Youth group says ‘divorce is a short-term solution’

Speaking in front of the family monument in Sliema, movement spokespersons Andrea Pace and Angelo Micallef said divorce is not the solution for those whose marriage has broken down, and the state should provide courses for those who are getting married.

“As a movement we propose laws in favour of the family which strengthen the institution of marriages,” Pace said. “Let us get the house in order not tear it down.”

He added that whilst separated couples should find stability, “this cannot come to the detriment of others.”

The movement also complained about the hurried manner the public has been asked to vote in the referendum: “Everything was done in a too quick manner. There should have first been studies and assessments.”

Pace added that “the selfishness of some individuals should not affect the common good”, and went on to say that the “independence” of the separated couples will eventually be carried by the state.

He insisted, “it is a shame that whilst divorce is being discussed as some fundamental right – when in reality it is not – whilst the rights of the children are being pushed aside.”

Falling in the steps of the Moviment Zwieg bla Divorzju, Pace said the number of those in risk of poverty would increase with the introduction of divorce: “An Italian report compiled by social workers states that divorcees are the new poor – another proof of how divorce ruined society.”

The movement appealed to the young voters to vote ‘No’ for the “good of society” and urged those who are “embarrassed to say they are voting ‘No’, to encourage others to vote in the same way.”

Asked what solution does the movement propose to those who are separated and are looking for stability regulated by law, Micallef said “we need to find a solution for these people as well, but divorce is not the answer.”   

On cohabitation law, Micallef said the movement did not have a stand and that “it should not be mixed with the divorce debate.”

Asked to comment on the fact that several politicians and priests have said divorce will eventually be introduced in Malta, so why not introduce it today, Micallef said: “They have the right to voice their opinion. What we know is that we do not agree with the proposal we have in front of us today.

“If tomorrow another proposal is presented, we would evaluate it and then decided whether it is good or not for Malta.”

Micallef reiterated that divorce is not the solution, as it will create bigger problems. “Like everything else, divorce has its good and its bad. However, in this case, the bad outnumbers the good.”

He said that one of the underlying problems behind marriage breakdowns is the lack of preparation for those who marry civilly only. “Whilst those who marry by Church are adequately prepared by the Cana movement, those who marry civilly only do not have such preparations.”

Micallef also added that arguments against divorce on the basis of religion should not be used. Asked whether he agrees with the way the Church has been acting so far, Micallef said:

“The Church has every right to voice its beliefs – at the end of the day it is a player in society. However, no one should ever make use of threats to persuade people.”

The movement also complained on the lack of coverage given by “independent media who completely ignored the existence of the group. This undermines the credibility and independent credentials of such media.”