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Bondiplus’ programme about ethical choices and fertilisation on Tuesday 22 February 2005 on TVM had some minuses. On certain matters all participants seemed in agreement – so where was the balance which should be mandatory on the state broadcasting media in a democracy?
To my mind – with all due respect – the Church’s official position on the subject was not in all instances represented well. A participant’s particular tenets should be clearly stated when they differ from that of the official teaching magisterium of the Catholic Church. The local Church authorities did well in calling on one and all to voice their opinion arising out of their deeply held Catholic convictions in season and out of season, especially when legislation is being planned which will give rise to great moral choices. But this programme did not have one lay concerned Catholic voicing dissenting when this was in order from certain statements expressed by the other participants be they in the studio or in the broadcasted features.
A debate on the subject held a while back at St James Cavalier in Valletta, was more democratic as it was open to the public and more than one MP (from both sides of the house) was present with also some foreign expert input and the moderator than seemed more modest and humble.
Joe Bonett Balzan
Balluta
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