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England raises legal marriage age to 18 – should Malta follow suit?

England raises legal marriage age to 18 - should Malta follow suit?
Apr 27 2022 Share

The legal age of marriage and civil partnerships has risen to 18 in England and Wales after the bill was passed through Parliament with little opposition.

Having successfully passed through Parliament, the bill will receive Royal Assent later this week, meaning it will officially become law. This raises questions about the local scene as, in Malta, the age of consent and marriage is 16.

In 2018, just months after 16-year-olds were given the right to vote, the age of consent in Malta was legally lowered to 16. That put Malta’s age of consent in line with the rest of European countries, which range from 14-18 years of age.

This move was welcomed by many Maltese youth groups as before the amendment, a 16-year-old was allowed to get married, but could then face a prison sentence if they had sex with someone under 18.

Over a 10-year period ending in 2017, a year before the amendment, 21 marriages involving minors – including brides as young as 16 – were registered in Malta. Should the island take a page out of the UK’s book?

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Żaren tal-Ajkla reveals wish to contest MEP elections; pledges to keep breast implant proposal

Żaren tal-Ajkla reveals wish to contest MEP elections; pledges to keep breast implant proposal
Apr 27 2022 Share

In an interview with Malta Daily on his 63rd birthday, Żaren tal-Ajkla addressed what lies ahead in his life and political career, with one of his goals being a foray into European politics.

Żaren stated that if he still has the strength to participate in the MEP elections, he will put his hat in the ring and attempt to secure a seat in European Parliament at 65 years of age. He went to on to argue that he will represent everyone, including those who support the Nationalist and Labour Parties.

The independent politician’s main stance going into the MEP elections would be his previously viral breast implant proposal, highlighting that this time round, they would not be paid by the government, but have funds allocated from the European Union “if need be.”

With a political career which is seemingly far from over, could we see Żaren tal-Ajkla fly his way into the European Parliament?

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11 cultural projects receive €340,000 support reveals Minister Owen Bonnici

11 cultural projects receive €340,000 support reveals Minister Owen Bonnici
Apr 27 2022 Share

Eleven different projects have received a total of €340,000 as part of the Programme Support Scheme. 

Aiming to support artists in creating programmes of related actives with a common objective, the funding scheme by Arts Council Malta will include events, productions, performances, exhibitions, festivals, community culture, training, and development initiatives.

Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici held a press conference for the beneficiaries of the first call of the Programme Support Scheme. 

He emphasised that the Government is committed to ‘create a sustainable cultural ecosystem. He explained that these types of schemes shall lead to a stronger cultural sector, which is crucial in a healthy society.’ 

“An enlightened society leads to a culture of openness, innovation and creativity” said the Minister. “I understand the hard work and unlimited voluntary hours these groups of people give to keep local traditions going—and that is why through schemes and other initiatives, we do our utmost to help and support them.” 

Speaking at the event was the Director of Funding and Strategy within Arts Council Malta Mary Ann Cauchi. 

She went on to say that “year after year, we are noticing that the projects submitted for support are pushing boundaries whilst exploring new grounds, something which indicates well for the sector. I’d like to encourage more artists and creatives to reach out to Arts Council Malta to explore the various resources and opportunities available for project growth”

This first call of the Programme Support Scheme covers programmes making place between May and November 2023. The call closed on 23rd of February 2022, and is one of thee calls spread throughout 2022. The programme aims to facilitate more financial and strategic flexibility, security, collaborations, innovative audience engagement, skills development and logistical service acquisition while minimising the risk of unexpected losses that occur due to unforeseen restrictions related to public health or related matters. 

The beneficiaries under this call are YMCA, MADC, Teatru Salesjan, Centrestage Malta, Epiclectic Ltd, Charles Paul Azzopardi, Żugraga Dance Organisation, Glen Calleja, Għaqda Mużikali Immakulata Kunċizzjoni and Għaqda Nazzjonali Każini tal-Banda. 

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Male contraceptive pill set to undergo human trials very soon

Male contraceptive pill set to undergo human trials very soon
Apr 27 2022 Share

Very recently, the news that a male contraceptive pill is in development made much waves on social media. 

Now, the pill is set to engage in human trials as scientists in the US embarked on the challenge of developing a non-hormonal male contraceptive pill. 

So far, the pill proved to be safe and effective on mice, meaning that clinical trials in humans are set to begin alter this year. The researchers from the University of Minnesota presented their findings at the American Chemical Society’s Spring 2022 conference last month. 

The pill is different from those of its type as it does not target testosterone. This means that the risk of side effects is far less than other drugs which never ended up on pharmacy shelves. 

As it stands, most female birth controls work on the female sex hormones. ‘Targeting the male sex hormone leads to a lot of side effects such as weight gain, depression and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases’ said researcher Abdullah al Noman. 

“Men are less willing to take a birth control pill that has significant side effects. That’s why we are targeting a non-hormonal pathway to developing a male birth control pill.”

Of course, mice are not humans and so the researchers are taking all necessary precautions so that the pills pass peer review safely and effectively. 

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