Chris Fearne blocks health centres from removing religious symbols

An order to remove all religious symbols from health centres has been revoked by Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne.

In a circular, Primary Care officials told heads at health clinics across Malta to remove all religious symbols from their premises, symbols such as holy pictures and crucifixes on their walls.

Ma naqbilx mad-decizjoni tad-dirigenti tal-Primary Care illi jitnehhew simboli religjuzi mic-Centri tas-Sahha. Ordnajt li c-cirkolari tigi rivokata mmedjatament.

— Chris Fearne (@chrisfearne) April 7, 2019

On Sunday afternoon, Health Minister Chris Fearne took to Twitter saying that he disagreed with this decision and has ordered that the circular is revoked immediately.

Speaking to MaltaToday, Fearne said that "religion forms an integral part of the fabric of our society and of the lives of many individuals. Publicly expressing one's devotion towards religion is part of our daily life."

Fearne also referred to international court judgements, incidentally made by Maltese Judge Vanni Bonello, which supported the position that religious symbols in public spaces do not violate human rights.