A group of lawyers and Judge Giovanni Bonello insisted today that the Spring Hunting referendum would have no bearing on other hobbies.

Speaking at a press conference, Dr Mark Bencini referred to claims by the FKNK that the referendum would open the door for a clamp-down on other minority activities such as fireworks, pigeon racing  and motorsport.

He said that the laws governing the other hobbies were regulatory and every citizen enjoyed the constitutional right to enjoy them.

It was only spring hunting which had a special law to allow the people to practice it as a concession. 

Dr Bencini said the referendum would not even have a bearing on remaining hunting, which was 'regulated' rather than 'permitted'. In that case, a referendum could only be held to remove the regulations governing hunting, which would actually make hunting easier.

Dr Bonello said the FKNK claims amounted to 'scaremongering'.

Dr Andrew Borg Cardona said the hunting lobby's claims amounted to a breach of every citizen's right not to be lied to.

During the press conference the lawyers were asked whether politicians had a duty to reveal their voting intentions. Judge Bonello said they did not have a legal obligation, but they were morally and politically obliged to inform the electorate of their position. He said he would be voting against spring hunting.

 

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