SERIOUS PITFALLS IN THE OPPOSITION’S PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ON THE ENVIRONMENT

We are publishing the Press Release issued yesterday by the Federation of Arms Collectors & Target Shooters in response to the Opposition’s proposed constitutional amendments.

Ombudsman Judge Emeritus Joseph Zammit McKeon warned that the proposal risked becoming a “Pandora’s Box”, despite the stated intention of protecting the environment.

The evident lack of consultation with stakeholders has produced a potentially dangerous tool that would inevitably be open to abuse by persons and NGOs with a pet hate of anyone and anything and willing to pursue legal action to damage or kill legitimate activities, such as target shooting on licensed ranges. If that were not enough, the proposal would give the Courts the power to halt the activity while the case is being heard. We are under no illusion what this would entail.

It is important that every member brings this serious issue to the attention of his/her elected MP to ensure that this proposal is re-worded to remove any potential danger to the sports that we have fought so hard to introduce and establish.