The hunters' federation (FKNK) this evening presented a 104,293-signature petition to Parliament, in an attempt to block a referendum on spring hunting.
The petition was presented to Parliamentary Secretary Michael Falzon. The petition will be tabled in front of the House tomorrow.
The petition was carried in boxes on three trolleys. FKNK President Joseph Perici Calascione said a quarter of the population had signed the petition. "Referendums should not be used to deny the rights of minorities," he said.
The hunters walked down Republic Street in Valletta, carrying signs with the words “Protecting the rights of minorities ... sign the petition.” Another placard reads “today its the hunters ... tomorrow it will be your turn.”
PL MEP candidates Cyrus Engerer and Clint Camilleri, who both supported spring hunting, are also in attendance, as is Zaren Bonnici tal-Ajkla.
PN supports spring hunting, but pro-referendum
PN Deputy Leader Beppe Fenech Adami said that although the PN is in favour of limited spring hunting, it will support the original petition by the anti-hunting lobby for a referendum. “The PN does not believe that we should stop the people from their right to hold a referendum. People will then have the chance to vote in favour or against”.
A PN statement read that the PN will not move the FKNK motion forward with Parliamentary Secretary Michael Falzon
The PN said that when in government, it had negotiated limited spring hunting in the EU accession talks and had defended the hunters' rights in the European Court.