were certain aspects of the proposal which could affect Maltese society and which needed to be changed.
"Malta's concerns relate to the practical interpretation and implementation of this proposal particularly as this has far-reaching implications which cut across Maltese society. Malta believes national competencies need to be clearly demarcated."
At the same time, the government insisted it fully respects the principles underlying the proposed directive and endorses its broad objectives.
"It is pertinent to note that the government has over the years instituted several measures in order to overcome discrimination in the areas of gender, race and disability," the spokesman said.
Although Sweden, which holds the EU Presidency and is one of the most liberal European countries, was hoping to reach a conclusion on this directive by the end of this year, the objections made by the Church and reflected in the position of the pro-Church member states will effectively mean the negotiations will take much longer and the directive will be virtually re-written.
This directive needs the unanimous support of member states before approval.
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claire farrugia
Sep 7th 2009, 01:40
As far as gender equality is concerned, we are one of the worst countries in Europe, especially when it comes to women reaching top career positions we are the WORST in Europe, I am not saying this but an EU study which was published in the times recently.
regarding religious and sexual orientation discriminations, I do not think studies have been published as yet, but if there will be any in the future I am afraid to read the results.....
K. Pullicino
Sep 6th 2009, 19:07
This is just taking equality to the extreme. As usual, the liberal thinkers turn a good concept into something ridiculous.
By separating people into various groups, you're essentially bringing out their difference even more.
Equality means that I realize my full potential in *different* way than everyone else not having everyone doing the same thing.
T.gauci
Sep 6th 2009, 17:43
The comments are more entertaining than the article. the people who are against the church are the same people who are in favor of the church when it comes to certain things. the hypocrisy is unbelievable i must say
@claire farrugia
Malta is nothing compared to Europe. in Europe, discriminators would beat the hell out of you or kill you for having different sexual orientation and religion. someones living in parallel universe
Joseph Schembri
Sep 6th 2009, 17:31
"The organisers of a Catholic conference, for instance, would be legally obliged to make double rooms available to gay and unmarried couples as well as to married heterosexuals... ''
What utter balderdash of an excuse! What would a gay couple be doing in a church conference while the Church maintains this stance? It is like saying that a Jewish couple would attend a dinner given by the Stasi.
Joseph Vella
Sep 6th 2009, 15:53
dawn in nies bis serjeta jew????
Robert Callus
Sep 6th 2009, 13:08
"The organisers of a Catholic conference, for instance, would be legally obliged to make double rooms available to gay and unmarried couples as well as to married heterosexuals... ''
SO? Why should the Catholic church be exempted from non-discrimination obligations?
claire farrugia
Sep 6th 2009, 13:04
that Malta would defend the church position is clear.....however what is wrong against such a proposition, discrimination on the basis of religion, race or sexual orientation should not be done and all the necessary measures should be introduced to ensure this
why oppose such a Directive???? even on gender equality we are fare as one of the worst in Europe, let alone on gender, age and religion discrimination.....
even if such a directive is connected with costs and organizational efforts, it is actually a right of every EUROPEAN CITIZEN NOT TO BE DISCRIMINATED ON SUCH GROUNDS
C.ZARB
Sep 6th 2009, 12:48
So let me guess. According to the church its the locals duty to accept uncontrolled illegal immigration and they should adapt their beliefs and lifestyle to the other people's culture even it clashes with their own. On the other hand its not ok for the church to do the same and stop saying that the love expression between two gays is a sin which will condemn them to hell.
Ah as the English love to say, you can't have your cake and eat it and its difficult not to grin when you see the church being backstabbed by the same liberals whom it defended (in certain issues) in the first place.
c.caruana
Sep 6th 2009, 11:59
I hate this country and your religion!! I'm gay and i dont want to get discriminated!!