Should Malta Establish Romeo & Juliet Laws?

Jun 11 2024

Malta needs “Romeo and Juliet” laws to decriminalise consensual sex between close-in-age teens, say child ambassadors, who reject lowering the age of consent from 16 to 14.

Children’s Commissioner Antoinette Vassallo, the National Youth Council, and Eurochild network president Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca advocate for better sex education instead.

This issue arose when a 15-year-old boy and his 14-year-old girlfriend faced court after she gave birth. Although they were cleared, Magistrate Abigail Critien suggested either lowering the age of consent or decriminalising consensual sex between close-in-age minors.

Vassallo opposes lowering the age of consent due to potential abuse risks but supports decriminalising consensual sex between minors under 16. Malta reduced the age of consent from 18 to 16 in 2018, but the National Youth Council favours “Romeo and Juliet” laws over further reduction.

Coleiro Preca and the Council stress the importance of a comprehensive sex education policy to empower youth and delay sexual activity. Malta’s sexual health policy, outdated since 2010 and delayed by COVID-19, will be revised by the end of 2024.

They also call for a serious discussion on the age of maturity in various legislations, like the allowance of child marriage at 16 with parental consent.

#MaltaDaily

Snakes Spotted Mating On Local Road

Jun 11 2024

A video uploaded to Instagram story by user @psajla_, two Western whip snakes were spotted on a Żabbar road engaged in a mating dance.

The two snakes can be seen coiled together and swirling around each other, which is the way many snakes reproduce.

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The snakes enter the mating season in May, with females reportedly laying up to 15 eggs in the months of June and July.

Despite not being venomous, these snakes could still lash out if someone tried to grab them – so be weary!

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‘Wicked’ Composer Stephen Schwartz To Perform His Broadway Hits In Malta

Jun 11 2024

As global hype builds for the movie adaptation of Wicked, the composer behind the acclaimed musical will be making a special appearance live in Malta for a breathtaking concert showcasing his greatest hits.

Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz will perform at the Mediterranean Conference Centre on September 29th in a first-of-its-kind show for the island called Stephen Schwartz: Defying Gravity – Live in Concert. He will be accompanied by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and a host of major national and international guests to be announced in the coming weeks.

The American Broadway star is also the writer of global hits including When You Believe, performed by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston for the animated movie The Prince of Egypt, a Schwartz and Hans Zimmer collaboration. Schwartz’s other film collaborations include many works with Alan Menken including Colors of The Wind from Pocahontas, Out There from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, as well as the popular live action/animation musical cross-overs Enchanted and Disenchanted from Walt Disney Pictures.

Schwartz is most renowned for the hit musical phenomenon, Wicked. This musical ranks as one of the best-selling shows in all of Broadway history, second only to The Lion King on a global scale.

In November, the movie adaptation of Wicked will hit screens worldwide with an A-list cast, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.

Schwartz has written over 14 musicals and is the only songwriter in Broadway history ever to have three shows run more than 1,900 performances with Wicked hitting that record back in 2008.

His theatre works include Godspell, Pippin, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Baker’s Wife, Children of Eden and The Prince of Egypt with themes often centered on magic, family and perseverance.

Stephen Schwartz: Defying Gravity – Live in Concert, promises a truly unique Symphonic celebration of the most recognisable popular musical theatre songs of our era. Audiences will be treated to an intimate journey through his timeless soul-stirring musical hits along with introspective stories of how these heart-warming power ballads came to fruition.

Limited tickets will be available at showshappening.com.

#MaltaDaily

Daniel Micallef Resigns From Labour Deputy Leader Role

Jun 11 2024

Labour deputy leader Daniel Micallef has resigned from his position.

Taking to social media, he explained that the decision had been taken two years ago, after having talked to Prime Minister Robert Abela to continue carrying out his role until the European Parliament election.

‘In fact, in the activity on Wednesday in Raħal Ġdid, I hinted at the renewal that is necessary, explaining that despite being there on that day, there will be someone else on another day – and I said this before Saturday’s election.’

‘As the Prime Minister said yesterday, I believe the public sent a number of messages with its vote on Saturday – messages which need to be understood and addressed.’

Daniel promised to continue helping the party in however way he can and as much as his personal life allows it.

He encouraged others to join the hundreds of volunteers who help the Labour Party, going on to thank the current ones.

#MaltaDaily