Claudia Calleja
Brothers to be charged over assault on lesbians
Two teenage brothers, who allegedly attacked a young lesbian couple because of their sexual orientation, will soon appear in court to face charges of assaulting and injuring the girls, the police said.
Charges were formally issued against the boys, who have been summoned to turn up in court to face the charges in an upcoming Ħamrun district sitting.
In an interview published in The Sunday Times, a 16-year-old lesbian – who went by the pseudonym of Amy – recounted how she was sitting on a bench with her girlfriend in a Ħamrun square when the two young men attacked them.
The incident took place on January 13 and allegedly started when the boys started hurling insults at the girls from a nearby balcony. They called them “lesbians” and “twisted” and went down into the square.
The 16-year-old girl ended up at a health centre with a fractured nose, a grazed face and bruises on her breasts. Her girlfriend got away with a bruise to the head and scratches on her wrists which she sustained when pushed to the ground.
Replying to questions sent on Thursday, the police yesterday said the boys were going to be taken up to court. Police sources later confirmed the charges had been issued and included assaulting and injuring the girls.
The charges were issued about three days after the incident, that is, before the story was published.
The incident was condemned by organisations including Malta Gay Rights Movement and human rights lobby Aditus who jointly called for the concept of gay hate crime to be included in Maltese law.
The only legal protection gay people have refers to discrimination in terms of harassment. The part of the law that speaks about hate crime is limited to racial hatred. Last year the Justice Minister announced there were plans to extend this to include homophobia.
On Sunday, a Facebook group, called The Amy Initiative, was set up and also called for Maltese law to include hate crime on the basis of sexual orientation.
Yesterday, the incident was also condemned by The Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice and the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality that called for respect towards diversity.
Labour Party spokesman for civil rights Evarist Bartolo joined the call for more legal protection for gay people saying that all forms of bullying had to stop.
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Joe Xuereb
Jan 26th, 00:46
@Ken Cowan. Violence is deplorable no matter who commits it.
You went on about women slapping men on the face in films.....therefore women are/can be violent too. Yes, and no! When a man publicly slaps a woman's face there is outrage and a sense of shock, and people will in most cases intervene and defend her. On the other hand, when a woman slaps a man, especially in public, she humiliates (as in macho culture, the man's masculinity is called into question if he allows a woman to hit him). So in public, the woman is admired(as in she is standing up for herself) and the guy, poor chap, hangs his head in shame, utterly humiliated. Two weights and two measures in other words. With the female doing the slapping more symbolic of humiliation more than anything else. What I have just said is borne out by the fact that a women suffering violence will readily report (to the police, for instance) and get sympathy from friends, neighbours, family. A man who has been hit, whether by a slap or a beating is hardly likely to go to a Police station to report; or his friends who would laugh him under the table and advise him how to retaliate. A lot of this has to do, of course, with our culture, the inequality between men and women. It is also about what Nature decrees. As punishment, a man's slap is much more painful than a woman's. A female slap is more about humiliating the guy.
Somebody suggested that a look into the girls' school record could throw up some surprises. I wonder what a look into the boys' school record would throw up? All immaterial of course.
@V.Cauchi. Such a pity you think (you have been indoctrinated to think is more accurate) homosexuality is an abomination. As an abominable snowman, a Yeti, an abominable homosexual as pure, and as full of pedigree as driven snow, I still go about my business with my head held up high. And there is very little you can do about it unless you decide to relinquish your christian charity for a day and do your worst. Though I wouldn't advise it.
@Eric Borg. I have looked at The Amy Initiative on Facebook. What about it?! Eric, and V.Cauchi while I am here, if you are going to get your Y-Fronts in a twist, do you not think it more worthwhile to get them in a twist for something of greater concern? You are spoilt for choice.
If the police pressed charges three days after the incident, that is already three days too late. In any case it seems like the reporting not only came more than a week after the assault but was also unrepresentative in its accuracy. People can only comment on what they read, on this and any other case. And then commenters are vilified for their speculative views! Please!
Maria Brincat
Jan 24th, 20:28
@ Ken Cowan - if you consider a slap from a woman to be violence, try to talking to a woman that has been regularly beaten by her husband/boyfriend/partner.. or a prostitute beaten up by a client... or a woman who's been raped...
I know and appreciate that violence is not exclusive to male perpetrators, BUT a slap from a man is so much more powerful than one from a woman. How many men - worldwide - have died at the hands of their female perpetrators of violence??? Compare that to the number of women who suffer and die every year, and you'll get my idea..
Ken Cowan
Jan 24th, 19:00
@E Schembri:
Why bring the Church into this?
For two reasons.
First because they should speak out when violence is perpetrated on people simply because of who they are. Secondly, because the Church's teachings down the ages is one of the erasons for the intolerance in the first place.
You say that people like me generally tell the Church to shut up; depends on what it is saying, my dear.
I think Christian doctrine - in other words - that preached by Christ himself - is fine. Love thy brother as thyself. Judge not that ye be not judged.
Quite lovely really.
But when the Church is preaching the kinds of things that engender hatred, or keeping silent (as it did about the sexual abuse of children), then I think the Church has lost tis way.
And finally, you charge me with hating Catholics.
No, as a matter of fact some of my best friends are - practicing ones even.
You might be interested to know that many of them would say exactly the same thing about the Church that I have just said.
I repeat: if the Church wants to have any moral credibility, it should speak out against such attacks as were perpetrated on these young women.
Mr Ernest Vella
Jan 26th, 21:31
Il-Knisja Kattolika qatt ma hegget din it-tip ta vjolenza, u din irridu naqtugha. Allura skont intom, il-Knisja tghid li ghandna noqtlu lil min jaghmel abort, lil min joqtol, lil min jimmasturba, lil pogguti...dawn kollha dnubiet mejta daqs l-att sesswali bejn zewg omosesswali. Min ma jridx jaccetta dan mhix problema, imma m'ghandkomx dritt tindahlu lil Knisja x'tghallem u x'tghid.
Maria Borg
Jan 24th, 16:52
"The charges were issued about three days after the incident, that is, before the story was published."
Those who were quick to judge the police before knowing all the facts should offer their apologies.
Alex Buds
Jan 24th, 17:05
Agreed. I was one. I apologize.
Ms. P.M Graham
Jan 24th, 17:36
With respect Ms Borg it shouldn't have taken that long, and I think that's what people want to know. Wy did it take 3 days for arrests to be made. That's surely not normal.
The family i believe also asked questions of the Police that went unanswered. Surely that is not the work of a professional Police Force.
James Tyrrell
Jan 24th, 18:01
Maria if indeed that was the case why did the police not make that fact clear when asked to do so yesterday by the press? I would say at the time they were asked they had still not brought charges and only decided to do so once it became clear that the story was not going to go away.
Eric Borg
Jan 24th, 16:13
It seems that most people are very intelligent and wise by reading their comments.! Has any of them checked on facebook what is going on.? I suggest you should ta. Do not jump to conclusions. It might change most reader s view who is the Bully after all. My advice - stick to facts only.
Franco Abela
Jan 24th, 15:33
issa jaghtuhom sentenza sospiza!
Jekk hatja, dawn imissu jighataw sentenza li tnehhilhom l-arja li ghandhom u li jhossuhom li huma xi haga iktar minn haddiehor. Ezempju jikinsu Paceville fil-weekends filghaxija hallu jhossu x jigifieri tkun redikolat!
Lisa Seisun
Jan 24th, 14:05
Hope they get what they deserve as their act cannot be justified
Victor Vella
Jan 24th, 13:36
Immishom ittuhom lezzjoni ghall-hajjiethom.
James Tyrrell
Jan 24th, 13:36
Well done to the police in doing their duty at last, now it is up to the courts to send these thugs away. Or will the world see Malta as the place that rewards homophobic attacks with suspended sentences? Let's not hear any sob stories about them being only teenagers, they were old enough to carry out a homophobic attack and old enough to know better.
akrim mamood
Jan 24th, 16:02
Well done old bill, don't think so. They saw it in the press then did something, useless!
James Tyrrell
Jan 24th, 17:56
Oh I agree with you Akim 100% but the fact remains that for whatever reason they did do something which given the fact this is Malta we are talking about is not always the case.
Joe Xuereb
Jan 24th, 13:11
@Mike Rizzo. Point taken. But a heterosexual (male or female) is not assaulted because they are heterosexual. A homosexual (male or female) is often attached because of their sexual orientation. Think (heterosexual) man, think!
@Charles Grima. I take your point about tagging people. But tags have their uses. I'll give you an example. If a heterosexual man approaches a fancied female...if this female were homosexual she could tell him she wasn't interested, and he, persistent twat that he is, would persist in harassing her. She could, more directly, tell him she was a lesbian. This of course would be like taking a red rag to a bull. He, Neanderthal Man that he is, has always fantasised about lesbians (but never about gay men, or only in disgust and hatred). So, confronted by an ignorant man, one is really taking on the impossible. By the same argument, if a female came on to me all sweetness and seduction, I would tell her, gently, but in too many words as in 'indur mall-lewża' and get nowhere. But better still, I would tell her that I am a gay man but we could be friends. She would either accept this if she had her head screwed on the right way or she 'hell hath no fury like a woman scorned'. At which point I'd walk away. And Grima, I trust that you genuinely do not like odious tags. I hope it is not because you have issues with lesbians and their tag. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and say you don't like tags.
Personally, I am not interested in who these two young men are, or in seeing their photos. Like these two there are, potentially, thousands upon thousands.
@V.Cauchi, Eric Borg. You should be ashamed of yourselves but I know you won't be. Sooooo your problem!
@C. Muscat (10:11). You hope you're wrong?! Stop hoping. You are too far gone.
The fact is - no speculation here - is that whatever a person is or does, nobody has the right to mete out physical punishment. The injuries are not fictitious unless, of course, the two young lesbians self-inflicted such injuries and made up a fantasy story, a case of attention-seeking. I don't think so!
@V.Cauchi(09:51). I had to come back to you. An abomination, you say?!(lesbianism). Abomination - a word often used in the bible so I dare say you are a - tag! tag! - a religious man. A homophobic - tag! tag! - and a bigot - tag! tag! But all is not lost, Cauchi. You must hold the record for eliciting so many replies to your idiotic comment. That is heartening.
Someone here said that psychotherapy with these two young thugs would not help because they have no conscience. Spot on! In Court proceedings, the judge in passing sentence often adds 'and s/he showed no remorse'. Now from where I am coming, and I know this for a fact, an individual who commits any antisocial act and shows no remorse, no conscience, that individual needs a shrink, a psychiatrist and not a psychotherapist. Before I forget the ignoramus who is suggesting the girls' background should be investigated when some 'surprises' could be thrown up; I could say the same about the young men's background and scholarly achievements, and THAT could throw up some expected 'surprises'. But I won't of course, there are some levels I would not stoop to.
Abomination my arse! I wonder what V.Cauchi would do if he found out, mid-life like, that he has been homosexual all along and suddenly he needs to deal with it but continues to call it an abomination instead. Happens! Unpalatable? Yes. But it also happens to be true. Or if he sired a child who turns out to be homosexual (very common, if nothing else because homosexuals are two a penny). What would he do to such a child? String him up and quarter him? Think about it V.Cauchi. Think about that there is something as latent homosexuality - and the sooner this latency becomes manifest, the less the devastating impact. -
Maria Brincat
Jan 24th, 13:09
IT IS HIGH TIME THAT MEN LEARN THAT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN - SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY HAPPEN TO BE STRONGER - IS JUST NOT ON, EVER, NOT IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCE!!!
And this should happen with deeds, not just with fine words, and policies and bla..bla.bla
Why aren't the perpetrators in cases of violence against women not given harsher penalties??
Why do we wait for a man to seriously injure his wife/ kill her before something is done about the violence he perpetrates upon her??
Why is it that when a woman goes to the police to report a crime, she is either treated like she asked for it ?
Why is it that there are frequent occurences where the police's hands are tied; their hard work is thrown out of the window by some 'judge'/'magistrate'??
Ken Cowan
Jan 24th, 18:48
Just for the record... statistics apparently have shown that in domestic violence it is often the woman who strikes out first. But if the husband retaliates, he is the one who is always arrested.
These statistics are not surprising. Watch films over the last 50 years: When a man says something the woman doesn't like, she often slaps him across the face; this is considered "normal".
Statistics also report that domestic violence between lesbians is higher than among straight couples; but it is "à la mode" to talk about domestic violence without ever mentioning the fact that there are a lot of battered husbands, too. Unfortunately, they usually don't complain. Already humiliated by having their wives beat them, they are not often quick to let the world know.
In any case, such is certainly not the case here - but I thought it worth mentioning; it's time people realized that violence - by either sex - is unacceptable.
J Degabriele
Jan 24th, 13:06
Cut it out saying 'lesbians'. They are girls, humans before being anything else. So if there's a mugging, do we check the sexual orientation of the victim and say that there was an assault on a heterosexual? And if the assault was because the girls 'offended' those male yobs, what about when a 'normal' couple are attacked, do we mention their sexual orientation on the papers?! What kind of reporting is this?
Pamela Borg
Jan 24th, 13:02
What do the police think wwe are... stupid. They didn't charge the "boys" 3 days later. They are charging them now cause we the people stood up for the rights of the victims. Isn't that the role of the police force to protect victims against these criminals. Good on you to everyone who stood up for these young women. As to the police and the so called boys i hope karma kicks you where it really hurts.
Anthony Gatt
Jan 24th, 12:54
Gay, lesbian, wife swapper, swinger etc. If you're into any of these join them, if not just let them be and carry on with whatever makes you happy.
Maria Brincat
Jan 24th, 12:53
When I read this in the paper on Sunday, it definitely said that there were going to be no charges... and it filled me with outrage.. While I can never go for institutionalised physical punishment, I believe that people like these 'boys' - have you ever seen a seventeen yr old 'boy'; most times they look more like men to me - need to be taught that ANY person, no matter his/her gender or sexuality CANNOT be treated in this manner.. if they do not want to learn this lesson, they should be put away. society does not need thugs like these.
and one more thing, the assault went on for around ten minutes... is it possible that nobody heard the girls shouting for help?? And could be bothered to help??
Jay Oatmon
Jan 24th, 12:42
If found guilty - lets hope the courts judge them according to the crime with a definite element of deterrent for similar violent crimes.
T Mifsud
Jan 24th, 12:26
Hossam we reject Sharia type law in this country where punishment is issued with physical pain/amputation/physically maiming by surgery/whipping/stoning/beheading etc. We prefer to reform young adults IDEALLY by forced education. These youngsters made a grave mistake and should be given a taste of jail and a reform programme for the good of their future.
Joseph Scerri
Jan 24th, 12:12
Nispera li jiehdu dak li haqqhom, u mhux ghax taht l'eta jigu skolpiti ghaliex il-vittmi taht l'eta ukoll u gew midruba.
Ken Cowan
Jan 24th, 11:55
"The charges were issued about three days after the incident, that is, before the story was published."
Unlikely, because the Press asked the police if they were going to charge the boys and got no answer. In other words, the police had not yet decided to charge them and were waiting (possibly to see if it would blow over) before making up their minds as to what to do.
When it became too big a story to ignore, suddenly "Oh, we charged them even before the story broke".
Then why didn't they say so when originally asked by the Press?
They really take the public for idiots...
And why does it take three days to file charges? Why wouldn't they have been arrested at the scene?There were witnesses who called the police. The girls were obviously harmed.
Generally, in just about every civilized country, when eye-witnesses call in an assault and the perpetrators are known, it doesn't take three days to arrest them.
Hossam Helwani
Jan 24th, 11:50
It hurts me to see these pictures of horror, These youngsters are coming out of a society which needs to seriously rethink where it is going wrong.
It is obvious that these have been brought up without any discipline whatsoever. Those who removed punishment from schools, may they one day face these criminals.
The government should re introduce phisical punishment to children who misbehave. Unless controlled the situation does not seem to be getting any better but violence is on the rise.
These youngsters never understood what correction and a slap means. If they were my children they would not go scott free , but should be awarded a few black eyes themselves to be taught a lesson.
Kenneth Grima
Jan 24th, 12:10
@Hossam Helwani
Violence cannot be faught with Violence, there are many ways how to correct bad behaviour. I condemn them as much as i condemn you to consider such acts.
akrim mamood
Jan 24th, 16:07
Yeah, well said. A good slap would sort those little cowards out
Ian Mamo
Jan 24th, 11:36
If two humans, Man and Woman, Are making out in public.
is it wrong???
if two humans, of the same sexuality, are making out in public.
Is it wrong???
I for sure know it's NOT wrong.
but for sure, 80% of the nearby people in public would stare if this had to happen with the second case.
Then society is to blame for this discrimination??
Ian Mamo
Ken Cowan
Jan 24th, 12:09
If society stares, well, let them stare.
If they start trying to stop public shows of affection by those who are not straight... then society IS to blame for discrimination because this is a democracy, not a Taliban controlled dictatorship.
Duh!
And meanwhile, I notice that the mighty Church has remained silent on this .
Where's their moral leadership?
Christ preached LOVE.
And these two girls were simply showing love for each other;
One would expect the Church to speak out against this senseless, intolerant, aggressive and criminal attack... oh, excuse me. I forgot. The Church has very little to do with Christian love and is more concerned with CONTROL and dogma.
In a country like Malta, the Church should be in the front lines condemning such attacks. Why haven't they spoken out yet? What are they waiting for? I wonder how many people konw that Hitler was putting gays in concentration camps before he started on teh Jews and the politicians.
Keeping silent is tantamount to support.
When are the bishops and the priests going to end their silence?
(And for those who quote the Bible in reply, saying that homosexuality is "an abomination", well, you don't understand how that word was being used at the time. Because in the same section of the Bible it also states that EATING SHELLFISH is "an abomination"!!
Which means that just about every Maltese, by eating shellfish, is being condemned equally with gays for having sex. Kinda makes you think twice before condemning gays for Biblical reasons, doesn't it?
E Schembri
Jan 24th, 13:16
@ Ken Cowan,
Why drag the church into this? When the church DOES speak, people of your likes tell the church to shut up and mind its own business. Now you are harping at the church for not speaking! It seems you do not practice what you preach! You brag about freedom of speech and respect, but on the other hand your comments are full of hatred towards Catholics.
If you don't believe in the church and its teaching, fine, you have the right to do so, but don't mock the people who believe in the bible teachings, and most of all, don't try to teach us about what the bible as you make a bigger fool of your self.
Vince Cachia
Jan 24th, 11:05
WHY AREN'T THEY NAMING THEM IRRISPECTIVE OF THEIR AGE??? THE NEARBY BALCONY MEANS THEY LIVE IN THE AREA!!
B Attard
Jan 24th, 11:00
Dik hi l-edukazzjoni tat-tolleranza li hadu kemm damu l-iskola.
Ms Muscat
Jan 24th, 12:21
It-tolleranza ma tiddependix biss mill-edukazzjoni li hadu mill-iskola izda wkoll mill-mentalita' tas-socjeta' li nghixu fiha u mill-perspettiva ta' l-individwu nniffsu.
Bl-edukazzjoni biss ma naghmlux mirakli!!
Charles Grima
Jan 24th, 10:39
Why do we have to tag these girls with the word 'lesbians'? Why?
They are humans first of all, and I would certainly object to somebody calling me with a 'tag'...
Why must we label people?
Christian Sciberras
Jan 24th, 11:10
Because that's what they call themselves (or otherwise best described)?
Why label a black person anything else than he is?
Discrimination, hatred and similar ignorance is something else completely. This is the same with other adjectives which through the ages have earned a bad reputation / negative connotation.
A handicapped person is just that, why switch to 'disabled'? It's all unnecessary inconvenience to both the caller and the subject, and a frequent cause of misunderstandings.
Again, a totally different issue from hate or discrimination.
Ian Mamo
Jan 24th, 11:14
Sorry to say Mr Grima, But are you implying that the word ''lesbian'' is wrong??
It's a definition of a gender. What's wrong with the word?
If someone calls you a human, or a man would it be offending, even if it's a tag????
Ian Mamo
Mr Mike Rizzo
Jan 24th, 11:26
Charles Grima is entirely right and is being misunderstood,
if thugs attacked a heterosexual, would the paper headlines be saying "Thugs attack heterosexual" ? I don't think so.
The thugs may have attacked the girls because they perceived them to lesbians. But their motives should not be confused with what they did, which is to attack two innocent people.
Ken Cowan
Jan 24th, 11:34
It is worth knowing WHY they were attacked. It focuses on the types of discrimination and injustice that gay people are typically targeted with. Once homophobia no longer exists, it won't matter enough to mention, but for the moment it IS important to know.
Kenneth Grima
Jan 24th, 11:41
@ Charles Grima
That's what they are Lesbians and it is not offensive it is not a tag. The group LGBT in fact stands for Lesbians Gays Bisexuals and Transgenders. It is how each of these groups describe themselves and not offended by such names. I am a Gay men and decribe myself as such.
E Schembri
Jan 24th, 13:20
@ Ian Mamo
Lesbian or gay is NOT a gender but a sexual orientation.
There are only two genders, MALE and FEMALE.
Karl Consiglio
Jan 24th, 10:38
why are they covering her eyes?
Jen Fenech
Jan 24th, 10:46
because she is still under age.
dingaling rockcliffe
Jan 24th, 10:35
---Welcome to easy going friendly Malta, anything goes where there are hardly any coppers to be seen, no rulkes as far as driving and the easiest jurisdition laws ever, OH and as we were told back home its a Tax Haven for retired businessmen. (LOL)> in mycase still remains to be seen, only do not bring your private car with you, the vultures just love people driving foreign number plates.
A Bezzina
Jan 24th, 11:14
I am not quite getting your point! Such crimes UNFORTUNATELY exist the whole world over ...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16659300
http://www.flcourier.com/flflorida/7405-champions-death-a-hate-crime
http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2012/01/gay_hate_crime.php
This does not justify what happened in Malta!! However, neither does it warrant your patronising remarks, which are unfortunately remnants of a colonial past!! Denigrating Malta is not going to help address this serious issue ...
Joseph Barbara
Jan 24th, 11:50
I can assure you that compared to other countries, including yours, we have a much safer environment. With regards to friendliness, the Maltese are renowned for it. It's your attitude that I'm not sure of. From the text you wrote and the adjectives you used, I would not wish to be your friend either.
Joseph Aquilina
Jan 24th, 13:17
@dingaling rockcliffe
In the UK I was attacked just because I was a foreigner!! Things like this – and much worse than that – happen all over the world!
Patrick Camilleri
Jan 24th, 14:11
I'm willing to go anywhere anytime day or night on this island.
Would you say the same about your own?
N Cutajar
Jan 24th, 10:35
this is so sad, where are we goin? what is happening to us?
Rich Brad saunders
Jan 24th, 11:40
Oh here we go again the ever ready retaliaiting Maltese with a vengence, they just do not like to be corrected or criticised, but they do love criticizing others. Yeah - think about it you know it makes Pal !
Charles Micallef
Jan 24th, 10:31
It will be interesting to find out who these two brothers are, their family background and what instigate them to behave like this!
Mr Adrian Zahra
Jan 24th, 10:27
you can't name them before they are brought to court. everyone is free until proven guilty. but yes afterwards name them and show photos of them so everyone will know and recognise them.
vella m
Jan 24th, 10:11
Name and shame them please.
George Attard
Jan 24th, 10:23
won't happen, they are under 18
Jen Fenech
Jan 24th, 10:33
" George, no they are not! one of them is 19!! he is not a child but a young man!!
C Muscat
Jan 24th, 10:11
I hope I am wrong. All the remarks here including mine are coming from persons that do not have any idea of what happened except what we read.
How can we judge this particular crime. We can remark generally but we cannot judge any part of this saga.
this goes to all remarks that are addressed just by what we feel; I think and I hope we should use this medium better.
A Bezzina
Jan 24th, 10:31
Saying that assault is deplorable is hardly a judgement; it is a fact!
Deo Catania
Jan 24th, 11:34
ha ndahqu C Muscat? il-fatt hu li zewg guvintur sawtu lil zewg tfajliet u tmerix il-fatti bil-qziez tieghek.
Carmel Garcia
Jan 24th, 10:04
Uru isimhom halli jkun jaf kulhadd min huma. Nies bla qalb u kuxjenza.
G. Borg
Jan 24th, 10:00
Just lock these people up and throw away the key.............
JOSEPH ZAMMIT
Jan 24th, 09:55
Name them and shame them!
The law must be harsh on them. Society must be protected not by words only but by deeds.
Eric Borg
Jan 24th, 09:54
Violence, is always WRONG. However I hope there would be a thorough Investigation of this case, as I have my doubts that THUGS just ATTACK Lesbians!!? Does anybody know the history of these Lesbians...........especially at school............??? I suggest the authorities should check, there might be some surprises!!!!
Kenneth Cassar
Jan 24th, 10:06
Do you know something the rest of us don't? If not, stop spreading slanderous allegations.
Charles Bayliss
Jan 24th, 10:17
Shame on you Eric Borg. Such homophobic comments are not called for. I feel sorry for you. Are you so blind that you condone such acts?
A Bezzina
Jan 24th, 10:35
Wakey wakey Mr Eric ... YES homophobic acts of violence exist!!! YES thugs do attack lesbians, as is evident in this case!! Their HISTORY has nothing to do with it ... NOTHING justifies violence!! So just open your eyes and wake up to reality ...
Tanja Cilia
Jan 24th, 10:52
What are you implying, Mr Borg? That it is all right for someone to take the law into his own hands if he finds the behaviour of someone irritating, unpleasant, or unacceptable? Take your argument further, and you will find it complies with certain countries' "system" of "curing" lesbians. And once we're done with people who are in this particular minority... we will have to move on to others; people who are short or tall, fat or thin; foreign; wear prescription glasses; dress flamboyantly; drive flashy or junk cars... the list of those upon whom we can pick is endless. http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120123/blogs/teens-thugs-and-taunts.403596 Today it's Amy - tomorrow it may be me... or you.
Ms. P.M Graham
Jan 24th, 11:00
To Charles Bayliss: How is this comment homophobic?
"Violence, is always WRONG"
"I hope there would be a thorough Investigation of this case, as I have my doubts that THUGS just ATTACK Lesbians!!?"
It is hard for many to believe that amy was attacked just because she was gay, but WE do know it happens and if the investigation proves that this was a homophobic attack then more people will understand that this happens.
Sometimes people are so shocked when something like this happens, (especially in Malta) they just don't want to believe it or face facts.
I think we have to be very careful not to label all opinions that don't suit our own as homophobic because that too causes problems.
Jo Grima
Jan 24th, 11:02
Dear Eric....with a suggestion like yours i greatly advise the authorities to question you also, is there something you know which we dont ?? were you involved in this crime also ??
Joe E Galea
Jan 24th, 11:05
@Eric Borg: So if I beat the crap out of you then they should check your history to why I did so? Pfffffff unbelievable!!!
Ken Cowan
Jan 24th, 11:43
@ Eric Borg:
"History at school"?
Meaning what?
That they maybe show affection openly and publicly, like any other teenager?
Horrors!
Ummm... you doubt that thugs just attack lesbians?
That is exactly what THUGS do!
That is also what typical straight males who are brought up to think that they are God's gift to women often do, with the idea "How come you like her? Aren't I good enough for ya?"
They see lesbians as some sort of personal insult to their "manliness"; (A real man wouldn't care about other people's sexual orientation but that is another matter...)
As for you Mr Borg, what are you so suspicious about? Typical to accuse those who were victimized as if they deserved to be attacked... This is the same mentality used to support rapists "Gee, if the girl hadn't been dressed so seductively she wouldn't have been raped"...blah blah blah.
Pathetic.
Maria Borg
Jan 24th, 17:01
Mr Basyliess is right! That is a homophobic remark and that's why we urgently need hate crimes laws.
V. Cauchi
Jan 24th, 09:51
Before speaking out did the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice and the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality check whether the persons involved were committing acts in breach of public morality? I think they spoke out too soon only basing themselves on the contents of a newspaper article which may, or may not, be fully correct or all comprehensive.
Granted that gay persons should be safeguarded against discrimination, it does not mean that they can publicise their abomination in no uncertain manner without arousing the disgust of a major part of society around them. If only the majority of people speak out about the perverse and showy public display gay persons often resort to, I think we would be getting a very different aspect of how Maltese society accepts or does not accept unconforming sexual orientation in Malta.
Even the Bishops must have the courage to speak out themselves, to safeguard Catholic teaching and so that Catholics might know where they really stand, and not delegate their high-faluting Commissions to do the job they should be doing personally. Catholics expect true, straightforward, leadership.
Kenneth Cassar
Jan 24th, 10:04
What an utterly disgusting and homophobic comment.
JP Bajada
Jan 24th, 10:11
@V. Cauchi - 'He who is free from evil, cast the first stone'. Who are we to judge? Every person has the right to display his/her lover whether the person is gay or not. You haven't mentioned people speak out about the perverse and showy public display (sic) heterosexuals often resort to. Should we resort to think in this way, we are doomed to go back to the Inquisition period, where public displays of affected were humiliated and condemned.
D Gatt
Jan 24th, 10:18
First - I think that your opinion is an abomination
Secondly - This is a free country and not the dark ages
Third - Go and crawl back in the hole from where you came from.....
Describing you as an idiot is an insult to stupidity....
Mark Anthony Fenech
Jan 24th, 10:20
Hmm and so someone like you has a right to vote Mr/Ms Cauchi...
Mr Daniel Jones
Jan 24th, 10:20
V Cauchi, I think you will find that it is such outdated views such as yours that are an abomination and disgust a major part of Society these days. Even inside the Church and its Christian teachings which you seem to ignore with your intolerance.
Even if the people involved were committing acts in (your eyes) breach of public morality, it does not give anyone the right to assault them. Your views are more akin to the Afghan Taliban than modern day Europe.
Kenneth Grima
Jan 24th, 10:27
@ v.cauchi
I guess the only abomination here is your way of thinking. You should be ashamed of yourself. If huging and kissing are breach of public morality then the courts should be loaded with such cases. Why it has always to be how you christians percieve it, and the christian point of view has always to be the law, as if on this island only the christians exist. Maltese law has to safeguard the maltese and not just the christians. One can never excuse Violence, shame on you.
Jen Fenech
Jan 24th, 10:38
@V Cauchi
mela se niġu bħall-pajjiżi Għarab issa? ma nistgħux ngħannqu jew inbusu lil xi ħadd fil-pubbliku?
jiddispjaċini imma dan il-kumment bil-fors ġej mingħand xi ħadd li ma rax ħafna mħabba f'ħajtu! Jien għandi d-dritt ngħannaq u nbus lil min irrid fil-pubbliku! kemm jekk hi mara u kemm jekk hu raġel! jekk ma jogħġbokx, AGĦLAQ GĦAJNEJK!!
Robert Massa
Jan 24th, 10:46
Are you talking any sense ? ? Have you read what you wrote before submitting this shameful comment ? Grow up, it would be better ! Violence is always a CRIME !
daniel cauchi
Jan 24th, 11:05
Dear V. Cauchi
for you I might be an abominatiion, but when you hit me it hurts, and when you stab me I bleed, just like you would....
Being different is what makes us all the same.. and in GODs eyes, we re supposed to be his children, no matter the colour, race , religion, or sexual orientation.
Nobody deserves to be beaten up just because he or she loves someone of the same sex...
There are alot of things that I dont accept in this world, but that doesnt give me the right to bash things around. No one is asking you to change your opininion, but it would be great if you could keep such homophobic comments to yourself and not to spread it out into the world like that ..
JOSEPH ZAMMIT
Jan 24th, 11:06
The only means for the church to safeguard its teachings was to burn alive these people. Nowadays they cannot do it for obvious reasons. However, before getting carried away, Mr. Cauchi, the church only has one responsibility and that is to teach, not condemn, mind you. The church must teach love and compassion, full stop, but it seems it is difficult for many catholics to understand this.
And please stop calling them "lesbians". From what little I can see from the photo, she looks a pretty young girl, becoming a victim of a society reeking in racism and what not.
Yes, why don't the bishops speak against these so-called catholic hypocrites who always want to condemn people whom they disagree with?
Jo Grima
Jan 24th, 11:08
V. Gauchi ...let me tell you where catholics stand...they sadly still believe in adam and eve and a talking snake. Now that's scary !! and dangerous. I call it a neurologic disorder !!
Joe E Galea
Jan 24th, 11:08
V. Cauchi: To start with "abomination" are people like you. Your post here is an instigation to homophobia and anti-homosexual hate crimes.
I tell you one thing. Since you are over-reacting, which in psychology it is called overcompensation, then there is a plausible conclusion regarding your sexual orientation.
Joe E Galea
Jan 24th, 11:09
Also I forget to mention that people like you should not be allowed to procreate, in order to avoid spreading defected genes in society.
Paul Barrett
Jan 24th, 09:51
This is a sexual offence and their names should be entered in the Sexual Offenders Register (if of course they are found guilty). These low life individuals need to be shown that they cannot just bully their own beliefs on others.
George Attard
Jan 24th, 10:25
by definition it is a hate crime, not a sexual offense. the girls were not sexually abused so the crime cannot be categorized as so.
Ian Mamo
Jan 24th, 11:31
This is more like sexual discrimination
Wilfrid Buttigieg
Jan 24th, 09:42
This is Absolutely Ridiculous! The boys should be named and shamed!
R. Gauci
Jan 24th, 09:47
Illum l-internet b'sahhtu, jekk il-Qrati ma tridx li dawn jissemmew xi hadd li jafhom ghandu juza dan il-mezz ghax persuni bhal dawn huma ta` periklu ghas-socjeta' u ghandna dritt inkunu nafu min huma, issa ta` 10 snin jew ta` 13 -il sena zgur ma jinteressa lil hadd.
Joseph Borg
Jan 24th, 09:41
Why does it have to be The Times to take action first so that the Police WAKE UP. It was reported that this incident happened on the 13th...the Times reported it over the past weekend...and God bless the Police just remembered they had pending file in the drawer after no arrests were made despite being caught immediately nearly red handed with witnesses!!!! SHAMEFUL
Karl Consiglio
Jan 24th, 09:31
I hope that justice is served, and served cold.
Hossam Helwani
Jan 24th, 09:29
The boys should face the maximum penalty imposed by the law to teach a lesson that this homophobic act is intollerable.
Shame on all those who try to destroy what they cant understand. It is amazing that in 2012 society is degenerating in these disgusting shamefull acts. I hope the judge will not be lenient and teach them a lesson to be learnt by all who harbour these ideas.
Shame on them
D. Camilleri
Jan 24th, 09:48
You couldnt have said it any better!
Manuel Camilleri
Jan 24th, 09:27
Who aren't they named and shamed? Hopefully they will not get bailed out!