Imagine, if you will, a classroom in the heart of Malta, perhaps in the bustling streets of Birkirkara or the historic city of Mdina. Now, imagine that the teacher standing before you, eager to inspire young minds, is bound by a law that’s older than many of the students themselves. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario; it’s the reality for educators in Malta today, thanks to a colonial-era law that’s still on the books.

The Law: A Relic of the Past

The Education Act, Chapter 340 of the Laws of Malta, was enacted in 1974, a time when Malta was still under British rule. Section 374 of this act states that teachers are prohibited from making any public statement that could be deemed critical of the government or its policies. This law, a remnant of colonial rule, has been the subject of much debate and criticism in recent years, with the Alternattiva Demokratika (ADPD) party leading the charge for its repeal.

ADPD’s Call to Action

In a press conference held outside the Ministry of Education in Floriana, ADPD’s education spokesperson, Dr. Mario Borg, demanded the immediate lifting of this gag law. “Teachers are not civil servants in name only,” he stated, “They are educators, role models, and their voices should be heard, not silenced by a law that belongs in the past.”

Dr. Borg was joined by several teachers who shared their experiences of self-censorship, fearing repercussions if they spoke out on educational policies or government decisions. One teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, told Hot Malta, “It’s like we’re living in a time warp. We’re expected to teach our students about freedom of speech and democracy, yet we’re not allowed to practice it ourselves.”

The Ministry’s Response

The Ministry of Education, however, has been less than forthcoming about its plans to repeal the law. When contacted for comment, a spokesperson for the ministry stated that the law is currently under review, but no timeline for its repeal has been set.

Meanwhile, ADPD has launched a petition calling for the immediate repeal of the law. “We cannot continue to stifle the voices of our educators,” said Dr. Borg. “They have a right to express their opinions, and our students have a right to hear them. It’s time to lift this gag law and let teachers teach, and let Malta move forward into the 21st century.”

You can sign ADPD’s petition at adpd.org/malta/teacher-gag-law-petition.