The Front Against Censorship said today that it believes that the phallic-like sculpture at Luqa should not be removed, not even temporarily for the Pope's visit.

"Such an act would classify as yet another obscene case of censorship, much in the same vein as the recent literature and theatre censorship cases," the front said.

It said it believed it was not within the remit of Luqa local council to decide what was acceptable for the Pope to view.

"The implied logic that the monument be removed because it might be scandalous to the Pope is insulting both to the artist and to the general public."

The front said it regretted that this issue made the headlines on the international media, bringing ridicule on Malta.

The Front Against Censorship is composed of Alternattiva Demokratika Żgħażagħ, Forum Żgħażagħ Laburisti, Kollettiv Ir-Realtà, General Workers Union Youths ,Unifaun Theatre Productions, Moviment Graffitti Żminijietna, MOVE, Pulse, Kunsill Studenti Junior College, Il-Kunsill Nazzjonali taż-Żgħażagħ and the Writers Club of University of Malta.

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