Putin bans same-sex marriage and transgender adoption

Apr 12 2021

The Russian President Vladimir Putin has banned same-sex marriage and transgender adoption. This huge blow for LGBTQ+ rights was health when Putin changed several constitutions on a number of issues this week. This decision follows a referendum in which 77% of people in Russia voted in favour of this ban in July 2020.

Same-sex marriages will thus not be able to get legally married in Russia, with transgender members being unable to adopt. The constitution change also includes a reset on Putin’s limits as president, giving him the possibility of serving an extra two six-year terms despite his current term ending in 2024.

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Work continues on Marsa Sports Complex

Apr 12 2021

Parliament Secretary for Youth, Sport and Voluntary Organisations Clifton Grima and Chief Executive of Sport Malta Mark Cutajar visited the ongoing works at the building known as ‘1903’ and Chain Link Fencing project which will circulate the site with an investment of approximately €600,000. The Marsa Sports Complex will be transformed, according to the Parliament Secretary, into a sports hub of an international level.

The hub will be split into four zones, each dedicated to several sports disciplines ranging from gymnastics to weightlifting. Another zone will also facilitate equestrian sports, assemblies, sports clubs and even entertainment. Mark Cutajar stated that the ongoing work is set to conclude by next August, and will be used by the Malta Rugby Federation along with SportMalta facilities.

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COVID-19 hospitalisations rate hits lowest mark since August

Apr 12 2021

Fresh data by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control shows how the number of COVID-19 patients needing hospital care has gone down to the lowest its been since August. The rate had previously peaked in the last few moths of 2020, February and March, but admissions are now the same as in mid-August. This means 0.77 patients per 100,000 people are being admitted.

Cases requiring intensive care is also decreasing as according to ECDC it stands at 0.19 patients per 100,000. 64 patients were reported to be in hospital being treated for COVID-19 as of Friday of last week. The drop accompanies an easing of measures to start this week, with schools reopening and visits to pension homes allowed.

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Four films filmed in Malta to leave €7 million in economy

Apr 12 2021

Speaking with Television Malta, Commissioner for Films Johann Grech stated that four films are in production in Malta, with two of them in Gozo, which will altogether leave €7 million in the local economy. The construction of buildings and installation of a pump room which costs €1 and a half million was finished in the Malta Film Studios in Kalkara. Grech also stated that this year will see the beginning of work on sound stages, with three being constructed which cost €13 million.

Grech highlighted the importance of these sound stages which will see jobs becoming careers in the film industry in Malta. Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo highlighted the importance of investing in the films industry which boosts the economy and creates further employment.

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