Updated Monday at 11.30am
An order to remove all religious symbols from health centres has been revoked by Health Minister Chris Fearne.
In a circular, Primary Care officials told heads of health clinics that all religious symbols, such as holy pictures stuck to walls have to be removed.
Ma naqbilx mad-decizjoni tad-dirigenti tal-Primary Care illi jitnehhew simboli religjuzi mic-Centri tas-Sahha. Ordnajt li c-cirkolari tigi rivokata mmedjatament.
— Chris Fearne (@chrisfearne) April 7, 2019
Read: Crucifix in state classrooms ‘no breach of human rights’
The reasoning behind this order, to be implemented immediately, was that health centres were a public entity, and should be considered to cater towards a multi-cultural society.
However, in a tweet on Sunday afternoon, Mr Fearne said he disagreed with the decision and that he had ordered that the circular be immediately revoked.
Read: ‘Crucifix removal never, tolerance always’
On Monday, Mr Fearne told Times of Malta that the directive had been issued by the Primary Health Care Nursing Manager.
He has asked the CEO of Primary Health Care to investigate and take disciplinary action if necessary.
Mr Fearne said he had not been consulted on this matter.
Asked by the media about the separation of Church and State, he said politicians should not hinder religious expression.