Speak To Us Next Time: PN Equality Forum Head Ticks Off Julie Zahra For Gender Fluidity Children’s Play Remark
The head of the Nationalist Party’s equality forum has called out PN MP Julie Zahra for her recent remarks about an upcoming Żigużajg performance for eight to 10-year-olds about gender fluidity.
“As the parliamentary group should be aware, Forum Opportunitajiet Indaqs Partit Nazzjonalista – FOIPN exists primarily to promote equal opportunities for all marginalized individuals, including but not limited to LGBTIQ+ persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all faiths, races and social backgrounds,” Jamie Vella said under a post by Zahra in which she clarified her comments.
“We try our best to create a platform within Partit Nazzjonalista where the voices of these persons are heard and their rights are protected, through inclusive policies, regular consultations with concerned persons/ NGOs and advocacy.”
“As we’ve repeatedly made clear – in the spirit of dialogue and teamwork – as a forum we are more than willing to offer our services to all MPs who want to address these issues through more sensitive, better-informed language.”
“It is my sincere wish that all party officials would make better use of this asset (FOIPN) before certain statements are made.”
On Saturday, Zahra – the Shadow Culture Minister – and Shadow Education Minister Justin 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”.
However, Schembri stood up for her, arguing that eight to 10-year-olds are too young to be taught about gender fluidity.
Do you think young children should be taught about gender fluidity?
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