University students in heated debate on sexual health

J. Grima

Oct 16th 2009, 13:28

@ Andrew Camilleri

Quite selfish to say that a condom machine doesn't belong on campus, just cause you don't get any.

B.Cremona

Oct 16th 2009, 13:14

University or not.... they should be as frequent as other vending machines. Most ppl will have sex once the occasion comes, whether or not they do have a condom! So really, they should be made where they can be reached easily. We're full of 13 - 16yr old getting pregnant. That is FACT, face it! And we are paying for it! I think a few people here would think differently once their daughter would come back with a little bump on her tummy. Of course many of your little angels are using the pill... but that then doesn't protect you from infectious diseases which a condom might....

M. Zarb

Oct 16th 2009, 12:58

Just pointing out the obvious here - but you do realise that condoms (even out of a vending machine) are dispensed in packets, right? If a student opts to buy one, they're not going to use them on the nearest park bench; they can be kept in one's wallet or pockets - a condom is both precaution and prevention..

C. Bartolo

Oct 16th 2009, 12:54

Oh yes it's true - married people use condoms too. Hmm... So let's just show how progressive we all are and have vending machines installed at all our places of work, in public gardens, at the hospital, at City Gate etc etc It doesn't mean you're gonna indulge in some nookie on the step's of Piano's masterpiece, but hey, it IS a symbol you know... Come on people... it's just the way to show everyone how forward-thinking we are! What next? Oh well...

j farrugia

Oct 16th 2009, 12:30

Seriously. arent there any other important issues happening at UNI?? If a student wants to have a quicky in the bushes good for them, at least they'll be doing it safely. It's 2009 people wake up and smell the coffee. Each to there own as the great saying goes, dont like it dont use it.

R Farrugia

Oct 16th 2009, 12:04

What is the point in having a condom machine at university? do we go there to buy condoms and have sex or to learn something? if students want to have sex they could just as well go elsewhere not at university, and if they want to buy condoms, well, it's called a pharmacy people. Use it! Or have we become to lazy to walk to a pharmacy now, and that is why they want one on campus?

D. Grech

Oct 16th 2009, 11:34

I think we have reached a stage where this condom machine is now a symbol. Students do not NEED it - even when I was at university a couple of years ago one could easily obtain condoms from pharmacies or even other establishments. Having a condom machine on campus is a symbol of moving forward. Of the university, which is the place which should house people with the most open minds, being forward-thinking.
Having a condom machine would also be a symbol of responsibility. Promiscuity is not a positive thing, but it happens so at least people would be having sex responsibly. And it's not only promiscuous people who use condoms. People in long-term relationships - even married people - do. It's 98% effective against pregnancy AND STDs.

So what's the problem? Just install it and then, if it goes against your principles and beliefs, don't use it. Nobody's making you.

C. Bartolo

Oct 16th 2009, 10:12

The issue is not whether condoms are the cure of all evil or otherwise. The issue is - do we need a machine that distributes them at University? Is University the place for it? I don't think so. If you need to buy condoms, they are easily accessible in all supermarkets and pharmacies around the island. If you're clubbing and you find you desperately need one and didn't carry one with you, then you can buy one from vending machines in nearly every toilet of every club or bar. So why oh why do you need it at university? I'd rather have more coffee machines that work at university because during lectures, sex is the last thing on my mind !

D.Micallef

Oct 16th 2009, 09:08

The point is not having sex on campus... the point is the reason why the conservative forces oppose the condom machine. The point is that in 2009, you have to realize whether you like/preach it or not that many young people are active sexually, and that condoms are not a thing to be afraid off, but a means to prevent unwanted pregnancies. If that is immoral or not, its up to the INDIVIDUAL to decide. That's the point, not sex on campus.

Joe E. Galea

Oct 16th 2009, 08:31

Let me answer some of you:
@ Anthony Dimech: both...why not? What's wrong? Sex eases tension which builds up in many students studying...apart from being a natural physical need.
@Ernest Vella: OMG...do you really believe that some hours after there is a formed creature inside he womb?
@Tania Walters: wake up to reality too.

O. galea

Oct 15th 2009, 12:23

just because there's a condom machine on uni premises doesn't mean one is obliged to to avail onself of its contents

Those students who feel that the mere presence of condoms is immoral, bad, etc.. then don't buy them - nobody is forcing you
Also,
i challenge any of these same students to refuse a scholarship abroad if they're offered it.... after all, you'll definitely find the condom machine there ..... and that should be equally offensive to you.

PS... the increase in unwanted pregnancies should ease the curia's mind that their message is getting thru

A.Borg

Oct 15th 2009, 10:18

Oh YES!! The university students are very intense on this issue, msieken ta!

If they will get a condom machine, then a nice place to use it...or inside university building?

Are they so much want to do it they need a machine at campus, as if not to loose a few minutes?
Is this the self control they can demonstrate??

J Brincat

Oct 15th 2009, 09:09

Grow up university students. You are supposed to be progressive. At least that's what the rest of university students all over the world are. Please do not remain stuck in the Middle Ages..

Tania Walters

Oct 15th 2009, 01:38

There is a place and time for everything. A university campus is for studying not for having sex, unless of course, progress in your eyes mean you transform form human beings to dogs on heat. Who said all university students are intelligent?

Pule' Carmel

Oct 15th 2009, 00:55

Sex is an InterestingActivity. If you have plenty of time on your hand; it takes many impure forms, while if you have not much time on your hand, it usually takes the purest and holiest form. I would wager any student in Malta that his sexual desires would change completely, if he is asked to prove himself and to gofend for himself without any sustenance allowances whereby he has to find work to earn enough to pay for his accommodation, his food and his clothes and entertainment, and then slowly to find his educational track in finding and pay for school to obtain his entry requirements for a university, and once in, to pay his own way through that, for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Well that was my lot! I was so busy generating my own capital to pay for all fees that only a little time was left for football, two a side gym football,Debating all overEngland andBallroomDancing where the female company was so classical, charming and dancing to live orchestras, and dressing up was more like a royal occasion, and attending the theatre to see Gilbert and Sullivan was so satisfying and so pure and so clean.

R Spagnol

Oct 15th 2009, 00:00

Can Ms Cosaitis please illuminate us about what she really means by "Pull the other one!", and on what facts is she basing her opinion that student organisation Pulse may be associated to any political party?!

Pulse has always been consistent in its values and intervened effectively on every occasion where students were affected. This applies to any time since its foundation, irrespective of the party in office. Being a left-leaning organization in Malta does not mean you're part of the Labour party - at least one would expect a University student to know such things. Pulse have never hesitated to express its political principles, even despite the continuous stigmas and intimidation like the latest ones on the Nationalist media!

Ms Cosaitis surely knows better about students' organizations, their track record and how things work on campus. At least I hope she does before posting such comment!

Roslyn Schembri sheffield

Oct 14th 2009, 23:58

I can't understand why the University in Malta does not have a condom machine. The University should be responsible for its students and not prohibit them from having a healthy sexual life. If someone chooses not to have sex, then that is their business, but you do not have the right to 'force' others not to have sex!
Plus paedophilia and heroin users are really not the issue here. Why is Malta still under the say of the church? What one man thinks is right for the majority, does not mean he is right or we have to follow him just because he is a priest.
do we all have to be 'Catholics' to go to university?

A condom might not be 100% safe but it is far better protection than using nothing! And what's that thing bout prostitution?! Quite ridiculous I say!

MBorg

Oct 14th 2009, 23:18

@ Mario Cachia

Stipends have a lot to do with the debate held at university. You can call me old fashioned,but students usually go to unversity to study not to have intercourse, protected or not protected. That is why stipends are paid to help you in your education not for you to have sex on compus.

Your contribution makes us understand that some students are already having sex inplace of lectures. I . for one, am not happy to learn that the tax I pay to help you out is being used by you students to have fun !

Calling us old fashioned or conservative is not an insult, believe me. Some of you very COOL people would be much better off now and in the future ,if you had to lose some of your coolness .

Believe me you only make us pity you. What empty lives .

malcolm seychell

Oct 14th 2009, 22:57

Tat twerwir. discussing about a condom machine in 2009!!!!!

Jennifer Cosaitis

Oct 14th 2009, 22:19

@ Tyson Fenech - Pull the other one !

Same applies for Move as such..

Anthony Dimech

Oct 14th 2009, 21:47

Studies OR Sex......? What's your choice?

John Spiteri

Oct 14th 2009, 21:44

@Mario Cachia

"My last point is that sex is not unlike a few regard as a taboo, but is a natural and basic instinct,"

I was under the impression that one of the major principles of education is "the domestication of instinct". To be crude, That's what separates humans from rabbits, even though i am sure there are many progressives who would give a higher importance to rabbits than to humans.

isn't it telling that "progressiveness" can be perfectly associated with a condom? and with good reason - it is an ideological contraceptive to human reason.

Susanne Herold

Oct 14th 2009, 21:11

2009 !

Andrew Camilleri

Oct 14th 2009, 20:30

Please note that the views aired by the representative of MMSA do not reflect the views of all medical students. I, for one, am against having a condom machine on Campus, with all respect to Gaby Scicluna and SCORA (the subcommittee involved in raising awareness on sexual health issues). I also object to 'Move' being called 'proactive' - the MKSU is also a proactive organisation, voicing the opinion of many Catholic students. While the choice of whether to use a condom or not is up to an individual's discretion, a condom machine has no place on campus.

mario cachia

Oct 14th 2009, 20:11

What do stipends have to do with a debate held at university? Those who commented and compared stipends to debates need to freshen up their ideas.
The point of having a condom machine on campus is in my opinion a healthy one. To have intercourse is not something like iii theres a condom available now we can do it!!. Far from that, who wants to have intercourse will just do it. But if condoms are closely available people might opt more for using them, thus preventing stds and stis (sexually transmitted infections), while preventing conception. Please for all those old fashioned people and the church, contraception is far away from killing. A spermatozoon alone is not life.

Just because a few number of people are conservative, does not mean that everyone is like that. I wonder when the manipulation of the church will end in this country. By interfering with matters that it is not concerned about will only discourage more youths to boycot masses.

My last point is that sex is not unlike a few regard as a taboo, but is a natural and basic instinct, donating healthy benefits to all forms of life including humans

Emile Cassar

Oct 14th 2009, 19:55

And girls, don't forget there's the pill too... If you use BOTH the pill and the condom you are 99.9% protected from unplanned pregnancy and 98% protected from sexual infections.

If you use only the pill you are 99.9% protected from unplanned pregnancy, but not from sexual infections. So make your partner put on a condom.

Emile Cassar

Oct 14th 2009, 19:52

Father Ray, condoms are 98% safe. Better than 0% safe, which is what so many Maltese youngsters are when they have sex without a condom.

Let's stop this doctrinal nonsense and promote respect for oneself and for one's partner... if you are going to have sex, kindly use a condom!

John Spiteri

Oct 14th 2009, 19:26

How uplifting to know that the tax subsidised stipends will be spent on condoms! I was under the illusion that students spent our taxes on irrelevant things such as books. hooray for the enlightened progressive generation!

A. Gauci

Oct 14th 2009, 18:11

It seems that the new and future generations accept things which the past generations didn't. Some Maltese youths with a mind!

Bjorn Callus

Oct 14th 2009, 17:49

@ Marc Vella Bonnici - I suggest you to wait and see as regards Policies

@ S Cassar - Well you seem a bit too much prophetical in your comment. Just one simple question - If Move joins Pulse, what would be the aim of Move ppl of launching such organisation in the first place? I firmly believe that this is not the case. The aims of both organisations differ clearly.

As regards the results of the survey... did you by any chance see the survey? it is more than clear that the survey does not REFLECT Move's position.

Tyson Fenech

Oct 14th 2009, 17:46

@S Cassar

Pulse is a student based organization that humbles its Social-Democratic belief. However, we operate independently from any political party, union or other form of structure.

It is essential for the Maltese people to learn how to distinguish between political ideologies and political parties. The fact that Pulse is a left leaning student organization, it does not mean that we form part of the Labour Party.

So please stop these false allegations once and for all!

Pulse Executive

ray buhagiar

Oct 14th 2009, 17:43

I feel so proud that the creme de la creme of Malta are discussing a condom vending machine!! Halluna

J. Schembri

Oct 14th 2009, 17:12

How scientific was this Move survey?How were the samples taken? How many students were interviewed and at what time of the day? Were part time students included in this survey? Normally there is a percentage who would not answer these survey questions.Can MOVE publish their survey results on this paper? In my opinion this was just a guesstimate by a bunch of dillettantes who are not worth their salt.
My worry is not about the machines per se but about what these so called future doctors' preoccupations are.
Why didn't they ever protest about the cigarette vending machines and smoking on campus? We all know that nowadays there are whole organisations employing hundreds of people in Malta which are smoke free.How would they perform at work without a fag when they are faced with such situations in their work place.
Are students supposed to buy a condom on campus and go under a tree or in a car and satisfy their urge in between lectures ? Is this going to be like when they go out for a 'nifs' or a 'musmar' outside?

Michael Mercieca

Oct 14th 2009, 17:07

Its unbelievable that people waste their time on these ridiculous debates..... It would be much more constructive to discuss opening a fully stocked pharmacy near the university than just installing a condom machine. I can't believe that anybody is so not in control of their sexual urges to wait till they get home and buy the condoms from their local pharmacy. Also, I doubt that we want to promote fornication on campus now do we.

angela sultana

Oct 14th 2009, 17:04

This is Malta allright! As far as I know the University of Malta has been a longstanding reputable institution and never would I have imagined that a condom issue would be on the agenda of the university students attending this prestigious institution!
I think there is something severly wrong or may I say many things wronf:
1. universtiy students have alot of free time on their hands
2. do they think that rampant sex makes them better students
3. is this a reflection of today's generation when they want everything but are not ready to shoulder the responsibility tied with it
4. this behaviour reflects the attitude of our future professionals......v irresonsible behaviour .
God knows how they will handle the respective code of ethics and professionilism

Wake up all of you and do not let the world how ridiculous . Thye Medical Students Assosciation should gather statistics from the GUclinic first and speak responsibly.
There is no room for such issues in a University and handing out condoms should be a definite no no. Being modern does not mean one has to toleraqte everything

Luke Buttigieg

Oct 14th 2009, 17:04

There are condom machine just over 200m away from Quadrangle at very popular restaurants where many students hang out. I do not see why this discussion is relevant.

M.Friggieri

Oct 14th 2009, 16:59

What is so wrong with having a condom machine in a University? It is like a chocolate vending machine. If you want to buy a chocolate, buy one, if you do not want one don't buy one. It is a choice! Like in a shop if you want to buy a packet of condoms it is your choice.

SO WHAT if condoms are given during freshers week! If you want to use it, use it. If you don't, throw it away. It is not because something is given to you that you should make use of it!! What is the difference with having a condom machine in a University and a condom machine in a club? The people studying at university I believe are all adults and can make a decision for themselves.

James Grech

Oct 14th 2009, 16:57

@S Cassar
The issue mentioned is one of many others that were part of a survey which Uni students answered. There is nothing political about these views, to my knowledge. So don't take that attitude. It reflects the young adult's views about various issues. Having a condom machine on campus, though not the most important thing to tackle at the moment, is something which does not instigate free sex for all. After all condoms can now be easily found in any supermarket, so why not also on campus where the message "Safety first" should be highlighted, given recent statistics mentioned also by C. Sammut below. This has nothing to do with religion either, so pls Fr. Ray Zammit, though your views are welcome, it goes without saying that your attitude of "I know better" is not appropriate in a democracy about which we hear preaches every day.

Christian Sciberras

Oct 14th 2009, 16:48

Again, the installation of such a utility is beyond my understanding.


Doesn't the KSU / university have anything better to spend money on?

Gaby Scicluna,
why does the university have to raise the difference between the University and the Church? As far as I remember, the University doesn't disallow students from using condoms, so what the point in this symbolism?
Just an act of trouble-making?

Fr Ray Zammit,
I'm afraid you took this situation from the wron end.


Again, what is the whole point of this? Claims have been made that condoms can be bought anywhere, from pharmacies to super markets.
Why is there any need to put a vending machine inside the *University*?

You can have a small pause between lectures at the cafeteria, study in the library or work on some lab's PC, but *what* would you do with condoms?!


But then again, why am I complaining about a university not worth my attendance?
Students could turn the University into a playground for what I care.


Regards,
Christian Sciberras.

Theresa Calleja

Oct 14th 2009, 16:36

Those who think they know just how safe condoms are might want to do some research on HPV and Cervical Cancer... One may want to read Congressman Tom Coburn ( who had a full-time practice in obstetrics and family medicine)’s speech presented on 3rd October, 2000 before the US House of Representatives re: the "Cervical Cancer Public Awareness Resolution" But of course it took decades to bring the truth about cigarettes to light. Don’t those who promoted them, pre the Philip Morris scandal, feel the burden of hundreds of thousands of lives lost to tobacco? Won’t those pushing condoms into educational institutions (or anywhere else for that matter) have to shoulder this same guilt when truth is known re: the severe health risks and the suppressed information by the multi-million condom industry comes to light? Perhaps they should check their facts first and act as deluded puppet PRs for millionaires later.

Monique Agius

Oct 14th 2009, 16:30

@ C. Sammut
It would have been great to have Dr. Carabot debating but as far as I know he cannot talk as freely as he would like to.

Referring back to this article

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20081008/local/sexual-health-policy-still-in-the-incubator

Mark Anthony Sammut

Oct 14th 2009, 16:29

@R. Bartolo:
I usually refrain from replying to such threads, simply not worth it, but R. Bartolo's comments on paedophilia exceed all my limits of restraint.

You may need to be aware that more than 80% of abusers are relatives, or babysitters of the victims, and yes some of them would also have gone to University. Priests account for less than 1% of cases.

And what the hell do students want the condom machine on campus for? We have condom machines at bars, discos and clubs. They should be going to University to focus on study and research not sex. The motives are far away from the 'sexual health awareness' claim.

Anthony Briffa

Oct 14th 2009, 16:26

What a waste of time. As if today's youths, including university students, need a condom dispensing machine at their collages and university campus to obtain them. They can get condoms when they want from any pharmacy over the counter. The one thing about condoms is that, if they bother to use them, we will have less unmarried mothers claiming unkonown fathers for their children.

Byron Camilleri

Oct 14th 2009, 16:22

@ C. Sammut

We really hoped that Dr. Philip Carabott would be part of this debate as his knowledge about the subject is very useful to the nation as a hole.

However his reply was that he was not giving interviews before the sexual health policy is out.

J Muscat

Oct 14th 2009, 16:18

I think it's time we grow up in this country and start evaluating the after-effects of what has been pushed through our society as 'modern' and 'progressive'. Unluckily we tend to look very much at the short-term effects before proposing abortion, divorce, and 'healthy sexual lifes' as has been quoted in this article. However, in reality, this new progressive attitude is leading to a huge REGRESSION...because in reality it's eating down on the true values of respect towards others (Catholic or not), whether these are unborn children, spouses, or partners! But as long as we are satisfied there and then...it's ok and it's a right...then we try to handle repercussions later... And we boast that we are protecting the human rights, without understanding how false this claim is where there is no sincere love towards the other.

The Church has nothing to gain, financially, in promoting healthy relationships and advicing against morning-after pills, abortion and divorce...on the other hand there is a lot of profit by industry... Think about it and derive your own conclusions!

Let's realise that a healthy family at the basis of our society, would be a really valuable treasure to hold on to!

M. Zarb

Oct 14th 2009, 16:16

This condom machine debate is nothing short of amusing. If any students want to have sex, they can go to most supermarkets in Malta and buy them there. I highly doubt any students are going to decide to have sex purely because a condom machine is available!

Universities abroad give condoms out for free as part of their health division. Students that want to have sex will have sex anyway - isn't it better to try and prevent diseases, rather than discourage protection?

John Lewis

Oct 14th 2009, 16:11

Why don't you get married if you really love your partner. Condoms are not an excuse to have casual sex. When you have sex with some one you are not committed to, it can lead to a crisis pregnancy as well as STDs condom or not. abstinance is the only safe way to avoid STDs and crisis prganancy and a lot of heartache and disappointment

I.Scicluna

Oct 14th 2009, 16:10

Its time for an other change in mentality in this country. After that movement that brought Malta out from the dark ages during the sixties and so eliminated the great influence the church had on our society, now it is time, for a revolution in the Maltese University. Come on 'MOVE' lets change this country which is full of 'oqbra mbajda', and place Malta in the twenty-first century!

John Abela

Oct 14th 2009, 16:05

@ S Cassar

Our talent of equating absolutely ANYTHING with politics is flawless. I stand in awe of your partigianism and close-mindedness, sir.

Plus, USING CAPS LOCK IS RUDE. see? Basics of netiquette!!

Eric Gahn

Oct 14th 2009, 15:46

First of all, why is this being discussed in 2009? I do not know whether to laugh or cry!!!! What are we? A Theocracy?

Secondly: "But Fr Ray Zammit, a priest forming part of the Faculty of Theology, argued that just because the majority of students wanted something did not mean that it was the best option." ....Democracy the Roman Catholic way. Why not just burn at the stake the ones who want the machine installed?

karm cassar

Oct 14th 2009, 15:43

Of course ,they will be asking for an increase in the stipends.

C.Sammut

Oct 14th 2009, 15:41

I hope they invited Dr Philip Carabot of the GU clinic to provide them with the increasing statistics of sexually transmitted diseases (std) among youths. A condom dispenser will have no effect whatsoever if a student decides to have sex or not. But given the current std disposition, sex should be made safer on a national level. The University campus is a place with a large cohort of youths hence free availability of condoms is a good idea. Instilling catholic behaviour in youths is the Church's job not the nation's. Having a faithful partner and being monogamous, on the other hand, should be in everybody's personal interest as it is one way to avoid getting an std.

R. Bartolo

Oct 14th 2009, 15:38

"But Fr Ray Zammit, a priest forming part of the Faculty of Theology, argued that just because the majority of students wanted something did not mean that it was the best option."

Yes. Just because the majority want it, does not mean we have the right for it. That is why we live in a theocracy, and not a democracy.

"Agreement by the majority to paedophilia or the use of heroin would not make these a good thing."

Do I need to remind Fr. Ray Zammit which group was most accused of paedophilia, whether it is university students, or priests?

S Cassar

Oct 14th 2009, 15:38

I HEARD THE WORD PROGRESSIVE BEFORE!

ANOTHER EXTENSION OF LABOUR ON CAMPUS! IT WILL NOW JOIN PULSE AND THUS THERE ARE TWO LABOUR ORGANISATIONS ON CAMPUS!

WILL JOSEPH MUSCAT NOW TELL US WHETHER HE AGRESS WITH THIS PL ORGANISATION ON ITS STAND ABOUT SAME SEX MARRIAGE????!

Keith Gauci

Oct 14th 2009, 15:33

I'm impressed by the Conservative attitude taken by Moviment Kattolici Studenti Universitarji (MKSU). Come on guys, we are living in the year 2009.

I can't understand why there is all this heated debated on a condom machine. Just fix this condom machine!!! The majority of students have a progressive attitude towards this issue.

MKSU pls understand that there is a seperation between Church and State. We are not living any more in the 1600. Pls don't remain living in the conservatism.

K. Pullicino

Oct 14th 2009, 15:33

Ah, I see. So the reason students want a condom machine on campus is only to spite the Church. That is clearly very mature and reflects some very deep thinking.

N.Calleja

Oct 14th 2009, 15:31

Is this the modern society that is coming out of University. Is this the reason why we are giving the millions of euro as stipends each year. Are these students being educated because the insists on having condoms at the campus. With all the money that is being forked out by the tax-payers we expect much better from tomorrow's adults. It seems that the campus has turned into a shabby shanty town!!

Marc Vella Bonnici

Oct 14th 2009, 15:27

Although having a debate on this topic was a good idea i do not agree that the timing for this debate was good.. despite the interest shown by students towards this debate, MOVE should not have included the debate in their launch.. they should have told the students more about what they really are and what they will be doing on campus to help the students seeing as there are many other things that the students can benefit from other than a condom machine.. What policy is MOVE going to take on other topics??

Ernest Vella

Oct 14th 2009, 15:25

Is this the move they want to give to the University,,,"the morning after pill" - why don't they teach there followers to "take the night before pill" by making them responsible of there deeds instead of (ala Maltija) l-ewwel ihawwdu umbat tehel kreatura innocenti.

And condoms....do we want or women to be prostitutes running from one man to another....love means responsability, respect, patience, humbleness, sacrifice and not sex with the first one which comes....sex has no risk if true love is....condoms, pills are not a solution...responsability is.....as an old man said; "l-ewwel iridu l-pappa umbat ma jridux l-impappa....cittadini serji ha jkollna 4 t'ijiem ohra!

Scerri S

Oct 14th 2009, 15:21

What's the issue then? Just introduce the machines on campus but keep clear of a 5-metre buffer zone around the holy of holies, i.e. the Faculty of Theology. So that Mr. Zammit and the studenti kattolici do not feel threathened by the little plastic bits (I dare not mention the *shock and horror* c-word).

Seriously, comparing sexually-active students to peadophiles and heroin users! Why are these people given such a say in everything anyway? Battle lost, now move on.

J. Schembri

Oct 14th 2009, 15:17

Would there be a commission paid by the the condom vending machine provider to MOVE or the Medical Students’ Association ? After all doctors are get commission on pharmaceuticals they prescribe.
How many university students got pregnant on Campus? If one needs to buy condoms nowadays one can buy them over the counter .

M.Brincat

Oct 14th 2009, 15:09

Let us weigh the consequences please. We're tired of people taking decisions for us. Especially the Church.. old-fashioned . . men (priests) talking about unwanted pregnancies and families is a joke.

Joann Bugeja

Oct 14th 2009, 15:06

Quo Vadis ?!!?

Eman Pulis

Oct 14th 2009, 15:04

Is Fr Ray insiuating that the installation of a condom machine on campus is as immoral as paedophaelia and the use of heroin? I personally feel taht one is misleading when comparing a lecturer or student who buys condoms from a condom machine on campus to a paedophile, heroin addict lecturer or student on campus.

Also, this is a democratic country in which the will of the majority should not be neglected.

An alternative to a condom machine (which is likely to be vandalised anyways) is to simply stock one of the vending machines' shelves with condom packets. A student using a condom machine is obviously buying condoms, and thsi alone can be a deterrant for students to use it in peak hours, when there is a lot of movement on campus. On the other hand, a normal vending machine sells soft drinks, snacks and, why not, packets of condoms too. This way, the privacy of a student or lecturer who needs to buy condoms is better protected.

S. Calleja

Oct 14th 2009, 14:59

"Agreement by the majority to paedophilia or the use of heroin would not make these a good thing." (hence condoms are bad) The logic used in comparing the use of condoms with paedophilia or heroin is beyond me. What is the point here?

C Calleja

Oct 14th 2009, 14:55

Some pro-active students on campus at last.

Kenneth Roberts

Oct 14th 2009, 14:47

Pathetic!
Are we still arguing about this.... is this the most important thing we can discuss?!