I admire and congratulate the Archbishop for encouraging better cooperation between religions when he advocated that Muslims should be welcome to Malta.

In fact, I would expand on this declaration by stating that all religious beliefs should be welcomed. So far as I am aware, this has always been the case.

Having said this, I would also expect that non-Christian religions will reciprocate and also appreciate our western culture and laws.

To me, the sore point with regard to certain totalitarian religions is their lack of modern treatment of women.

In Malta, there are laws, customs and democratic traditions which must be honoured and followed by those who want to integrate in our society.

All our governments have over the years given women equal rights to men. It is considered to be a crime not to treat women on an equal basis.

Therefore, while I agree with the Archbishop that Muslims and other religions should be welcomed, I expect that they in turn will show their appreciation by accepting full integration into our modern society.

The treatment of women is above any religious dogma. It is sometimes based purely on traditions and antiquated customs that are no longer relevant in today’s modern world.

Maltese women are encouraged and given every opportunity to enter into the economic cycle. Thus, every woman must enjoy the same rights, responsibilities and freedom irrespective of the religion she follows.

It is only when there are no restrictions that our welcome and embrace of foreigners can be truly effective.

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