No surprises from PN on divorce resolution

Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando’s bill for the introduction of divorce will not be embraced by the Nationalist party, whose MPs will rally behind the Prime Minister’s declared opposition to divorce.

So far, only Pullicino Orlando and young MP Karl Gouder have expressed a clear position in favour of divorce.

Clear positions against divorce were expressed by prime minister Lawrence Gonzi and deputy prime minister Tonio Borg, finance minster Tonio Fenech, transport minister Austin Gatt, and home affairs minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici.

Contacted by MaltaToday, Nationalist MPs forwarded short answers when asked what their position is on divorce in the run-up to a statement by the party.

While some expressed themselves against, many preferred to state that their position will be announced in parliament during the upcoming debate.

Parliamentary whip David Agius said that he “will wait until the party’s final executive council meeting before I make my opinion public.”

Tonio Fenech said he believed divorce would bring “more harm than good to society… I’m not convinced societies that have divorce have a better overall society. Those who are pro-divorce tend to neglect the impact on children on the whole argument.”

Former health minister Louis Deguara commented that he “is against divorce, because I have yet not been convinced that it could solve more problems than the current system. However, I am still open to being convinced – but this hasn’t happened yet.”

Beppe Fenech Adami, son of former prime minister Eddie Fenech Adami stressed his position as “categorically against divorce”, adding that he is “convinced that should divorce be introduced in Malta, it would lead to increased suffering and problems, while weakening the family rather than strengthening  it.” He said that he has already declared his position in the PN’s executive council.

In a curt reply, Gozo minister Giovanna Debono declared herself “against” divorce, while fellow Gozitan MP Frederick Azzopardi answered that “from a personal point of view, I am not in favour of divorce.”

Education minister Dolores Cristina also declared herself “against divorce” while health minister Joe Cassar said he was “totally against” the introduction of divorce.

Former transport minister Censu Galea insisted he would not make his position known before the parliamentary debate on divorce takes place. “I know what my opinion is, but I will make it public in parliament.”

Parliamentary secretary Mario Galea also said he would express his position “at the opportune time” but was unwilling to commit himself.

Michael Gonzi, brother to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said: “I’m pretty against [the introduction of divorce]” but also said he was aware that divorce “can improve the quality of life and stability for separated couples who are currently living with other partners.”

However, Gonzi remains sceptical. “There is no statistical proof that shows that the introduction of divorce won’t lead to serious negative consequences 10 or 20 years down the line. I’ll be keeping an open mind, but for now, I’m more against than in favour.”

Newly-elected MP Peter Micallef replied that he is “against divorce”, adding that he was “in favour of working towards strengthening the family. We need to work to address the reality of broken families – we cannot neglect them, and something needs to be done. But I am against divorce.”

Joseph Falzon expressed himself “totally unconvinced about the introduction of divorce” but said “this does not mean I won’t change my position… the issue is still at a very early stage and it has yet to develop and mature, not to mention the many amendments to the divorce bill that might be presented. “I want to see how the issue will develop – one can’t close any doors.”

Jean Pierre Farrugia stressed that he had mixed feelings about divorce. “It is not an issue I feel comfortable discussing in brief.”

While parliamentary secretary Jason Azzopardi declared himself “against divorce”, Frans Agius stressed that he will make his opinion known in parliament.

Robert Arrigo took no stand, instead mimicking the Church line that voters should “form their own conviction after an informed decision.”

Gozitan parliamentary secretary Chris Said is against the introduction of divorce but he would not commit himself on how he would vote if the bill is debated in Parliament.  “We should discuss this issue calmly and everyone should express his or her views. At this stage although I am personally against. I am listening to the various arguments.”

Apart from listening to what civil society has to say on this issue, he said one important consideration in his mind would be what his electorate has to say. “I do not represent myself in parliament. At this stage, if I am asked to vote on this issue in parliament, I will be weighing the various arguments from all these quarters and only then take a personal decision.”

Zebbug MP Philip Mifsud replied that he has already declared himself “against divorce.”

No replies have been received from environment minister George Pullicino, parliamentary secretaries Mario de Marco and Clyde Puli, former ministers Francis Zammit Dimech, Jesmond Mugliett and Ninu Zammit, and MPs Stephen Spiteri and Franco Debono.

Additional reporting by Nestor Laiviera and Rachel Zammit Cutajar