The Director and Board of Directors of Radju Marija Malta, one of the most followed radio stations on the island, have issued a public request for the inclusion of protections for religious organisations in Malta’s proposed Equality Bill. In a statement the broadcaster said it is seeking legal guarantees that would allow it to continue transmitting and participating in public dialogue in line with its Catholic identity.
In the statement, Radju Marija Malta requests “protection in the new Equality bill, to be able to freely transmit, and engage in public dialogue based on the Catholic ethos.” The organisation is calling for the proposed legislation to include provisions that safeguard the ability of religious entities to continue carrying out their mission while remaining faithful to their beliefs.
The statement also underlines the importance of freedom of religion and mutual respect within society. It says that, “In a pluralistic society, there should be mutual freedom and respect for people of faith to live their faith freely and engage in open dialogue.” According to Radju Marija Malta, these principles should be reflected in the new law currently under consultation.
The broadcaster further requests “a guarantee within this law, that will protect religious entities and NGOs with a Catholic ethos of life.”
Its appeal comes as a wider coalition of NGOs and civil society organisations has also called on the Maltese Government to introduce a formal public consultation period before the Equality Bill proceeds further. The coalition argues that the legislation is of major importance because it affects fundamental rights, equality, protection against discrimination and constitutional principles.
It says the amended draft was published only recently and that NGOs, stakeholders and the public should be given adequate time to study the text and propose amendments before Parliament continues with the legislative process.
However, the coalition’s request does not appear to have been taken up, as Parliament is scheduled to vote on the Bill’s third reading today.
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