Hunting has always been of extraordinary importance in Malta. Before we joined the EU, it was one of the main stumbling blocks that complicated negotiations. At that time the Nationalist government went out of its way to ensure a balance between the aspirations of hunters – within the confines of EU legislation – and effective environmental protection.
Nothwithstanding all efforts, controversies never ceased and, year after year, we had to contend with vociferous and insistent requests and protests by both hunters and environmentalists. The results often disappointed both BirdLife and the hunters and probably cost us quite a few votes from both camps, but the policy was sustained as it was considered the most reasonable and fair option possible.
Nationalist governments never sacrificed principles for votes. Not so the Labour Party which, cynically and systematically, tried to shoot with the hunters and fly with the birds. Hunters were promised that a Labour government would amend the regulations to allow more freedom to hunt. The Parliamentary Secretary for Animal Welfare candidly admitted that the government was seeking loopholes in the laws so that more hunting could be permitted!
Because of its electoral promises to hunters, it is now defying public opinion and, instead of acting prudently so as not to exacerbate an already tense situation, it has now published new regulations, full of concessions to hunters, which can only be interpreted as a provocation towards environmentalists. It is a way of showing environmentalists that, when it comes to taking action, the government is firmly on the side of hunters.
Among the ‘reforms’ which have been introduced is the permission to shoot on Sundays. Many people who know nothing of birds and environmental protection are against hunting because it disrupts their rare moments of relaxation in the countryside. It is for this reason, and not to please birdwatchers or the EU, that hunting was not permitted on Sundays, when more people are around in the country. This has now been changed and, again, this can only be seen as an act of defiance, a provocation, this time towards the Maltese public in general.
The changes in the hunting regulations have followed the usual pattern that we are by now accostumed to: political decisions seemingly taken out of the blue, with no consultation whatsoever. If the government thinks it is doing a favour to hunters it is badly mistaken. Such provocations actually serve to harden public opinion against hunting and this will surely have a consequence in the ballot box when the time comes to vote in the referendum. – April 17
Why we abstained
The Act on Civil Unions should have dealt with Civil Unions. However, it went far beyond what the government itself had declared. What we now have is actually a “marriage” between same-sex persons. On our part, we were always clear: we believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman. It doesn’t mean that we don’t agree that a relationship between same-sex persons who declare they love each other should not have a legal basis (a civil union), especially to ensure that the rights of such persons are safeguarded even when the relationship ends. But that should not be called marriage.
It is evident that the government has made a mess. Elements of the marriage law referring to relations between a man and a woman were included in the law for same-sex unions. That is why the Opposition asked for the removal of certain marriage conditions which could legally be ground for annulment, such as impotence or lack of consummation and which are not relevant for a civil union. We advised the government that, in this way, they will be insulting persons of the same sex who want to be joined in a civil union. But Joseph Muscat’s government continued to persist in its hard-headedness.
More importantly, the Opposition proposed that in the law on civil unions there should be no reference to adoption of children by same-sex couples. This should be placed in the Adoptions Law. In order for things to be done properly, the Opposition proposed that the Parliamentary Social Affairs Committee should launch a serious study on adoptions in our country and if necessary make changes to the adoptions law. This research needs to be carried out also because the majority of Maltese believe that children should ideally be raised by a man and a woman. I feel that things are being done in a hurry on an issue that is so crucial for adopted children. It is evident there are no clear proofs that a child raised by a same-sex couple will have a bad upbringing. But likewise, there is no definite proof that such an upbringing will not have negative effects on the child. Many studies have been carried out abroad, often with conflicting results. That is why on such a sensitive issue, the Precautionary Principle needs to be applied, meaning that, where there is no certainty, one has to be cautious.
The Labour Party, cynically and systematically, tried to shoot with the hunters and fly with the birds
In Malta we are going even beyond what other social-democratic parties are accepting today. A few weeks ago the leader of the centre-left and Prime Minister in Italy, Matteo Renzi, said: “We are inspired by the German model of Civil Partnership where it is not acceptable for same-sex couples to adopt children”. Meanwhile, here in Malta, Muscat wants to go farther.
This government was in a hurry to do things quickly and even ignored the amendments presented by the Opposition. There was an opportunity to accept these amendments so that the law could have the consensus of both sides of the Chamber but the government insisted on being stubborn, part of a game to put the Opposition in an embarrassing position: either say Yes and therefore vote on issues of such vital importance or say No and appear to be against civil union. Because we are in favour of civil union but only that, we decided, after long discussions, to abstain as we believe this was the best course of action in the circumstances created by this government – April 15
Investment in waterpolo
On Saturday, April 12, the national waterpolo team achieved an eminent honour for our country: they won the silver medal in the Commonwealth Championships. I want to thank all those forming part of the national team who, in a short time, managed to obtain such positive results. First in games in Ireland and now in the Commonwealth Championships in Scotland. Above all I want to thank all those who, throughout the year, give their time and energy so that this sport – together with swimming – becomes more popular in our country. From the ASA president to club presidents down to kit managers!
This is a teamsport that, throughout the years, has consistently made our country proud. Because of our geographic position, we enjoy the double advantage of being surrounded by the sea and having an ideal climate, which we should exploit more.
I’m afraid this sport has not always found the support it deserves. Money has often been invested in various sports without thinking which investments bear more fruit. In recent years our country has offered various assistance schemes to different sports but perhaps we should start using some positive discrimination in favour of teamsports in which we enjoy some advantages.
We have to realise that in waterpolo, improvements came about because clubs invested and are still investing heavily to bring over high-level foreign players. Our technical staff is learning from the talent and experience of these players. I know, from experience and direct contact with waterpolo clubs, especially in my constituency, the sacrifices – including financial ones – that are often made by committee members to support the development of their club. A development that merits recognition and appreciation even by the local media.
The national pool at Tal-Qroqq has become too limited for the high demand there is for waterpolo and swimming. There is urgent need of another pool, as soon as possible. We sorely need facilities like these if we want to make this sport more widespread, including in schools. In this way we can cultivate new athletes who will eventually bring honour to our country. – April 13
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George Pullicino is a Nationalist Member of Parliament.