From Mr C. Attard

It is rather puzzling how the movement ANR (Republican National Alliance) can say: “We profess the Christian faith and are inspired by Christian values. Faith is part of our identity. We believe in a sense of nationalism, a love for our country” (The Times, 3 October). Browsing through their website and reading their articles and letters in the newspapers, it does not take much to realise that theirs is just hypocrisy and that they contradict themselves incessantly.

They deny time and again that they are racists. They say they oppose racism. And yet it is as clear as crystal that their ideology is indeed based on racism. Their attempt to divide the Maltese people by marginalising minorities, has luckily backfired, since several organisations are working together, harmoniously, towards the establishment of a common front against racism. This counteracts ANR’s agenda, and shows that it is being opposed. It uses such issues as same-sex unions to cover up its true beliefs and presents itself as a movement that embraces Christian values.

But then again, are Human Rights not part of Christian values? If they are, is the movement not violating Human Rights by stirring up racist hatred against illegal immigrants and now also homosexuals? And since ANR preaches that it is there to “safeguard the Maltese identity” (The Times, 3 October), does it believe that homosexuals do not form part of Maltese society?

ANR’s beliefs and ideologies are lasting contradictions. How can a movement say “we want people to realise they can have an opinion and to voice it whenever they can” one day, and then say “ample column space is being given to a minority which continues to insult the intelligence of readers” (The Times, 6 October) the next? Well, at least we do have one belief in common... the intelligence of readers is definitely being insulted!

Christian Attard

Malta Gay Rights Movement