Health Minister Chris Fearne confirmed that he has requested an investigation and potential disciplinary action into the nursing manager who had issued a circular which ordered the removal of all religious symbols from the walls of public health centres.

“This was an administrative decision that I instantly disagreed with as soon as I found out about it,” Fearne told the press today. “I have asked the CEO of the Primary Healthcare Services to investigate and take any necessary steps, including potential appropriate disciplinary action.”

The controversial circular told heads of public health clinics that religious symbols, such as crucifies and holy pictures, must be removed from the walls.

The reason given was that health centres are a public entity, and should be considered to cater towards a multi-cultural society.

Fearne said that Maltese culture is still largely Catholic but insisted this decision was not one which blurred the lines between Church and state. Rather, he said he was defending the rights of people to freely express their personal devotions by erecting religious symbols by their bedsides.

“We’re not forcing anyone to put up these religious symbols, but if people want to express themselves in that way, particularly during the Easter period, then they should be free to do so,” he said.

The circular had proved extremely controversial, with 74% of respondents to a Lovin Malta poll stating that religious symbols should not be banned from public health centres.

What do you make of this circular?

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Tim Diacono

Tim is interested in the rapid evolution of human society and is passionate about justice, human rights and cutting-edge political debates. You can follow him on Instagram or Twitter/X at @timdiacono or reach out to him at [email protected]