Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/547695
maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 29 JULY 2015 News Women's confederation claims obscenity laws' decriminalisation opens door to TV porn THE Malta Confederation of Women's Organisations (MCWO) has claimed that a Bill decrimi- nalising pornography in a series of laws removing artistic censorship, was "promoting the sex shops and the licensing of TV channels that transmit pornographic content". The MCWO claimed the de- criminalisation of obscenity laws, spearheaded by Justice and Culture Minister Owen Bonnici, was "a huge step backwards" and against gender quality. "It's a far cry from the pledge of being a 'feminist government'," the MCWO said. "Although the general intention may be to decrease censorship in art, the MCWO strongly argues that the Bill, promoted under the guise of 'civil rights', violates hu- man dignity and bodily integrity, and therefore works against wom- en's rights." The MCWO said pornography, like prostitution, is yet another form of violence against women and in the majority of cases feeds into the system of exploitation of vulnerable women and young girls. "The porn industry seeks to make profit from material that is tar- geted mainly for male consumers with lack of mutual pleasure and a void of crucial concepts of mu- tual consent and respect between women and men," it added. The MCWO said pornography sent the wrong message that sex in porn was "enjoyable to women when in fact many find it degrad- ing, distasteful and painful. "Especially when women and young girls are coerced to mimic these acts as if they are pleasurable when they are under pressure to engage in such activities. "There are more important issues at stake which have wider implica- tions on society," MCWO chair- person Lorraine Spiteri, said. "Pornography objectifies women, cuts up their bodies into sexual parts, conveys distorted images of sexual relationships and influenc- es the attitudes and behaviours in relationships, especially of young people." Spiteri said sexual violence against women, which also includes sexual harassment and unwelcome sexual gestures and touching, is increasingly being reported and that research has shown that me- dia showing porn as well as violent imagery online and in music vid- eos, together with a sexist culture nurtures the right environment for such abuse to happen and to be normalised in relationships. "This requires a shift in culture to ensure that such behaviours are confronted before they are formed," Spiteri said. The MCWO urged the govern- ment to consider the damaging effects of pornography and the extent to which this proposed Bill will affect the wellbeing of the members of society, their dignity and the rights of both women and men. "MCWO calls on all female and male MPs to reject this Bill as it undermines the dignity and rights of women and harms Maltese soci- ety in general," the statement said. say goodbye to hefty electricity bills install photovoltaic solar panels today for a greener lifestyle and brighter future t: 00356 2156 9006 m: 00356 7959 2767 w: www.econetique.com e: info@econetique.com mompalao buildings, tower road, msida xewkija Industrial estate, gozo fxb, 346, mdina road, qormi The Malta Confederation of Women's Organisations expresses 'disappointment' at pornography decriminalisation bill and urges government to reject bill MCWO said pornography is degrading, distasteful and painful for women MCWO chairperson Lorraine Spiteri Foreign minister George Vella taken ill in Beijing MATTHEW VELLA FOREIGN minister George Vella was taken ill during his official visit to China. The minister, at 73 the oldest member of Joseph Muscat's Cabi- net, was taken ill and had to have a minor cardiac intervention. Prime Minister Joseph Mus- cat said that Vella, who is still in China, had been in communica- tion with him, and that he now felt better. Leaders from across the political divide, including opposition leader Simon Busut- til and deputy leader Mario de Marco, wished Vella a speedy re- covery. Vella is a former deputy prime minister, having served in the Alfred Sant government of 1996- 1998 as minister for foreign af- fairs and the environment. He resigned his position as dep- uty leader in 2003. During his trip to the Far East, Vella has held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Hail- ing the traditional friendship be- tween the two countries, Wang called on both sides to set up a steering committee on medium- term cooperation at an early date, expanding practical cooperation in energy, infrastructure, avia- tion, finance, innovation, tech- nology and tourism. According to the Chinese me- dia, Wang said "China hopes to see a prosperous and united EU and a strong euro". On his part, Vella said Malta hopes to deepen mutual political trust, trade and cultural relations with China. On Tuesday, a film co-produc- tion agreement was signed be- tween the two countries in Bei- jing following negotiations led by the Maltese Embassy in China and the Malta Film Commission. The agreement will pave the way for further collaboration with China and open up new opportunities for Maltese film- makers and the film servicing industry. George Vella, had minor cardiac intervention