SDM said it is concerned about the ongoing issue regarding the sexual age of consent and whether this should be lowered from 18 to 16, as is the case in most of the European countries.

SDM noted that the country has made positive development in the past few years, especially when tackling social issues which in the past could have easily been considered as taboo. The introduction of divorce legislation and the Civil Unions Act are proof that steps in the right direction are being made

Nevertheless, SDM said it was against change for change's sake and rather than simply calling for the lowering of the sexual age of consent, SDM calls for conformity in legislation. As things stand, a Maltese teenager can be sexually active at 18, can apply for a driving licence at 18, can consume alcohol at 17, is allowed into clubs at 17, can get married at 16 and can vote in local council elections at 16. SDM cannot help but notice that all these laws do not complement each other and therefore rather than simply lowering the sexual age of consent, SDM calls for an in-depth analysis of our legislation and a study is conducted to examine modern trends in society.

With regard to the issue at hand itself, SDM does not object to the fact that in the modern society we are living in, it would be acceptable for the sexual age of consent to be lowered and SDM recognizes the importance of keeping up with modern times. Nevertheless, if this is going to be case, SDM stresses the importance of holistic sexual education from a young age and if the age of consent is indeed lowered, then the authorities must ensure that even society in general is ready for these changes. SDM encourages the launching of nationwide campaigns to not only help teenagers themselves but also, their parents and society in general, to help them deal with this situation.

On a final note, SDM welcomed the ongoing discussion on the issue and hopes that the topic can continue to be discussed in a professional manner by all parties concerned and that a well-informed way forward is found, based on solid foundation and well-thought of principles, which distinguish our Maltese society.