From Mr G. Camilleri

It has become the fashion recently for religious fundamentalists to protect what they perceive as their crumbling world by invoking constitutional entrenchments in a bid to impose their beliefs on future generations. Some contributions made in the newspapers not only advocate the inclusion of an anti-abortion clause but even recommend the inclusion of an anti-divorce entrenchment and same-sex marriage prohibition entrenchment as well.

The truth of the matter is that this vociferous minority actually has the cheek to state openly that its intentions are those of restricting our future politicians, denying them the ability to govern freely even when they represent a popular majority vote. This is why I am against abortion but also against Gift of Life’s campaign. All these entrenchments are nothing but political manoeuvring intent on preserving a religious status quo whose support is fast being eroded.

It may surprise people who know me to read this but I lay the blame for this constitutional nonsense fairly and squarely on the government, whose Deputy Prime Minister has flirted and openly encouraged the anti-abortion constitutional entrenchment.

This however opened a Pandora’s box he did not anticipate.

Unless the political climate changes at the next general election, it is a certainty that we will see the two new “puppet” lobby groups campaigning to entrench an anti-divorce clause and homophobic type legislation in the Constitution. The self-preserving politicians will all have their hand forced to either support or abstain.

It is worrying that the government is still toying with the anti-abortion constitutional amendment even a few months before the election. Hence it does not require much grey matter to understand that if / once re-elected, and securely in power, this and further entrenchments will be unstoppable.

As things stand, the party in government does not represent my democratic values anymore. I urge readers to see the dangers ahead for our country before it is too late. Unfortunately, so far, there is no other way to defend our Constitution’s integrity but to advocate change both in the in the political climate and also the type of politicians that we elect.

In 2003 we had an election, which thankfully determined that our nation joins Europe. Back then people were urged to vote not according to their parties but on the issue of our future with Europe.

In 2007 or 2008, we will have an election that will determine whether our country’s future will be imprisoned and relegated back to the Dark Ages for decades and decades to come.

George Camilleri

ATTARD