The Malta Humanist Association is concerned at certain reactions to a
recent declaration by television presenter Lou Bondi, to the effect that he is ‘not a believer in God’.
These reactions included the view that people were “shocked” by Mr Bondi’s statement; and more ominously, that “something should be done” about it.
Joan B. Kelly, co-author of a study cited by Commissioner for Children Helen D'Amato, rejected the anti-divorce interpretation given to her study. Contacted by the Malta Humanist Association for her comments, Ms. Kelly stated that "They have misunderstood the research. The comparisons have been made between groups of children whose parents remain married, and those children whose parents have divorced. There is no reason to expect that the psycho-social outcomes for children whose parents divorce, get an annulment, or legally separate would be any different.
The Malta Humanist Association has elected
an official committee to replace the ad hoc committee originally set up by its
founder members in April 2010.
The Malta Humanist Association welcomes the verdict announced this morning in the case against author Alex Vella Gera and editor Mark Camilleri, over an ‘obscene’ short story published in a student newspaper (Realtà) in 2008.
Magistrate Audrey Demicoli acquitted both defendants from all charges, and in so doing restored an element of pragmatic sensibility to an issue that should really never have made it to court in the first place.
The committee of the Malta Humanist Association has written to request a formal appointment with H.E. The President of Malta, Dr George Abela, in the light of his recent statements regarding the close ties between Church and State in Malta.
Here is the full text of the letter, dated 26 April 2010:
The Malta Humanist
Association
wishes to convey its disappointment and consternation at remarks made
by the President of the Republic, HE Dr George Abela, during his address
welcoming Pope Benedict XVI to Malta on Saturday.
