This is not about religion, privileges or concessions.  Nor is it meant to initiate any crusade. We have plenty of goings-on.  This is all about the negative signals which emanate from the proposed abolition of criminal sanctions on the vilification of the Roman Catholic religion.  The gains from the proposed amendment I genuinely fail to grasp. 

My scepticism becomes even stronger when taking into context the recently reported incident at the Sliema police station wherein a French man called the President of Malta a “b…”.  He was arraigned in court and was handed a suspended sentence.

Serves him right!

Our President deserves the respect of the local community and of those visiting our shores. The respect for our President is protected by law.  Rightly so, our legislators have taken the trouble to ensure that various office holders are protected from all forms of vilification.    

However, this may cease to be the case for the leaders of the local Roman Catholic Church who, until today, are at par with the rest of our secular leaders.  Some may argue that the Catholic Church in Malta enjoys a special privilege, a reminder of past Church authority and gratuitous religious influence on society.  But this is not the case.  Other religions are given the same considerations.

Dr Owen Bonnici, Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government recently announced that a comprehensive legal reform is simmering on the back-burner.  While some amendments are long overdue, there is nothing to drive people into any form of exultation with the announcement that the criminal sanctions on the vilification of the Roman Catholic religion are being abolished. Perhaps the Minister and his advisers expected that many would be overjoyed with the change and possibly be taking to the streets to celebrate.

Articles 163 and 164 of the Criminal Code carry a maximum punishment of six months imprisonment for the vilification of the Catholic religion, and three months for that of any other religion, when such vilification occurs by words, gestures, written matter whether printed or not, or pictures, or by giving offence by vilifying those who profess the religion, its ministers, of objects of worship.

Article 165, carries a maximum of one year imprisonment for those who impede or disturb a Catholic ceremony or religious service will also be removed, but retained as a contravention affecting public order within the Criminal Code.

I find nothing smart, innovative, fresh, liberal or progressive in this change. Should this amendment be pushed forward, this will efface the customary respect the Roman Catholic religion has long enjoyed. With the introduction of this amendment, our society will not be released from the real or perceived shackles of the past, nor will it earn anything which may project our society as avant-garde and progressive.     

Perhaps it is in my nature. I was brought up in an era where people held each other in respect; if not for the person, then for the office the person held.  Making a point and firmly advocating a diverse position does not entitle anybody to vilify persons in office, irrespective of whether civil or religious.  If anything, this amendment will continue to erode the ethical standards which are already on a slippery slope.

However, I would fully support this amendment should the archbishop be exempted from any legal action against him in the event that he punches in the face those who vilify him or our religion. The archbishop, a man of God, is expected to turn his cheek to take another slap on the other. But then the archbishop is also expected to defend his religion and his honour as a representative of the Roman Catholic Church.  This puts him in quite a conundrum.  This also puts in a quandary other men of the cloth, who from time to time make hasty public statements on the institution they belong to.

Would the PL grouping still push for this?  I hope they are able to find a way out. Whether they would be able to save-face is another matter.    

Allow me a personal note.

Entrepreneur Mr Albert Mizzi died and was paid due respect last Saturday.  However, this is not the end of Mr. Mizzi, I am certain that his legacy will live on. He had foresight, courage, determination and business acumen which created thousands of productive employment opportunities.  I had the opportunity to cross paths and get to know this gentleman well.  He was an entrepreneur with a big heart. I can vouch to this.  

Mr. Mizzi your counsel will be greatly missed.