Coleiro to 'abstain' in vote on divorce bill
Labour MP Marie-Louise Coliero has announced that she will abstain from voting on the divorce bill in parliament, after she “assured” herself that the numbers were enough for the bill to pass.
Coleiro – who has long declared her anti-divorce stance – said in a statement that she was all for respecting the people’s decision as expressed in last Saturday’s referendum.
However she said, she could not ignore the fact that many labourite supporters had voted against the introduction of divorce in Malta, and that she had to ensure that that minority would also be represented or be left ignored.
Coleiro stressed that she would actively involve herself in the parliamentary debate that is expected when the bill is brought forward and also expressed “hope” that certain changes be made so that divorce would not have a negative impact on Maltese society.
The Labour MP said that she has spoken to Opposition leader Joseph Muscat who appointed her on a committee that would now work to ensure that all safeguards for society are in place.
