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Cremation In Malta Could Seriously Be On The Way As Government Announces New Bill

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Malta may be one step closer to offering cremation for deceased people as the Government announced they are discussing a new bill on alternative forms of burial.

Earlier today, Minister for Health Chris Fearne announced in Parliament today that the Government would be looking into “future planning” for families.

Now, MP Rosianne Cutajar announced that she will be leading a team that could change the way Maltese people bid farewell to their loved ones in the future.

“Excited and honoured to spearhead the cremation bill, a revolutionary step forward on behalf of the Maltese government. Individual freedom is a core part of my politics, and cremation is a reflection of this right. More details soon,” said Ms Cutajar in a Tweet.

More and more people have been demanding cremation in Malta

Previously, there was no way to provide human cremation on the island, with no legal framework in Malta for cremation or a crematorium, with many entrepreneurs who had approached the Planning Authority with ideas for a crematorium getting refused.

However, the new bill, which is near completion and will soon be presented to Cabinet, could provide the much-needed framework.

There are also potential economic benefits, with discussions regarding whether it would be more affordable for nationalities like Sicilians to come to Malta to cremate their loved ones, as opposed to going to Rome, being held.

A press conference is set to be called in the coming weeks with more details to be announced. This is set to be the first Private Member’s Bill to be proposed by a Government backbencher in this legislature, spearheaded by the youngest Member of Parliament, Rosianne Cutajar.

It is also worth noting that contrary to popular belief, the Catholic Church is not against cremation as long as the ashes of the person are placed in a consecrated location, like a cemetery.

A crematorium would also provide an answer for humanists, atheists, and people of other faiths, to say goodbye to their loved ones in an appropriate manner

Humanist funerals would even be held in a room near the crematorium, in a dedicated ‘Tribute Room’. It would also open the door for people who want their ashes scattered at sea, or at a specific location.

Would you prefer to be cremated or buried?

READ NEXT: So, How Do You Organise A Civil, Secular Funeral In Malta Exactly?

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]

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