Porn free? MP insists on censorship

charles caruana

Jun 12th 2010, 16:15

@ Xuereb

Oh Dear Dear! So typical of intellectual and moral pygmies to see intellectual giants like Muggeridge as falling short of their standards, especially if all they’re capable of is boiling eggs and inane gossip.

Louise Cassar

Jun 12th 2010, 15:39

Never until now have I realised what a great idea for a country to be Secular it is! Hail France!

Andrew Farrugia

Jun 12th 2010, 13:41

@ Xuereb
Talk of infiltrators and inanities! Return to your comfort zone, sweetie.

Joe Xuereb

Jun 12th 2010, 12:55

Malcolm Muggeridge, an intellectual par excellence, one who intellectualises everything - one has to be aware of that characteristic and those who flaunt it - is also known for not knowing how to boil an egg. And he's corruptible by a few perfectly normal images? Hmm!! With a face like that, no wonder HE corrupts the images.
It's said that ugliness is a disease to those who are. Crude, cruel, but alas, a fact. Nothing intellectual about that.

C Galea

Jun 12th 2010, 02:45

Has Labour MP Adrian Vassallo ever been in a hotel overseas where porn was part of the in house paying service to it,s clients? If so can he kindly and quickly produce any facts about his actions at that time like perhaps an objection, complaint etc, to management? Once again why is it that a whole new young and well educated generation has to have such members of parliament governing them ? I this one of the many reasons why the Labour Party will not be elected to power? Has religion ever paid ones wages and or created jobs?

monica vella

Jun 11th 2010, 21:48

Thank you Dr Vassallo. You certainly speak for us, that is my family and most of my friends. please keep up the pressure. 10 out of 10 to Dr Vassallo. Who cares what the BBC or any other organization thinks ?Mary Whitehouse campaigned vigorously against pornography, but she was outvoted by organizations like the BBC,and look at the UK now.

charles caruana

Jun 11th 2010, 21:32

Malcolm Muggeridge once said : "How do I know pornography depraves and corrupts? It depraves and corrupts me.”

Muggeridge was one of those rare birds: a man totally honest with himself.

Bill Khan

Jun 11th 2010, 20:47

@Luise cassar: Aside from the majority who are against pornograpghy, two dacades of research has shown viewing of pornogrpahic material tends to make men more agressive towards women and desensitises them towards the pain and suffereing of rape victims.
Half of rapists in one study were found to arouse themselves through viewing of pornogrpahic material before raping victims. That 77% of child molesters of boys and 85 % of child molesters of girls admitting imitating sexual behaviours they had seen modeled in pornioghraphy. rape cases are higher in states with higher sales of sex magazines and in those with laxed enforcement of pornography laws. Of the 38000 cases in the staet of michigan, 41% of the attackers viewed pornographic material before or during the attack.

We can put Mr. Vassallo on a busto Iran. That will not solve the problem of pornography.
For he whilst he be in Iran our streets in malta will become an interesting place for further research on the topic.

If the majority is not concerned with the menace of pornography, it definitely should be for its own sake.

V. Aquilina

Jun 11th 2010, 20:22

Well done Dr Vassallo. Rest assured that your stand on moral matters is shared by many.

C Galea

Jun 11th 2010, 14:49

Save us from your thoughts please go to direct to Iran and do not pay 200 euros just stay there.

Nick Falzon

Jun 11th 2010, 13:18

I'm just waiting for this silly "Ban Porn in Malta" nonsense to appear on the BBC and CNN in the Stupid News section.

It will show us up yet again - just like the vibrator statue row in Luqa before the Pope's visit.

What an utterly ridiculous bunch of politicians and police officers we have.

They'd last 2 minutes in any normal EU state.

MBorg

Jun 11th 2010, 12:54

@ Marianna Galea Xuereb
"Pron can help people satisfy their perhaps not so healthy urges in private and I would rather have that then to have such people act out their perhaps violent urges to un-consenting victims." Well said and I agree, but you have been proved wrong, I am afraid.

People who which this kind of hard pron films usually want to try it out, either on their wives or girlfriends, just watching it is not enough. Many a prostitue has benn killed, as has been the case in lately in the UK, by men who find that they need to satisfy their needs after watching such dirt.

People who say that there is no harm in pornography are already being brain washed by what they see. Pornagraphy is unhealthy and people who say that it does not harm marriage are talking through their hat.

Joe Zammit

Jun 11th 2010, 12:12

Well done, Dr Vassallo! The great majority of Maltese and Gozitans want people like you to defend morality with all your might.

Pornography does a lot of harm to the whole of society. It breaks down marriages and separates families! Whoever favours pornography favours marriage break-downs!

When one starts thinking pornography does no harm means that one has already started to become its victim. Pornography leads many to their marriage breakdowns.

MPs, fight pornography with all your might!

Simon Polidano

Jun 11th 2010, 12:00

Oh and to Andrew.....

why are you so scared of your minority being extinct...

if your 'minority' was so great - people would be flocking from it and it wouldn't be such a minority anymore

could it be that being such an extremist catholic is what is NOT healthy and people are starting to realise this... You guys have everything backwards - safe sex is a sin (so teen mothers are on the rise), yoga is a sin - only because it is derived from another religion (so most maltese are tense and uptight) tiskl tisk tisk... i feel sorry you live your life caged between four walls mate

i believe that god loves me if i have sex, if i watch porn and weather or not I'm gay.... i believe the real sins are judging other, murder, suicide, theft etc... so andrew - you live your sad lonely little life and when you're ready you can join us in the 21st century where people are different and NOT perfect and yet funnily enough God loves us all anyway. But if you want to keep believe the institute that says it represents God go ahead

Simon Polidano

Jun 11th 2010, 11:52

In a Muslim country, a similar film about Mohammed would provoke riots, he said. Asked whether hepreferred to live in such a society, he said he would not only prefer it but would be one of the people rioting.... XI DWEJJAQ!!!!

Ridiculing Religion!? Hahaha, so that is wrong but letting ReligiousInstitutions suppress us and dictate what we can or can't do, that's fine?

I Keep saying this country is taking one step forward and 5 steps back...!! The Pornographic Cinema was shut down?? Why would the do that? And what makes Pornography unhealthy??? Ejaculation has been proven to minimize testicular cancer - I don't call that unhealthy...

Thirty years ago, Dr Vassallo noted, he had not heard of single mothers but now he feared Malta was on its way to becoming like the UK "where children kill and rape each other". WHAT!?!?!
Are these the people that are making our decisions for us on this island?! I've never heard such rubbish in my entire life!!! So I grew up in a single parent household. Right after this post I'm off to rape a bung of people and kill anyone i meet along the way!!

Charles Grixti

Jun 11th 2010, 08:45

You have got to be kidding me right?

If any other MP in Europe or any other Western country brought up this request he would be laughed off the bench in Parliament and sent off to the "Loony Bin".

And the Maltese taxpayers are paying these MP's handsome salaries to come up with this tripe? If you keep going like this, Malta will soon be know as the 'Republic of Maltastan". The only up side to this is that Borat might make a movie about it.

Louise Cassar

Jun 11th 2010, 07:50

Dr Vassallo, in Iran they protest for democracy - they protest for what WE have HERE! And not vice-versa! I would have expected for someone in your position to know this!

Well, sure it's not healthy to have the same government for over 20 years, but with an alternative like the PL, whoa I'd much rather live under the PN rule for the rest of my life than spend a day under such medieval, insensitive and ignorant beliefs!

After all, better the devil you know, than the devil you don't!

Chris Grillo

Jun 11th 2010, 06:17

Some points I'd like to make.

1. I will NEVER EVER EVER allow anybody to tell me what to do for enjoyment in the comfort of my own home. As long as there is no injury, especially to children, I feel everyone is free to do as his whims dictate.

2. What is it with porn? Why all this fuss? Where is the degradation? I always assumed most participants enjoyed themselves...and the pay is good!

If you like it see, if you don't, don't. I am a staunch Christian, helping out every sunday at our local church, and I find it deplorable that there's a need to impose my beliefs onto somebody else. Let people be. I don't like it. I tune it out.. Wow! That was hard for me...

3. @Andrew Farrugia : I'm sure Hecate wouldn't too much of a splash in porn. Correct me if I'm wrong, (my greco roman history isn't that good anymore) but wasn't she frequently characterized as a virgin in late antiquity?

I know she is associated with Magic....maybe she can bring the World Cup to Malta...

I'll finish with my favourite quote. Live and Let Live.

Marianna Galea Xuereb

Jun 10th 2010, 17:42

@Christina Pace

“I would rather watch porn than be treated like a man's possession that he can use, abuse and kill whenever he chooses knowing fully that the law will back him up cause he's a man.” I fully agree.

Moreover, porn can help people satisfy their perhaps not so healthy urges in private and I would rather have that than to have such people act out their perhaps violent urges to un- consenting victims. Repressed sexual feelings never did anybody any good.

Marianna Galea Xuereb

Jun 10th 2010, 17:22

As far as I am concerned, pornography ought to be allowed in hotels in rooms which are not occupied by under aged children. Access to Porn should be electronically blocked in rooms where a minor is staying - even if said minor is accompanied by parents/guardians.

The fact that nowadays we have far too many teenage single mothers who have never worked has got nothing to do with pornography but a lot to do with the handouts such scrounging single mothers are getting from the state at overtaxed taxpayers' expense.

Andrew Farrugia

Jun 10th 2010, 16:53

Hey, all of you porn lovers, freedom fighters, and assorted scourges of the Catholic!
Why don't you give us (staunch minority in danger of extinction) a break and move on to Hecate's Lair: yes Hecate! Don't you know who she is? She has her own space! Go on! I am sure you will have much fun and such delectation.

Cecil Herbert Jones

Jun 10th 2010, 16:01

Nasty things going on in pornography these days, and the protagonists call themselves artists. Maybe they are. After all the Greeks in 'Greek times' used to hold huge festivals in their Dionysus theatre to celebrate the fallack symbol. Oh and the Romans had orgies after-banquet hours in their palaces! Nowadays its all very virtual and nobody has to even leave their room.

On a more mundane note, a PL MP suggests approval of porn channels in hotel rooms and another PL MP opposes it, and the whole thing mushrooms into a political discussion full of rhetorical innuendos .....nothing to do with pornography at all.

Louise Cassar

Jun 10th 2010, 15:08

Sir,

First of all, I am NOT a Sir, thank you!

Second of all, yes, if from your balcony people cannot see you, then go ahead and stay naked in it.
And second of all, why are you asking ME why YOU can't walk around naked around the USA? What do I care about the USA if the article is about removing porn from hotels in Malta??

Ask Obama, he might know!

Alison Grech

Jun 10th 2010, 13:19

I recognized the film in question about someone being cloned from Jesus. It's Choke, and had our MP understood the film, he'd know that the protagonist was not cloned from Jesus, but it was all a lie cooked up by a psychiatric patient posing as a doctor. He may also like to know that book also exists, so his efforts will have to extend to bookshops too now.

Darren J. Galea

Jun 10th 2010, 12:27

Nothing like a controversy like this for bringing out all the religious fruitcakes - this is a message to all those who want the government and church to decide what you can and can not think, see and read:

1. emigrate
2. get a life

Dr A. Alshinawi

Jun 10th 2010, 11:48

Dear MP - I am sure that you do not know much about Iran....and I am certain that many, many Iranians would love to have much of the freedom associated with Western civilisation (despite its other problems..) and after all, you as an MP should have more important things to worry about, and keep your brain busy with..!!!

charles caruana

Jun 10th 2010, 11:22

@Kenneth Zammit Tabona

‘Party ideology is propagated by the Leader of that party alone. Everything else is to be considered as hogwash.’

Are you implying some kind of personality cult, Stalin-like in the PL? Are you damning the PL leader with faint praise? In that case Mr Muscat won’t be amused, I’m sure. On the other hand, if your praise is genuine, it doesn’t say much for your democratic credentials. The sinister innuendo in your last sentence seems to suggest this.

Jesmond Mifsud

Jun 10th 2010, 08:59

It's beginning to look a lot like China
Porn will be no more
Facebook comments not allowed
or else you'll be put down
cos that's the way we roll

:)

Roderick Micallef

Jun 10th 2010, 07:33

Dear Mr.M.Borg,
The UK is still in the middle ages compared to us? Can you exactly tell us how can you came up with this fancy conclusion? Or is it just another thought, another assumption! Whether cohabitation is being done by most or not is irrelevant.
First of all I can decide what is good and bad without the association of 'mortal sins' and any other religious dogma, I don't need an MP or Kuria to decide for me what is good and bad.
Secondly if adults decide to watch pornography there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, the fact that they watch it in private is no evidence that something wrong is being done to society (it would effect them at tops positive or negative, but saying that the whole society is effected negatively is ridiculous to say the least) especially in Malta were it is still illegal officially.
This is all about perception, it's about adults being free to choose what they want and what they don't want. The people still in the middle ages are those who think they can still decide for all of us when effectively they have no right or power to do so!

Alex Borg

Jun 10th 2010, 00:47

Does MP Adrian Vassallo know that the Maltese are reportedly among the highest consumers of pornographic media over the internet? A reaction to all the repression suffered as a result of an obscurantist and hypocritical Catholic morality. Adults should be left to decide for themselves what to view, and should not have a censorship board to impose its decisions on them. The state should ensure that citizens who choose not to follow this morality should be educated in civic and secular values. Such a process should start in schools. A lot of young people are distancing themselves from the church, but then find that they have no other values they can abide by. This is causing a vacuum leading them to materialistic and consumerist patterns of behaviour which can also include obsessive consumption of pornography. Like all things it is excessive consumption that causes harm. In small doses and as long as there is consent and no exploitation, pornography can even be a fun thing to consume from time to time. Enough with all this hypocrisy and prudishness!

Jes Attard

Jun 10th 2010, 00:16

Some here are being very unfair and shooting pathtetic assumptions from the hip. Really Mr.Caruana Galizia how many Labourites do you surround yourself with on a daily basis to come to the conclusion that labourites are conservative ta wara l-munatnji? I can assure you that I, a long standing labourite together with many I spoke to this morning at work who are labourites like me think that this vassallo guy is just plain stupid and his comments totally unwarranted. So please before passing general remarks and talking to us as if you're some god sent sociologist do yourself a favour and inform yourself well about what many of us think about vassallo's comments. Unless that is your only aim was not just of tainting labourites with everything negative under the sun or grinding an axe you might have.

Maria.J.Buttigieg

Jun 9th 2010, 23:55

Maybe the minister whoever he is wants to increase the tv licence as well as paying extra money for more tv sets, what next i wonder, some bright sparks are going to ruin this country good and proper, where ever do they get these people from i wonder.

Andrew Farrugia

Jun 9th 2010, 22:59

@ Kenneth Zammit Tabona
"Party policy is propagated by the leader of that party alone. Everything else is to be considered as hogwash.........What the party does with regard to Dr Vassallo remains to be seen".
Wowwee: how enlightened! Soooo! The policies of a political party in 2010 are dictated by the leader according to you - my, my, how collegial and democratic! And as for the Hon Dr Vassallo, why, what would you suggest? Having him hung, drawn and quartered for having the balls to speak out against depravity? Even though he may have gone a bit too far with his Iranian allusions, are people so scared of just one politician out of sixty five who actually speaks what he thinks and believes? We have really come to a pretty pass when the only members of society who are not allowed to form part of the House of representatives of these fair lands are those who are not ashamed of professing their faith! Homo sapiens, my left goolie!

Joe Zammit

Jun 9th 2010, 22:14

Is it sound advice to let a person become addict to pornography?

Is it sound advice to let a married man become dull to his wife and risking break down his marriage because of pornography?

Is it sound advice to let a young man besmirching his mind and heart and give up his studies or lose his job because of pornography?

MPs, fight pornography with all your might!

Martin Cassar

Jun 9th 2010, 21:02

I am old and mature enough. Can I just decide go naked in the street s of the USA (Public property) Or can I sun-bath naked in my private balcony in Iran?

Can any body help me out please? Thank you

M Bonello

Jun 9th 2010, 21:01

Again another case of parliament and mps not focusing on the important things in life, and focusing on trivialities.

Lets use all our energy to discuss whether blue films should be allowed in hotels, but ignore more crucial things like the economy, healthcare and illegal immigration.

Prosit Dr Vassallo.. keep up the good work!! farsa ta parlament

Amy Kaehn

Jun 9th 2010, 20:45

Mr. Vassallo has proved my point that Malta is a Theocracy in the poorly-taylored clothing of a Democracy. If you are against porn....don't watch it!

Darren Bugeja

Jun 9th 2010, 20:44

Dan xi laburist antik. please zur min hemm, taghmilx hsara. ifthu mohkom. nies bhal dawn andhom jitwarbu fil partit laburista. deni biss jamlu.

Christina Pace

Jun 9th 2010, 20:14

Dear Adrian Vassallo,
I assume your naivety comes from sources other that that of not watching porn. That is your personal choice and no one is gonna shuv porn on you, don't worry. However I'd like to point out, as a woman here, that although a minority of porn is degrading to women, I find the attitude in Iran, and the likes, towards women much more offersive.
I would rather watch porn than be treated like a man's possession that he can use, abuse and kill whenever he chooses knowing fully that the law will back him up cause he's a man.
What you consider a religion haven is really nothing more than another female oppressing country. But of course you're a man so you wouldn't need to consider that there.

Robert Agius

Jun 9th 2010, 19:42

'...would rather live in Iran and riot in the streets to defend his religion' Perhaps we should take you up to court for instigating. I won't however since I would rather riot in the streets to defend MY BELIEFS. If Muslim, or Muslim countries don't like our way they have 2 options leave, of get rid of technology such as internet to make sure they don't get offended (and lack means of information such as humanitarian aid when it suits their needs). This is Europe, not the middle east. You don't complain about indigenous lifestyles if you decide to live in an indigenous community, thus you should adapt to European LIBERTIES, which also come with RESPONSIBILITIES (in case you are another moron who thinks that porn might lead to rape. If it does perhaps its because of religious slave mentality. Always follow rather learn to use your head, which I believe is a god given tool, and THINK).

Robert Agius

Jun 9th 2010, 19:41

Welcome to middle aged Malta!is this some kind of new tourist attraction kind of marketing strategy. Let's face it, History is the only thing we have left (and forget other chapters being added apart from a long history or lame politicians). Perhaps this a way for us to attract more curiosity to the rock.

Cedric Mamo

Jun 9th 2010, 19:37

What's with this crap about ridiculing religion or not... if you don't like something you can switch the channel... I don't see anyone complaining about ridiculing people who don't believe in any religion (like me)... and they're ridiculed as well... everyone is... get over it... and what do ppl with a religion have over those who don't?

Joe Brincat

Jun 9th 2010, 19:26

i will readily pay for your air ticket to Iran ... as long as you let rest of us enjoy our European civil liberties.

Stephen Spiteri

Jun 9th 2010, 19:19

What irks me in Dr Vassallo's train of thought is that it seems to be o.k to imprison people for criticizing religion And that’s in the name of righteousness.
For him what is intolerable is to watch porn.
It is admirable that Dr Vassallo will vote against his pal. There is nothing wrong with that, in fact quite commendable. But to pick up Iran as a good example to follow is simply baffling.
I don‘t think that the doctor is oblivious to world affairs, so I don‘t exactly understand his crusade against what he perceives as the root of all evil i.e. anything that has to do with sex.
Finally may I remind him that some people rise by sin, and some by virtue fall.

Kenneth Zammit Tabona

Jun 9th 2010, 18:34

The legendary Mrs Patrick Campbell is quoted to have said that it does'nt matter what one does behind closed doors as long as one does not do it in the streets to frighten the horses! That may seem hypocritical to some but I have always found it to be very sound advice.

What is all this fuss about? It remains to be seen if the PL will back Dr Vassallo or not! Party ideology is propagated by the Leader of that party alone. Everything else is to be considered as hogwash.

The Leader of the Opposition has just today disassociated himself and the PL from all this silliness. What the Party does with regard to Dr Vassallo remains to be seen.

MBorg

Jun 9th 2010, 18:27

@RodericK Micallef

Pornography should become legal fast, cohabitation is not a sin because everyone in Malta is doing it, mortal sins do not exist, they are stupid things of the past. What a modern country Malta is turning into !

Becoming like the UK ? What a joke, we always go one better, the UK is still in the Middle Ages compared to us. To say that pronography is not degrading or unhealthy to society is the limit. It is degrading and unhealthy, and how ! Anyone who makes use of it knows it, that is why they watch it in private.

MBorg

Jun 9th 2010, 18:09

The two hoteliers said " pornographic pay-tv channels in hotel rooms were standard worldwide and as long as there was no access to children it should remain that way ". Does this mean that these hoteliers conduct surprise checks in hotel rooms to make sure that these pron channels are not being watched by children?

One hotelier said that " this was a service hotels should offer because it was in high demand by corporate clients." Do these pay-tv channels make the visit to Malta more enjoyable for these so called corporate clients ? In the end do any of the hoteliers really care who is making use of these channels ?

Graham Crocker

Jun 9th 2010, 18:04

"Labour MP Adrian Vassallo would rather live in Iran and riot in the streets to defend his religion than live in a country where pornography is available in hotel rooms."

Straight from the horses mouth, these people are lying to you with their talk of being liberal and moderate.

See what living in Iran is like:
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61025K20100201
http://www.islamtribune.com/2010/05/10/irans-moussavi-blasts-recent-hangings-as-unfair-website.html
http://www.il-pjazza.com/forum/index.php?topic=3571.5;wap2
(warning: graphic content)
http://www.truthtube.tv/play.php?vid=2225
http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/11_02/hangingPA_468x481.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kByRUQgFgUE

You have to be really messed up to vote for a guy who thinks mass executions are OK, but watching porn isn't.

Roderick Micallef

Jun 9th 2010, 17:54

Dear Dr.Vassallo,
If you don't like anything in particular including pornography you are free not to watch or subscribe to any material, however, you have no right to impose anything on any one.
Who are you to decide that pornography was degrading and unhealthy for society? How can you link the fact that Thirty years ago, there were no single mothers (I can assure you there were) and how did you get to this conclusion especially linking this fact to pornography?
Your personal fears that Malta was on the way to becoming like the UK is no mere justification and you have linked this once again to pornography without anything to backup your assumption.
The only thing I agreed with is that the law should be changed and pornography should become legal fast, simply because it doesn't make any more sense that pornography is still illegal in Malta when in actual fact every one (adults) can have access to it.
An educational awareness campaign about unprotected sex should be implemented which would be MUCH more effective, of course this didn't come to your mind since you decided that we can't keep on living like this with everyone ridiculing religion!

Mike F Abbot

Jun 9th 2010, 17:36

@james Galea

Feeling free and being free are two different things.

One is an illusion. (well, you could argue both are illusions, but that's another matter all together). Protecting the ideal of freedom is a better way to put it. Yes, it comes with challenges, but nothing good comes entirely for free does it? If you want the illusion, as it seems you do, then sure - go ahead and vote for a state that dictates everything, tell you what you can and can't do - right down the books you read and the TV you watch.

Be warned though - once you vote a government in that meets your wishes, you'll never be able to vote them out. After all, once they're in, they know what's best for you and who you should vote for, so why bother with a voting system.

Joe Fenech

Jun 9th 2010, 17:04

Censorship is ridiculous. However, at school, I would teach kids about sex exploitation, modern slavery, STDs, contraception, respect...and not waste learning 'Hail Maries' ad nauseam and discussing mortal sin!

Andrew Farrugia

Jun 9th 2010, 16:58

@ J Vella
And can you please inform me about the rarified, sophisticated, highly-developed place which your kind and generous self inhabits so that i may partake of the evolutionary processes which led to your riposte?

D.Degaetano

Jun 9th 2010, 16:53

Why do we keep forgetting that being of a certain religion is a choice not a must? There's no law that states you have to be Catholic or Muslim or of any other religion. So why are we still living in a society where people are judged based on how many of the commandments they are breaking? And surprise surprise....the ones that are doing the judging are those that are supposed to be Catholic!! Every adult has the right to choose what is good for him as long as his choices do not harm others....so can someone explain why watching these porn films is wrong? And please leave religion out of it!!

Andrew Farrugia

Jun 9th 2010, 16:51

@ S. Calleja.

Oh dear! Oh dear! Mr / Ms Calleja appears to believe in an ABSOLUTE right to freedom of expression and of choice. This implies that he is the sole judge of what is right and what is wrong! Does this mean that we should not try to protect our children from harming themselves, even physically? Does it mean that if you were to see me trying to kill myself in some moment of despair you would not do anything to protect me against myself? Do you feel so complete and fulfilled in your beliefs? Are all ideas / beliefs / actions equally valid? Some thinkers, far more qualified than myself, are likely to consider such an attitude as being the result of HUBRIS.

Joe Fenech

Jun 9th 2010, 16:47

UNDER GONZI, THIS WAS INEVITABLE !!!

Since he's going to be watching on people's bedroom activities (it 's his right!), he might find time to have a peep in the TV room!

Joe Fenech

Jun 9th 2010, 16:42

THIS COUNTRY HAS ***B I G*** PROBLEMS!!!!! Pajjiz tal-boloh!

George Vella

Jun 9th 2010, 16:38

Nowadays, in the era of the internet, you would not scandalize the young ones for they are growing up with scandals. The end result is going to be a disaster to all societies. Censorship is really needed in some way or another.

Andrew Farrugia

Jun 9th 2010, 16:23

@ Edward Caruana Galizia
You appear to quite well versed in liberalism; can you kindly provide us lesser mortals, the anti-diluvian troglodytes with a detailed list of principles and values which define this ideology? Thank you in anticipation.

Wlliam P Flynn

Jun 9th 2010, 16:02

Albert Dalli below says that because some people seduce boys and girls, no one should speak when priests do it.

He thinks our Constitution is fine as the "best brains "put it together"; and Chapter 1 Article 2 should continue to give the Catholic Church "the duty and the right to teach which principles are right and which are wrong" to all Maltese, practising Catholics or not. No choice.

This can be in relation to censorship,divorce-law, cohabitation-law,pornography,priest paedophilia,carnival attire,beach attire,gay-rights; in fact everything that the church thinks might have an impact on morality.
Are Maltese adults mature and intelligent enough to have laws without church approval? Is it appropriate to force church approval on secular legislative processes?

You agree or disagree? You have an opportunity to vote right now.

All welcome to vote including MrDalli, (his unintelligent, fallacious and quasi-libellous outburst notwithstanding. Care MrDalli!).

Tell your friends and families as long as they are Maltese they can vote; even if they live overseas. Foreigners are requested to please resist their urge to vote and respect the integrity of this poll.

Have a vote or just have a look to see how Maltese people are voting on:

http://www.fuse.com.au/wpf/Malta-Poll1.html

Hubert Paul Farrugia

Jun 9th 2010, 15:57

Perhaps Dr Vassallo's comments are a good start for future cooperatioon between Malta and Iran when Labour will be in goverment, just as Malta had with Libya in the 1980s (when Libya was considered to be one of the most dangerous states at the time)?... Is it an appetizer for things to come?

I'm curious to know why Joseph Muscat hasn't reacted at all to this statement by one of his MPs. Some things never change... PL is one of them!

J Pace

Jun 9th 2010, 15:39

tajjeb tajjeb..mela erbgha t'ijiem ohra dan jaghmel xi tip ta content filter fl-international link biex jibblokja l-porn li KULHADD jista jara for FREE mil-Internet.

U ghaliex tipo minn jara l-porn huwa ttimbrat li jkisser familja u elf haga ohra li ntqal fl-artiklu? Bl-istess argument, minn imur jikkumiedja l-quddies kull nhar ta hadd, kulhadd huwa qaddis?

Edward Caruana Galizia

Jun 9th 2010, 15:34

Incidentally, does Dr Vassallo know that there is a musical written by a Maltese citizen which opened in London not so long ago called, you guessed it, PORN THE MUSICAL?

A Chircop

Jun 9th 2010, 15:32

With all due respect, Mr/Ms Abdulkarim, where did you get your facts from? That's absolute nonsense! The real horrors against women - oppression, cruelty, genital mutilation, stonings, honour killings - do NOT happen in western countries where there's open access to pornography. It's the other way round. How about a recent law in Afghanistan that permits a man to kill his wife if she refuses him sex?

The (most probably american) "femi nazi" groups you refer to have totally lost the plot. In the USA, the biggest exporter of porn, women could not have it any better. It's the men who are becoming 2nd class citizens. Research what happens in american divorce courts, and see for yourself. This idea that where there is pornography women are oppressed, is absolute hogwash!

The reality is that a country where you can watch as much porn as you like, is also likely to be a country where your fundamental human and civil rights are also upheld and respected, whereas once the state starts dictating your personal sex life, it will oppress you in every sphere of your life! Let's wake up and use our brains, people.

Muscat Pat

Jun 9th 2010, 15:29

I don't agree with Dr Adrian Vassallo, but the man has got guts and very rare for a politician :principles. Compare this with many of our Ministers who queued to bless the hands of the Holy Father only last month! Sheer hypocrisy!

Gerad Cassar

Jun 9th 2010, 15:22

. These last 23 years have seen Malta change from a fully catholic to a partially one.The main fault is the P.N. government, that has obtrusively let things happen if not encouraging them such as letting pornography entering publicly on the islands. Who knew that hotels are free to show pornographic films without restrictions? That even T.V. channels transmit pornography. Under the P.N. anything could happen in spite of their Religio e Patria slogan. The nuns and members of secular religious orders ought to open their eyes and not let the P.N. to mislead them by the nose by professing that they are devote Catholics.
Everything has been going on, in so to say, underhand.
Candidates for a seat in Parliament or local councils have described themselves as ultra Catholics.
. Their C.V. distributed all over Malta to promote their own candidature for a place in local council or even Parliament describe themselves as ministers of Holy Communion. That they are members of the Catholic Church bodies such as legion of Mary, Catholic Action, Museum. However they find nothing wrong in pertaining to a party that allows pornography etc.
The P.N. are specimen hypocrites, are truly “white washed tombstones!”

Joe Zammit

Jun 9th 2010, 14:57

Members of Maltese Parliament, continue to be staunch in defending public morality. The majority of Maltese and Gozitans are backing you in your defence of morality.

Those who promote pornographic material are causing a lot of harm to our country.

Pornography destroys marriages and families. Our country needs strong marriages and families.

MPs, fight pornography with all your might!

dvella

Jun 9th 2010, 14:43

Well Done Adrian, but remember this business (politics), you're into and the politic fanatics, modern age, the secularised etc won't listen to a word you have to say! They prefer to live in total darkness! From what I can read you're a good and honest man so persecution will follow, same as to me supporting your quest with these few lines! It's a very hard job you've got! Don't be surprised if you don't get elected next term!!!! Anyhow better please God then anything else!

K.Bugeja

Jun 9th 2010, 14:36

I can't understand why we are even discussing this. Censorship became a farce ever since the internet became accessable to everyone. Today you can watch any kind of porn at a click of a button at any time from anywhere. Why bother with censorship of TV, magazines and other formes of media?? Why are we still wasting our time with censorship? The point is not whether censorship is right or wrong. You cannot impose censorship on the internet so why bother with the rest?

wally vella-zarb

Jun 9th 2010, 14:30

Bon Voyage, Hon Vassallo(s). Unwept, unsung, unlamented, you will not be missed. Fundamentalists - of whatever flavour - do not belong in a parliament, especially one that is supposed to be secular.

Cecil Herbert Jones

Jun 9th 2010, 14:19

Pornographic discussion going on here, turning out to be a pandemic. Porn, what an interesting subject, takes our mind away from power stations, that incidentally, I believe we should have one each...... a power station that is, not a pornograph.

About porn, its just like everything else, it seems that some people need it and some people don't. Should anyone be deprived? Of course anyone can be, and there's no harm done. I opt to look at the matter as a potential for sex education. And if people get turned on meanwhile there's no harm done either. Whats the fuss? Ever tried to watch the same porn movie forty times or more? It does take away the fuss.

William P Flynn

Jun 9th 2010, 14:09

So who should decide the moral standards of Malta? The church? The state? The people?

Please vote. The votes are coming in; don't be left out. Every Maltese person is welcome to vote according to their belief. One vote per person please. Register your vote and see how the voting is coming along, very interesting; see:

http://www.fuse.com.au/wpf/Malta-Poll1.html

Sean Grima

Jun 9th 2010, 14:04

an MP advocating rioting?

Mike F Abbot

Jun 9th 2010, 13:50

Dr Vassallo - if you would 'rather' live in Iran then off you go, no ones going to miss you. If you would 'rather' live in a democratic country, then you need to do some thinking.

and you go on to say... "I honestly believe that's the only solution... I don't think we can keep on living like this with everyone ridiculing religion."

Wow - that's it? that's your only solution? If you are representative of what our government/future government is made up of, no wonder our politicians are so damn ineffective. not much of a thinker are you?

We should all be very afraid if people like this have influence over our way of life. Very, very afraid.

by the way, if EVERYONE is ridiculing religion - don't you think there might - just might, be something wrong with religion? oh wait - you don't really like thinking do you.

David Richards

Jun 9th 2010, 13:45

I would like Mr Vassallo to explain his "English children kill and rape each other" comment - I feel these are serious accusations to make and generalizing a whole country's children in such a way is of very poor taste - my children are half English - does this make them killers and rapists ?

J.Galea

Jun 9th 2010, 13:38

@ Mr George micallef
Providing such service IS against the Law and you should Know it. Tell me, have the hotels in malta come to so a desperate situation that we cannot do without providing this service? God help our tourist industry.

G. Cutajar

Jun 9th 2010, 13:31

Kulhadd 'jikxef' il-kwalifici akkademici u religjuzi tieghu. Pornografija galore!!

Adrian Buckle

Jun 9th 2010, 13:24

Not only is he dumb enough to say it, he is also daft enough to repeat it.

Edward Caruana Galizia

Jun 9th 2010, 13:16

I would expect this type of behaviour from the PL more so than the PN.

Why is it that the image of progressive and liberal is being projected on to the PL so much recently? Is it just because they say they are so? Big deal! And what is really worrying is that people seem to be walking around as if the Labour Party in Malta is actually the Liberal alternative other Labour Parties are in other European Countries. Too many people are acting like politics in Malta is the same as politics in the rest of the world and that the PL is automatically liberal because of it s name and the PN automatically conservative for the same reasons. Thats just not how it works in Malta. No one has voted with any of that in mind over the past 40 years, so why are we pretending to do so now?

As far as I am concerned the PL just cannot live up to the Liberal ideals it is promissing because I think that all they are doing is trying to create the illusion of liberalism without actually having liberal people in the party. What a joke!

Peter Gee

Jun 9th 2010, 13:04

Let him go to Iran. This is a free country, up to now.

David Thake

Jun 9th 2010, 13:00

@ Joe Zammit

When views like yours are expressed I feel a throwback to the middle ages. If you see the need to have a nanny state passing censorship laws and banning divorce and an overbearing Church that preaches condemnation and scandal instead of forgiveness and understanding then maybe your own values are not strong enough to stand without this support.

james galea

Jun 9th 2010, 12:58

"Ms Xuereb, of the Palace Hotel, said "this was a service hotels should offer because it was in high demand by corporate clients"
So it means that these corporate clients will not come to Malta if porn films were not offered to them. All one has to dois explain to them that providing pornografy on tv is not permitted in the country. I do not think they will look down on us because if this.
If they still want to see porografy they can still see it if the hotel provides wifi internet but then that wuold be up to them to search for it.
Like Mr vassallo said it is not advisable to copy "open minded" countries cause they seem to be driving themselves to real social trouble.
Keep it up Mr Vassallo

H Meilak

Jun 9th 2010, 12:49

Nobody nowadays has a right to impose his/her beliefs on others, especially if it is an MP. However, at the same time, one cannot deny that most of the respondents here, judging by their aggressive reaction towards Dr. Vassallo’s comments, are certainly avid porn fans!

C.camilleri

Jun 9th 2010, 12:48

Jien ma naqbilx mal kummenti ta' l-onor.Vassallo kemm tal PN u kemm tal PL dwar x'isir kemm fil kamra tas-sodda u kemm ghal pornografija fi lukandi, PERO , PERO, f'dan il-pajjiz fejn ahna suppost demokratici huma ghandhom DRITT ghal opinjoni taghhom taqbel jew ma taqbilx ma li qalu.

Joe Zammit

Jun 9th 2010, 12:39

We want Malta and Gozo CLEAN: No pornography!

We want a CLEAN environment in Malta and Gozo: No pornography!

MPs, continue in your struggle against pornography because pornography harms the whole of our society.

If any MP backs pornography, we do not believe him that he wants to strengthen marriages and our families because pornography destroys marriages and separates families.

Michael Vella

Jun 9th 2010, 12:36

If anybody's thinking of collecting money for Dr. Vassallo's air ticket to Iran, I'd be very happy to contribute - only conditional that the ticket is one way.

Darren J. Galea

Jun 9th 2010, 12:33

Reading this makes it obvious that our politicians have nothing better to do than waste their time with these trivialities instead of concentrating on improving our lives as they are elected and paid to do. Vassallo should emigrate to Afghanistan and stop trying to impose his blinkered beliefs on us thank you very much. Get a life Vassallo! There are far more important issues you can dedicate your apparently boundless energy to, and that goes to the oversized Maltese parliament, sponges the lot of them, as a whole.

Incidents such as these merely serve to illustrate the need for a third and possibly a fourth party in Malta to break the monopoly these stooges have here. How long must we suffer these fools?

A. Slater

Jun 9th 2010, 12:27

Maybe Adrian Vassallo was referring to 'The Life of Brian' ?

In that film (a parody), Brian was not the Messiah, he was a very naughty boy !

Joe Zammit

Jun 9th 2010, 12:24

Members of Maltese Parliament, continue to be staunch in defending public morality. The majority of Maltese and Gozitans are backing you in your defence of morality.

Those who promote pornographic material are causing a lot of harm to our country.

Pornography destroys marriages and families. Our country needs strong marriages and families.

So no pornography!

Joanne Micallef

Jun 9th 2010, 12:22

Helsu min wiehed u sabu iehor milli jidher il PL!!!!!!!!

Sur Vassallo halli l-kullhadd liberu jiddeciedu hu xjara u ma jarax fil-privatezza ta daru ( jew tal-kamra fil-lukanda ), halli l-Mulej biex jiggudika l-ghagir ta dak li jkun.

A.Camilleri

Jun 9th 2010, 12:21

I might be saying this because i dont think anything about religon, why dont dr.vassallo go and live in IRAN and let us all live in a free county.if he wants to live in place that is 100yrs behind our time there is nothing stopping him from going there,

G Falzon

Jun 9th 2010, 12:21

I wouldn't compare Malta to Iran in the Mediterranean, pretty soon it will be more similar to North Korea. Stop saying that we can get free porn from the internet, otherwise pretty soon Dr Vassallo will want to abolish the internet too and we will have intranet instead of internet, so we can see only what Dr Vassallo wants us to!
So long to facebook!

Blanche' Borg

Jun 9th 2010, 12:20

Thumbs up to the moviment tal-Progressivi u l-Moderati! LOL Halluna...god forbids Labour gets to govern next time round.....hafna pozi u xejn sustanza ..

John Galea-Axiak

Jun 9th 2010, 12:16

Il-Pornografija hija intrinsikament perversita pura! Min ihobb jara il-pornografija huwa bniedem MARID u ghandu bzonn ta' kura psikologika jekk mhux ukoll psikjatrika. Nammira lil Onorevoli Dr. A. Vassallo li ghandu l-kuragg li jitkellem, imur kontra l-kurrent u jitkellem bil-miftuh fuq il-valuri u l-morali li jhaddan. Minn naha l-ohra inhoss li l-fatt li l-pornografija fil-lukandi meta tkun bil-hlas ghall-anqas tkun kontrollata u limitata ghal min hu pervers u li ma jaghddix minghajr ma jara l-pornografija u allura kuntent ihallas biex jaraha. Imma l-fatt li naqbdu nattakkaw lil Onor. Vassallo ghax ma jhaddanx il-kredu ta' Cikku l-Poplu pervers ma jfissirx li nippruvaw nifgawh! Prosit Onorevoli tal-valuri li thaddan.

ray sacco

Jun 9th 2010, 12:12

more silly behaviour from some of our saintly legislators! just like the sex shops case. on our hypocritical catholic island sex shops are not permitted. but then you go inside a souvenir shop with your children and you find dildos and all kinds of sex stuff! if sex shops were permitted, stuff like these would not be exposed to children and only adults are allowed to enter! but the important thing in this mickey-mouse country is that we do not have sex shops so that we can boast to the world that we are the most fanatic catholic country in the world!

John Vassallo

Jun 9th 2010, 11:56

I'm sure you don't mean it Dr Vassallo.

If you do mean it, then you should go, if you don't mean it, you're only degrading people who live there, which is immoral and ignorant.

Joseph Cauchi

Jun 9th 2010, 11:56

.


I think that Dr. Adrian Vassallo is a man of conviction and of sound moral principles.

We need people like him in our Parliament.

JC.

victor rodenas

Jun 9th 2010, 11:47

I do not agree that pornography can be shown in public, otherwise next in line would be nudist colonies...........mr. Vasallo said` look at the U.K. where children rape and kill each other`....I do not think that this happened because children in the U.K. watch pornography. Remember Cain killed his brother Abel ,I do not think Cain was watching a pornographic film then. One can find instances of rape and murders even in the Bible and in history books, long before pornography was available.Before it was even worse,remember Lot ,Sodoma and Gomorra ,Roman banquets etc.For those who do not know what I am talking about, ....check the Internet. My point is, that we are not any better or worse now.The World was always corrupt.

Adrian Archer

Jun 9th 2010, 11:46

although I respect and tolerate everyone's opinion...of both pro and against this matter...touche for the progressives and liberals!!!!

Karl Consiglio

Jun 9th 2010, 11:42

U wejja, you should thank God for porn.

LUCIENNE BUSUTTIL

Jun 9th 2010, 11:40

I believe that in a country like Malta , were internet is at hand to anyone and porn sights could be found by a click on a button , the argument sounds stupid. I prefer that a person with such fantasies in mind watch a porn film and satisfy his needs privately in his bed room, rather than harass or find someone to fulfill his needs against her will . It's only a matter of choice after all , and whoever is ready to pay to watch some hard core sex movies let them, those who are not interested won't .

Ramon Casha

Jun 9th 2010, 11:35

"Labour MP Adrian Vassallo would rather live in Iran and riot in the streets to defend his religion than live in a country where pornography is available in hotel rooms."

I'm willing to pay for the ticket.

cbugeja

Jun 9th 2010, 11:28

maybe we should go back to believing that the earth is flat,that the sun revolves around it and that it was created in seven days!or rather we will be forced to believe that for fear of being burnt alive in the village square.bring on torquemada

A. Grech

Jun 9th 2010, 11:28

When i consider that porn is so easily available over the internet and for free i wonder why politicians waste their time on such issues. So the political parties want to ban porn from cable tv, but most places in Malta will have free wifi areas... all you need is a laptop and some privacy. What a waste of time to deal with such issues.
I believe that stories like the above are craftily made to keep the people's mind distracted. Also strange is that a member of the labour party has an ideology of a conservative, change sides man, you're in the wrong party!!
I am of the opinion that most people do not want a totalitarian government, only extremists, "friends of friends" (intended for both major parties), and people fearful of change would want such extreme control over their lifes. So what if porn is available, it will only be viewed by those who seek it.
Now all of the above is my view of things, you may agree or disagree, like or dislike it, but its my right to say it (at least for now), always if the times webmaster posts it :)

D. Borg

Jun 9th 2010, 11:28

Dr Vassallo......u belong to the other side...I m sure u will be more than welcome!!!!!

L.Calejja Anglo/Maltese

Jun 9th 2010, 11:26

When we read such news of one's opinion regarding cencerships, i think its time for us to leave for pastures new, where one's freedom is acknowleged, i read somewhere that if a person over the age of 18 is old enouigh to die for his or her country then they are old enough to be responsible for their own free will, as long as nobody else is brain washed to do whatever tunrs them on. Or is this yet another China or Iran in a mediterraean european country?
L.C. Anglo/Maltese. UK

James A. Tyrrell

Jun 9th 2010, 11:26

I would say to Labour MP Adrian Vassallo, if you would rather live in Iran than Malta then I'm sure no one would stop you. You may find however when you get there that you wouldn't be so free to air your views in the press as you are in Malta.

On a personal front I find pornography disgusting and degrading mainly towards women but that is only my opinion. Whilst I fail to see what pleasure anyone gets from watching it I realise that there are those who do enjoy it and so long as they are not causing any harm to others I would respect their wish to continue watching it.

It's time people realised that we are living in the 21st century not the 19th. Times have changed in many ways, some good some bad but surely we have more to worry about than someone watching a porn film on their home TV or in their hotel room. We have children being molested and murdered, women being treated like punch bags in their own homes and an environment being destroyed by greed at an ever-increasing rate. Lets get our priorities straight here.

Joe Cordina

Jun 9th 2010, 11:24

Whatever your views, pornography in private is not ilegal, however it is illegal to distribute or show pornography whether for gain or not.

JOe VELLa

Jun 9th 2010, 11:24

@Mr. A. Abdulkarim
There are natural laws that are common not only in religion but ingrown in us. It is ignorance to refer to Islam or Christianity, they both are so close in their believe on lot of issues. However people whose only intent is money and greed used to sell cigarettes to us to be cowboy like, alcohol to be sporty, big cars to be free, drug to knock ourselves for the day, only do we realize the few are exploiting us all.
When it comes to porn. The Good Lord advise us what is good for us, be it Christian or Islams, first we started with soft pron and we said that's no problem, later we had hard porn, now we have red porn, we are even moving to child porn. Is this what we want to see. Shame on us all.
In the book of wisdom it says at the end of the day we all sleep facing the wall and all the rest in vanity!
Let those that want to hear please do!

Frank Grech

Jun 9th 2010, 11:24

what country are we living in?!
im disgusted by such comments. now we started blaming porn for rape and murder, is this guy serious?!?!?

jcassar

Jun 9th 2010, 11:22

is this the new PL? ma x biza

J. Van Den Brink (Mv)

Jun 9th 2010, 11:18

I just wonder can anyone reply to my opinion or comment this includes the holy minister, if and when its time for us mortals to leave this world and fly to the golden gates of heaven(?) would anyone one or even the holy maltese i presume minister volenteer to take our place. Yes or NO is the big questiuon. Everyone over the age of 18 is responsible for their own action and whatever they do behind close doors is nobody's business, yes one must live by the correct morals, how many times do we read in the media about the clergy, doctors, ministers and MP's all over the world,i needen't go further we all know the answer. So please whoever it is live your live the proper decent way, and live everyday AS IF IT IS YOUR LAST DAY, ....AS ONE DAY YOU WILL BE RIGHT, unless this only applies to the Maltese and not us guests and tourists. one more point take the pregancies case in Malta as compare to ours in the Netherlands, for a small island its much higher then ours in Holland and why, cause we have the proper sex education at a young age.

Malicia Dabrowicz

Jun 9th 2010, 11:03

I wish that Adrian Vassallo would just quit being a MP. What good do we have with people like that? Just a waste of money, place in the parliament. Seriously Mr Vassallo, please give up your seat, I will gladly take your place and use it for the community purposes. I dont even have to have your salary or benefits. I dont need those. I would just like to have the opportunity to actually do something. And I dont mean making a clown of oneself. You can go to Iran, please, I can even pay for the plane ticket. Byt do you really think that Iran does not see single mothers? raped women? Pornography? religious oppression? How little you know.

Mr Vassallo I feel ashamed when I see people like yourself. I honestly dont know where you people come from. Please read your bible!

Putting your ridicolous porn related issues aside I am being really saddened to hear that someone in this day and age, is speaking against single mothers. They were 30 years ago in Malta too.

Your real problem is you havent been born a woman or in a country under (any) regime.

GiovDeMartino

Jun 9th 2010, 10:59

U la qed insemmu c-censura: JIsta' xi hadd jghidli x'sar mill-kaz ta' Stitches u mill-kaz ta' dak it-teatru li kien juri biss pornigrafija?

Joe E Galea

Jun 9th 2010, 10:55

To all those lambasting the PL because of an MP saying all this crap in his own opinion and not that of the party, I should remind you that last week we had the other Vassallo from the PN side spelling out a similar absurdity. Those who are lambasting the PL should be fair and objective and say the same for their party. Moreover, this is such a stupid issue that I wouldn't give it weight at all. I am in favour of respectful liberty and progressive like the new PL under JM is currently working hard to put forward on its agenda. All those (from both parties) who feel to be stuck in the middle-gaes should leave their respective parties and form their own party. They would be history in no time. For starters I would send the 2 Vassallo's in IRan....forever...if possible. We already have the church to depress us.

Mario Bonnici

Jun 9th 2010, 10:54

I want Adrian Vassallo and his extremist views out of the Partit Laburista.

Louise Cassar

Jun 9th 2010, 10:52

The LP is very progressive I see!!! Mah - hsejjes fl-ilma biss qed jaghmlu!

Franco Rizzo

Jun 9th 2010, 10:49

♫ "...fuq dil-gzira...GOL-MEDI-TEHRAN!" ♫

J Galea

Jun 9th 2010, 10:45

Malta is not Pyongyang or Iran. If this MP has such a private view let everyone respect it but for a modern Labour party I must say it is disappointing to see these kind of ideas being aired.

Emanuel Cilia Debono

Jun 9th 2010, 10:37

Porn is available on Internet. However viewing porn in the privacy of one's home or of a hotel room is one thing, and making it publicly available to local televiewers on local TV stations is another .
The State is expected to provide a balance between the individual right of enjoyment of private liberty and the freedom of public expression . A reasonable form of censorship plays an important role in this regard.

Right reason and common sense readily show that there are types of expression which ( if unregulated ) may harm the common good, They include :

(i) sedition or any clear attempt to undermine the basic institutions of society or the State itself;

(ii) violation or disregard of the rights of the weaker members of society who require special protection .Child pornography is an example ; and

(iii) open contempt of religion ( including the Creator and founders of genuine religious movements ), recognized religious figures and all recognized forms of religious worship. If atheists want others to respect their own right of disbelief, they should be the first to respect the rights of believers.
.

Eric Gahn

Jun 9th 2010, 10:33

Thank god for these progressive. One wants to live in Iran and another wants to deny pregnant women from leaving the island for fear they would do abortion. Biex irridu naghabbu Guz???

J.Borg

Jun 9th 2010, 10:29

So. when backbenchers from the government stated more than once that they were against the way the power station contract was handled. But then because they were appointed to assistants with money from our taxes, they voted with the government and disregarded out health.

Now, because Mr.Vassallo stated that he is against pornography and that he will vote against if a bill came in parlament all hell broke lose.

As he said, if the law states that there shouldn't pornography aired, its how it should be. But then it's the government who has to state if this isn't breaking the law or not. And if need be the law should be changed.

Then, as i expect all members of parlament should be given a FREE vote and we will see who is against or in favour of changing the law with regards to pornography.

A.Sacco

Jun 9th 2010, 10:27

Although one may not agree 100% with what Dr.Vassallo said, his clarion call has however reminded one and all about a thing called "Collective Responsibility"

A Abdulkarim

Jun 9th 2010, 10:24

What on earth has this got to do with the references to a Muslim country????
Even from a completely secular non-religious viewpoint, pornography is degrading and harmful to women and to society. In societies with open access to pornography, the levels of violence and abuse to women and children are exceedingly higher than in those societies where it is not as prevalent. Just take a look at the numerous feminist websites on the Internet and their campaigns about this issue -none of them are based on religion, be it Catholicism or Islam.
The rights of women need to be respected and honoured and this issue does not need to be turned into an Islamiphobic attack!!!
Incidentally, pornography is just as much a sin in Christianity as it is in Islam.

ftheuma

Jun 9th 2010, 10:22

The dear MP is a victim of not a little amount of confusion. To begin with, with such agressivley conservative views, what on earth is he doing in a party that is selling itself as progressive and moderate. There is nothing progressive and moderate about MP Vassallo's views. Secondly, why does he defend his stance against pornography by giving an example of what he perceives as blasphemy? Thirdly, is the dear MP aware of the horrendous reality that is life in Iran. Does an elected member of our paliament desire such a situation in Malta?

John vella

Jun 9th 2010, 10:18

Haha!!! Ejja ha nkomplu indahqu in nies bina!! Ever watched porn mr vassallo?? It's quite educational :)

KJ Tabone

Jun 9th 2010, 10:18

I fail to understand the correlation between 'cloning Jesus' and porn.... Also, I'm not sure what channels Dr Vassallo watches, because I definitely do not get them on my tv!

People need to grow up and realise that this thing has been around since man came into being, and if you don't believe me just head to the Archaeology Museum and take a look at the little statues made thousands of years ago!

Maltese MPs taking us back before the Stone Age!

Noel Zarb

Jun 9th 2010, 10:17

Ajma My Goodness…All this close-mindedness makes want to puke…”He also asked the minister to ensure that the police investigated whether programmes which were being transmitted almost daily on cable TV were pornographic. If so, he asked whether they would be stopped.”

Mela no more E! Entertainment probably since in-nies tal-mohh maghluq might see Dr 90210 as being pornographic, not to mention Girls of the Playboy Mansion. MTV will be out too cos of the R’n'B music videos, So will Italian Channels, so will Living and the rest…so will the BBC. So we will just be left with the likes of Dejjem Tieghek Becky, and the creme de la creme of Maltese Drama (the old ones ta) cos some new shows are done really well!

Yes, Well Done Malta, let’s censor TV now…and then we turn it off, and go stream Porn on the internet…but I guess that’s OK :)

Next Up: Police asked to investigate what is sold on the shelves at newsagents!

Then: Malta bans all R’n'B Music because their videos are considered pornographic.

After that: Malta Bans the Internet and Facebook!

U le man, lura minflok il-quddiem sejrin

HAVING SAID ALL THIS...IN PACEVILLE...STRIP CLUBS ARE BLOSSOMING!!!

joe muscat

Jun 9th 2010, 10:16

This is entirely Mr. Vassallo's opinion...and not a labour party issue. So please grow up.....all of you.... And @ E. Borg....Ilek Laburist...u b'dan l-artiklu l-Lejber tilef il-vot tieghek.....? Tiflah taqa ghac-cajt aktar min hekk? Mela l-vera laburist taz-.......excuse the punn....

J Caruana

Jun 9th 2010, 10:12

Are you guys serious? We live in a free country. The internet is an open world. You can do anything you like whether it's free or not. Everyone should decide about his own believes and values. Hotels are businesses. This is a demand which I believe should be met. You cannot ban pornography...if people are stupid enough to pay for it when they can get it free on the internet and satallite TV, then good luck to them. Maltese do not riot because we have some sense in our heads unlike others. Let everyone decide what he wants to value most in his life. The duty of the government is that no children will be allowed to view such porn and parents will be responsible if such accidents occur.

Lori Marchi

Jun 9th 2010, 10:12

This is funny....have MPs got nothing better to do? Has the MP ever been to Iran I wonder?

Edward Caruana Galizia

Jun 9th 2010, 10:11

This is a double wanny for the PL. First of all Dr Vassallo would rather riot in the streets or Iran. Secondly he wants religious ideals to be enforced on the population. Does he know he s supposed to be part of a liberal party? Or is the word Liberal just another word to the PL to help it get votes without actually living up to it?

Is Dr Vassallo awear that his party is supposed to be in favour of Gay Rights and Gay Marriage, two things that imply being AGAINST the Church seeing as the Church does not stop demonizing homosexuality?

And more importantly, does Dr Muscat know that now he is going to have to speak out against Dr Vassallo to reaffirm his liberal values?

Sometimes I just can t help but wonder, when the PL make promisses, does it actually understand what they mean? And does it actually plan on living up to them? So far they have not given me any reason to believe so.

Stephen Spiteri

Jun 9th 2010, 10:11

How about the death penalty? Will Dr Vassallo be comfortable with it there (in Iran)? Is, do not kill, not also one of the commandments?

M Debono

Jun 9th 2010, 10:05

Sorry, but who are you to decide what people should and shouldn't do in their private life? This is just ridiculous!

Andrew Cachia

Jun 9th 2010, 10:04

Hon Vassallo has every right to express his opinion however its impossible for me to understand how he decided, and also was accepted to contest for the Labour party.

Graham Crocker

Jun 9th 2010, 10:01

Confessions of a porn addict.

Ronald Cauchi

Jun 9th 2010, 09:59

Adrian Vassallo is free to get on the first plane to Teheran. Im sure hed be made welcome there and incidentally he should invite Dr Mifsud Bonnici to join him. Dr Vassallo is entitled to his own views on anything ( something that he wants to stop the rest of us from having). What he's not entitled to do is be a member of a Left wing party.Let him join the fundamentailist christian democrats.Unless that is not clear enough, let me rephrase it. DR VASSALLO GET OUT OF THE LABOUR PARTY AND DO IT FAST!

Mark Dalli

Jun 9th 2010, 09:59

NO MORE SPACE FOR EXTREEMISTS IN OUR SOCIETY ESPECIALLY RELIGIOUS.
REGARDLESS IF WITHIN THE PN OR PL

Please go live in Iran and leave us in peace!

Miguel Micallef

Jun 9th 2010, 09:58

I suggest we buy a flight for Mr Vassallo so that he can go and protest in Iran for his religion, so he lets others enjoy their porn.

Victor Laiviera

Jun 9th 2010, 09:55

Somebody should inform Dr Vassallo that the people of Iran did not riot about religion. They rioted because religious fundamentalists are depriving them of freedom and democracy

JOe VELLa

Jun 9th 2010, 09:55

As I said earlier I am against the exploiting of women to please the urge of men, and for greedy money racketeers finding a way how to make a quick buck!
I believe in the freedom of speech and the right of the individual.
However seeing that most male did write on this topic and champion to be in favor, I wonder, just wonder, what will they say if they come to see a ''very close family member in one of these porn''.
Would they still be in favor?

Stephen Forster

Jun 9th 2010, 09:52

Both MP's should seriously consider checking their calendar. This is 2010 not 1431. (look it up)

Jonathan Cassar Torreggiani

Jun 9th 2010, 09:43

Here is some food for thought: (especially for the hoteliers)

Fuq din il-gzira hawn hafna bhal dan....jkomplu jistaghnew fil-flus u ma jaghtux kas lir-ruh taghhom....L-aqwa li ddahhlu l-flus jimpurtakom. Intom ukoll qeghdin tonqsu f’din il-haga...Kunu intom li twaqqfu dawn id-dnubiet li qed isiru gewwa hwejjigkom stess.

Its called collective responsibility.

You can read the rest of it on www.borgin-nadur.org
Min ghandu widnejn, ha jisma.

A. Agius

Jun 9th 2010, 09:41

"He also complained about pornographic channels on cable television."

huh???

M Vella

Jun 9th 2010, 09:37

what is this about - Porn is available on the internet! are we living in a muslim country??!!!

Clive Gerada

Jun 9th 2010, 09:36

There are limits to censorship, now you are going to extremeties, go to sleep Mr.Vassallo.

Joseph E Briffa

Jun 9th 2010, 09:35

Watching pornography in one's own home or in one's hotel room is indeed a private affair and is NOT illegal provided it's not child pornography. In fact all porn sites are required by law in the US and in Europe to declare that all models are over 18. God forbid we end up with the state deciding what we watch or what we read or what we do in the privacy of one's own home or hotel room. Next thing we can make it illegal to have sex at home or in one's hotel room. The under 18s should be protected but adults are free to do what they want by themselves or with other consenting adults. That's democracy.

J Azzopardi

Jun 9th 2010, 09:34

Dear Dr AdrianVassallo, this is the best idea you ever came up with!!! Bye bye.. We might catch a glimpse of you on the news then..(unless we're in a hotel room watching some other stuff..) so long ;-)

Andrew Farrugia

Jun 9th 2010, 09:31

I am really amused by most of the comments posted here; many of these wax lyrical about freedom of speech and freedom of choice and YET they will not allow the Hon Dr Vassallo to voice his perplexity about pornography and vilification of religion. No, they want him out of the PL asap. Such hypocrisy, such double standards. You see these post-modern hedonists will not allow others to disagree with them. Continue to wallow in your iniquity.

Peter Korsten

Jun 9th 2010, 09:29

Well, I agree on one thing with Dr. Vassallo: I'd rather he'd live in Iran, too.

What's this obsession with interfering in other people's lives? The last thing we need is a nanny state. I've heard there's an economic crisis going on; perhaps that's a bit more important?

Eric Camilleri

Jun 9th 2010, 09:29

Dr Vassallo.
You have made a very clear dictatorial statement that you are adamant to favour and impose extreme censorship. Can we please know what else you beleive should be banned ?

mario camilleri

Jun 9th 2010, 09:24

Go to Iran now,and please do not come back.

G.Pisani

Jun 9th 2010, 09:24

With the young leader PL has, I thought PL would offer something different. But it still has the old fashion politicians as an engine.

Mr MP, why do you have to dictate what I should watch and not. Our private life is PRIVATE. Who are you to dictate?

M. Jones

Jun 9th 2010, 09:24

On my way to work this morning I was listening to a BBC service from Iran in relation to the riots last summer, where young people were killed during those protests in the name of democracy, freedom and secularisation.

I think Vassallo needs a crash course in current affairs and he should be ashamed to say such idiotic things.

Martin Cassar

Jun 9th 2010, 09:23

@ S. Calleja

One thing for certain, Jesus is not happy to see 25-30 % of Christian born babies are either of unknown fathers or out of wed-lock. Right or wrong but my understanding is no coffers would afford accommodating such phenomena. Do you think with all economical uncertainties around that putting the entire world at the edge of bankruptcy we can afford this percentage of single mothers especially those single parents by choice ? I am all with Dr Vassallo on this one. And yes, Big brother will always be there all over the world whether it’s Iran, China, and USA…….

Wayne Hewitt

Jun 9th 2010, 09:16

Is this the new MLP battlecry? Malta, Iran in the Mediterranean?

Jo Cassar

Jun 9th 2010, 09:12

What is an antidiluvian dinosour like Adrain Vassallo doing in the LP?

His rightful place is with AN, keeping company with his fellow right-wingers.

Please go now.

Tonio Mallia

Jun 9th 2010, 09:10

Please Dr Vassallo.... You are more than welcome to go live in Iran..the sooner the better. Hey I'll even pay your ticket if you want. There you can watch homosexuals being hung to death because of their sexual orientation, women being whipped cause their face is uncovered, people being killed cause they protest against the regime. One hell of a place where civil liberty is non existant. But given your party's history this may be the ideal place for you. You might actually make it to Ahmadinejad's cabinet.

Hubert Paul Farrugia

Jun 9th 2010, 09:08

I wish to know what the self-proclaimed non conservative and progressive Joseph Musact thinks about this statement by an MP in his "modern party". Does his open to all approach also include members who prefer fundamentalism? And as everybody is free to make their own choices, i suggest that i should just not watch porn. Simple... Is it that hard to control onesself?

William P flynn

Jun 9th 2010, 09:02

Vote here if you want the likes of Dr Adrian Vassallo to decide what is moral or immoral according to Chapter 1, Article 2 (2) of our Constitution. All Maltese of any persuasion, belief or political leanings are eligible and all welcome, including Dr Vassallo; one vote per person:
(Non-Maltese citizens are cordially requested to refrain from voting)

http://www.fuse.com.au/wpf/Malta-Poll1.html

I'm no prude but pornography offends me and I've never watched pornographic material, but I would never encroach on the rights of adults to watch what they want.

Joe J Farrugia

Jun 9th 2010, 09:02

Is "interfering in bedrooms" a habit of the Vassallos?

R Agius

Jun 9th 2010, 09:01

It is truly charming how grown men need government backing to make personal choices. Thank goodness murder, rape and theft are against the law or otherwise we wouldn't know they are an unwise career choice. Grow up sir.

J Bonnici

Jun 9th 2010, 09:01

I saw the film that Adrian Vassallo mentioned, and there is nothing blasphemous about it. Well there is if you are a Roman Catholic and can't take a joke, but I am not and I have a right to live outside of Roman Catholicism and watch such films.

------------------SPOILERS ALERT------------------------------------------------------

P.S. He misunderstood the film, the guy wasn't cloned from Jesus.

Andy Towler

Jun 9th 2010, 08:58

Maybe if we club together we can buy Mr Vassallo a one-way ticket to Tehran. It can't be that expensive, surely?

maria falzon

Jun 9th 2010, 08:58

If adrian vassallo likes to watch ben hur, than so be it. But don't dictate what others can watch in their own privacy. You cannot impose your values on others who have a totally different set of ideas and principles.

S Zammit

Jun 9th 2010, 08:56

Heqq go live in iran mela Adrian ...hallina u ma indaxqux nies iktar bina ! Ahjar taghmel xogholok u titkellem fuq il-problemi li hawn ...u l-kontijiet tad-dawl u l-ilma ....Joseph muscat jien Laburist u ma nahsibx nies bhall dan ghandhom jkollhom posthom fil-parlament ....ghadu mitt sena lura ....mela se nibdew nindahlu x'jaghmlu in-nies fil-privat issa wkoll...ghanda issir petition u hekk hemm bzonn jiehu postu xi hadd iehor dan il-bravu !!!!!!

C. Falzon

Jun 9th 2010, 08:56

I cant believe where this country is going. If they want to bring censorship for porn pay-tv in hotels, what movies to display (according to Mr. Vassalo), channels that display blue films during twilight hours.......then bring censorship for the church buildings, TV channel GOD-TV for the simple reason that church buidling are constantly portraying nudity...not to mention they are going against the commandments themselves. I've seen too many people venerate paintings and statues (village feasts galore) instead of god. GOD-TV on the other hand utilizes god to market the church and sell sell sell......

This argument can go both ways.....there can never be a definite...it depends on the morality of the person whether to take certain actions...or not. Some things simply cannot be forced by censorship.

ray sacco

Jun 9th 2010, 08:55

mr. vassallo might find iran too liberal for him! in iran people do not riot for religion, but for democracy, which in fact is being suppressed by religion!

joe scerri

Jun 9th 2010, 08:54

Viva l-burka, viva l-burka, hej hej

Sandro Agius

Jun 9th 2010, 08:53

Prosit lill-MP Adrian Vassallo li qabel ma l-kollega tieghu Edwin Vassallo...li l-ewwel li jahsbu huwa fil-gid komuni u f'dak li huwa moralment accettabli....u mhux il-popolarita u l-voti. Dawn iz-zewg parlamentari qed jiddefendu

Huma perikoluzi immens ceru ideat li nisimghu min certu nies...ghax igibu l-argument li fl-Ewropa dawn huma permessi u n-nies ifficuhom...tghid ha jgibu l-istess argument fejn tidhol il-legalizzazzjoni tad-droga, prosttuzzjoni, abort, ewtanasja u tant imbarazz iehor li jsir fl-Ewropa.

S. Calleja

Jun 9th 2010, 08:51

"In a Muslim country, a similar film about Mohammed would provoke riots"
Since when are Muslim countries something to look up to? That's exactly the type of behaviour society does NOT need.

"I don't think we can keep on living like this with everyone ridiculing religion."
In a free country, people are free to choose their own religion. If religious values are imposed on people against their will then it would no longer be free, would it?

"Dr Vassallo said he asked the question because he did not tolerate people breaking the law"
Didn't he just use religion arguments to justify his question?

"Thirty years ago, Dr Vassallo noted, he had not heard of single mothers"
Of course not. Their parents forced them to get married when they got pregnant, many of them against their will.

"Malta was on its way to becoming like the UK "where children kill and rape each other"."
Long live the Queen!

Pornography has been in existence in one form or another for thousands of years. No amount of rioting will change human nature.

eric psaila

Jun 9th 2010, 08:51

Whilst to do not want to enter into discussion about the subject of this article I would like to state that I am very happy to note that there seems to be one MP in the whole house that would not vote according to his party's wishes but according to his conscience. Let this be a lesson to all the MPs

Joe Mangion

Jun 9th 2010, 08:50

What's this? We are turning this country into a confessional state. Dr Vassallo has absolutely no right to impose his will on others. It seems that Dr Vassallo is in a time-warp and has never gone overseas. I invite him to go to Rome, the eternal city, the city that hosts the Vatican, and see for himself what there is in hotels. If he does not want to see such films, as I do not, I respect his view. But for heaven's sake let's not return to the mentality of the middle ages. Besides, we do not need to go to a hotel room to view a pornographic film. We can easily view it elsewhere. U bilhaqq, I suggest to Dr Vassallo to go to the Taliban instead of Iran. He will really enjoy it.

Andrew Farrugia

Jun 9th 2010, 08:48

Maybe the Hon Dr Vassallo is going a bit overboard about his preference to live in Iran - I am sure no one in his right mind would wish to be governed by the likes of Ahmadinejad and his Ayatollahs - but he is right in condemning those who are constantly turned on by ridiculing religion. He is also right in complaining about the easy accessibility to pornography these days. However, it seems as if some dykes are only concerned about financial gain; if something is in "high demand by corporate clients" we should provide it and "not use the moral high horse approach on visitors who may have differing values". What values? The degradation of an intimate beautiful act of love into a bestial vulgar wallowing in sleaze and iniquity?

David Vella

Jun 9th 2010, 08:48

Usually the only people to kick up a fuss about certain things are the ones with self control issues, so they try inflict it on others. People comfortable with themselves wouldn't have a problem with this at all. Winston Zahra is right... as long as children have no access to it, and only consenting adults, there's no problem.

Now if you go seek it yourself, and then throw up a fuss because it is actually available, then please keep your childlike behaviour to yourself and please don't treat other people as such.

G. Fenech

Jun 9th 2010, 08:47

It would be nice if adults were left to make their own decisions in life.

If they want to watch porn, let them watch porn. If they want to make fun of a religious figure, i say let them make fun of a religious figure, Why do people have to impose their views on others? Smoking is very bad for everyone's health, yet the govt allows it, and even taxes it. So porn on the other hand is bad? Are we going to end up like china, where everything over the net is censored too?

There are too many double standards in this country. If we really consider ourselves to be a democratic country, why not give the citizens the vote on this issue?

EDWIN DE MARCO

Jun 9th 2010, 08:43

Seriously, I think it's about time that this censorship thing is taken seriously. I don't blame people not attending church on Sundays or any other day. due to the fact that nearly all of the homilies bore one to death and the only option left is to scrutinise the ceiling frescoes & other art works on church walls, etc. Really, the police should be brought in. How can one concentrate when one is surrounded by cherubic, naked flesh of every gender, literally flying (they have wings painted, after all) all over the place. Probably even some of the celebrants can't concentrate, given that some of them are known to have succumbed to particularly condemned sins of the flesh. The honourable MP rightly said that he would be better off living in Iran, not because of the porn ban, if there is one, but because one can wear a burkha over there & be completely covered. After all, before we became all modern and sexually corrupt, priests used to go about in black skirts or black cassocks which buttoned-down the whole front. The latter 'habits' are quite awkward - especially if you are in a hurry to turn a bowel movement!

Albert Farrugia

Jun 9th 2010, 08:37

"Ms Xuereb, of the Palace Hotel, said this was a service hotels should offer because it was in high demand by corporate clients"
To this i say WOW!! And who pays the bills for these "corporate clients"? Their companies? Do they have a "pornography allowance" to use for their trips? Is this what, for example, Maltese "corporate cllients" of Brussels hotels watch? And who pays for this?

JOe VELLa

Jun 9th 2010, 08:37

Wow! Mr. Zahra, I guess I belong to an older generation, when we did enjoy ourselves with more down to earth simple things, back then four or five star hotels did not exist.
In the old days our Good Lord was more seen in his glory in nature that is free.
Today we made Money our God! Do you think we are any wiser or happier?
There is no excuse because it is the norm abroad to downsize women in pornography we allow it as thou nothing is wrong.
Abroad you find a lot of things that so far we only read about them here. Let us not make money by exploiting others.

John Borg

Jun 9th 2010, 08:37

As Dr. Adrian Vassallo rightly points out, religious bigotry is best left for rioting in Iran. So Dr. Vassallo, what's stopping you from emigrating to such intolerant countries? Clearly there's no place for you in a free society. Whilst I'm no fan of adult entertainment, I see no reason why I should preclude consenting adults who need to indulge in this kind of entertainment. Many churches display nude paintings - not considered porn by western society. Not so in your beloved Iran- for them it's porn in the house of God!

Peter Carabott

Jun 9th 2010, 08:33

"Ms Xuereb, of the Palace Hotel, said this was a service hotels should offer because it was in high demand by corporate clients" Good argument!!! So if your corporate clients have a high demand of prostitutes you will begin giving a brothel service in your hotel? If your corporate clients have a high demand of drugs you will begin supplying drugs in your hotel? Ara vera argument bażwi!! I am not in favour of censorship but please bring forward better arguments to make your point!

E.Borg

Jun 9th 2010, 08:32

Jiena ili Laburist, pero' tliftu l-vot tieghi b'dan l-artiklu. Dan is-servizz huwa available BISS ghal min jaghzel hu u jhallas.

Sur Adrian mhux kulhadd Kristjan, jien minhiex ngaghlek tobdi l-kmandamenti tieghei u lili ggaghlniex nobdi tieghek. Billi tara l-porn mhu ser twegga' lil HADD sakemm ovvjament m'hemmx minuri involuti.

Kellkom ic-cans tkunu l-unika partit li fl-ebda hinu mument ma jsemmi r-religjon. Ghaxxaqtuha, u iktar milli rrabjat ninsab iddispjacut ghall-dan il-moviment ghax naf li hafna jahsbuha bhali.

Ateju- Live and LET LIVE

Martin Cassar

Jun 9th 2010, 08:31

Porn yes, Porn no...Porn Yes. Porn no.
Democracy yes..Democracy no...Democracy yes..Democracy no.

I sometimes fail to comprehend people’s appreciation of democracy and freedom.. Absolute democracy and absolute freedom (including freedom of expression) never existed anywhere in the world at any given point of time. All democracies have fangs for self-protection. If anybody think otherwise then dwelling in illusion I am afraid!. What’s wrong about having big brother to protect the society?

Coming soon....

http://euobserver.com/9/30227/?rk=1
EU-wide ban on cigarette sales
07.06.2010
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The EU court in Luxembourg has lodged two anti-smoking cases which could, in theory, lead to a ban on the sale of tobacco products across the EU.
Banning smoking Cigarette
"Future historians who will explore the 20th century will surely be surprised at the timidity of measures against smoking," it says. "If we fail to reduce consumption, smoking will kill 520 million people worldwide between 1950 and 2050, 10 times more than the Second World War."

c spiteri

Jun 9th 2010, 08:26

hallina nejxu .............vassallo

Jan Chircop

Jun 9th 2010, 08:21

Labour the progressive and moderate alliance strikes again.
Rather than being a liberal force like the in the rest of Europe, Labour MP Vassallo would rather live in Iran.
Easy to say vote for him get Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Ali Khamenei.
I think this country has far bigger problems at present than some hotel guests who want to watch porn. So seriously focus on job creation and public sector reform. If Joey taghna wants to be progressive than he should show Mr. Vassllo where the door is.

Joe E Galea

Jun 9th 2010, 08:21

"He gave the example of a film recently aired on cable television showing a man being cloned from Jesus."

Dear Adrian Vassallo, the example you made is not about pornography but it has to do with blasphemy. On that level I agree with you, but on pornography come on, grow up and get real.

David Jones

Jun 9th 2010, 08:20

Would you trust these people in government? No, thought not.

Darren Galea

Jun 9th 2010, 08:18

I will continue to ridicule ridiculous beliefs and practise my ability of free speech, thank you very much. I really couldn't care less if you were offended, in the era of free speech saying "You hurt my feelings!" no longer counts as a defence, and you aren't allowed to oppress people because they think differently.

EDWIN DE MARCO

Jun 9th 2010, 08:18

I think I probably know the reason why Dr.Adrian Vassallo is 100% against BLUE films. Just for the reaon because they are called BLUE. Do bloggers agree that from now on they should start being called RED & BLUE. This would be politically correct. Il-HOMOR ghandhom ikunu ugwali daqs il-BLUE-EYED boys...! Fissazzjonijiet politici.....

ftheuma

Jun 9th 2010, 08:06

Dear MP, when you find yourself in a hole stop digging. Teheran indeed.