FKNK Slams PN’s Environment Bill As ‘Draconian’ And Warns It Could Threaten Hobbies
Hunting lobby FKNK warned that a PN bill to enshrine the “right to the environment” as a legally enforceable human right could be used to clamp down on hobbies and pastimes.
The bill, proposed by PN MP Darren Carabott, will allow people to go to court if they feel that their “human right” to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is being breached.
However, FKNK pointed out that the bill loosely defines the “environment” as “air, water, and land, and the ecosystem and all its constituent parts, and all natural and physical resources which affect human life.”
They warned that people could use this provision to target hobbies and pastimes- not just hunting and trapping but also fireworks, recreational fishing, off-roading and village feasts.
“The proposed amendments will empower the Civil and Constitutional Courts to order urgent measures if they feel that there has been a serious environmental breach,” they said.
“This could mean that there will be nothing stopping the courts from suspending activities, such as hunting and trapping in certain zones and seasons, if they feel that they cause significant environmental harm.”
They noted that the European courts had already suspended the spring hunting season for three years between 2009 and 2011 pending a court case by the European Commission against Malta.
“In our humble opinion, this bill is draconian, doesn’t belong in a civil democracy and can only be welcomed by extremist people and groups seeking to achieve an objective that they have failed to attain through the available legal and democratic means,” they said.
The Malta Shooting Sport Federation also expressed similar concerns, warning that the broad terms in the bill could give rise to frivolous or malicious claims against sporting events, with the courts empowered to suspend competitions and training.
“The MSSF firmly believes that the protection of the environment should never come at the expense of undermining democratic principles, legal certainty, or the rights of minority sports,” they said.
“Any constitutional amendment must strike a fair balance between safeguarding the environment and preserving the continuation of legitimate sporting, cultural, and social practices.”
Photo right credit: Darren Carabott
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