‘Let Children Be Children’: Shadow Education Minister Stands Up For Julie Zahra Amidst Gender Fluidity Play Controversy
Shadow Education Minister Justin Schembri has stuck his neck out for his colleague Julie Zahra after her comments about an upcoming ŻiguŻajg children’s performance about gender fluidity saw her subjected to heavy criticism, including by top government officials.
“What Julie Zahra said, after we spoke about it in detail, should be taken heed of,” Schembri said.
“Before launching attacks, let’s understand the play is aimed at eight to 10-year-olds. All other arguments are valid but this is too young an age, and we have a duty to speak out in the name of parents.”
On Saturday, Zahra – the Shadow Culture Minister – and Schembri raised concerns over the upcoming ‘Gender Boss’ play and workshop, questioning whether it is age appropriate and whether Żigużajg had consulted any psychologists, anthropologists, sociologists, and sexologists in advance.
She was met with a barrage of criticism, including from Parliamentary Secretary for Equality Rebecca Buttigieg, Culture Minister Owen Bonnici, the Malta Gay Rights Movement, PL CEO Randolph Debattista, PL MEP Cyrus Engerer, and ADPD candidates Sandra Gauci and Mina Tolu.
Buttigieg went as far as to say that Zahra’s comments show the PN is “fundamentally against equality”.
Parliamentary Secretary for Equality Rebecca Buttigieg
Speaking to Lovin Malta, Schembri said the personal attacks that Zahra has faced over the past 24 hours are a sign of political immaturity.
“We are concerned because this play is intended for eight to 10-year-olds,” he said. “Let children be children. They are too young. We are asking legitimate questions, and those responsible should answer not stay attacking Julie or PN.”
Asked to respond to warnings that her decision to raise concern about the play amounts to transphobia, Schembri said the issue is that it’s being shown to children of such a young age.
“This should not be for that age group. Full stop. Creative expression through play doesn’t mean that we can teach whatever we want. Let children be children,” he said.
Do you think young children should be taught about gender fluidity?
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