Alternattiva Demokratika urges parties to take stand on divorce and referendum

Addressing a press conference Saturday morning in front of Parliament, the Green Party urged the Prime Minister to present a roadmap on divorce, so as not to keep the country in uncertainty on the matter.

“Whilst surveys confirm that most people in Malta want a decision to be taken, the Nationalist and Labour parties are adding uncertainty,” Briguglio claimed.

Briguglio recalled how, speaking on Bondiplus, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said he was in favour of a referendum. “However, following various remarks made by the Prime Minister, it is unclear whether a referendum on divorce shall really take place,” he said.

AD said that a clear stand by both parties was essential, both for those who are in favour and those who are against the introduction of divorce in Malta. “A clear roadmap would be of benefit not only to those who are campaigning in favour or against the introduction of this civil right, but, especially for the thousands of separated persons who would like to reconstitute their family life with the help of clear legislation.”

Briguglio also called onto the Labour Party to take a stand and once and for all clear out where does it stand. “Labour’s catch-all-strategy, aiming to please everyone whilst not pronouncing itself clearly on anything significant, is not helping,” he affirmed.

The AD chariperson claimed the PL is using Evarist Bartolo - who presented a joint private member's bill on divorce with Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando - to “please everyone...  The PL is not saying anything crucial and is relying on Bartolo to do all the work.”

Also addressing the media was Yvonne Arqueros Ebejer, AD spokesperson for Civil Rights, who said politicians should accept the fact that families are evolving and it is their obligation to grant Maltese citizens the right to divorce. “Maltese society is undergoing various changes, and family life is no exception. Whilst having a stable family is a positive aspiration, reality is not always smooth,” she said.

Arqueros Ebejer said that divorce helps people to move on with their lives. She said divorce would help those who suffered unhappiness, incompatibility and violence to close an unhappy chapter in their lives.  “Whether our politicians agree or disagree with the dissolution of marriages, they should not deny their electorate the introduction of divorce legislation,” the spokesperson stressed.

Arqueros Ebejer said a politician’s job is to bring about difference in people’s lives. “It is their obligation to be compassionate and to respect their electorates’ choices, decisions and how to run their lives. After all politics is about making a difference in people’s lives.”

Asked to comment about the Zebbug parish’s ‘divorce-needle’ billboard, Briguglio described the billboard as “sensational”.“Such sensationalism only leads to hysteria which hurts debate rather than lead it to a fruitful discussion.”