A ‘Yes’ vote means yes for solidarity - StandUP

A ‘yes’ vote in the divorce referendum is a vote in favour of solidarity. 

“Why shouldn’t we offer a second chance to those whose marriage has failed?” the movement argued.

The debate hosted a panel that was composed of Illum editor Julia Farrugia, PN local councillor Cyrus Engerer, StandUP’s spokesperson Nikita Alamango and Alex Muscat, member of the Labour think-tank Ideat.

“Two weeks after the referendum I’ll be getting married. I don’t feel threatened by it and neither should others,” Farrugia said. “The reality today already shows how separations and annulments are increasing – and divorce has nothing to do with it.”

Farrugia said divorce frees those persons who feel trapped because of their situation. “By voting yes I don’t feel I’ll be committing a sin. I thought for long about it, did my own conscience exam and came to the conclusion that my ‘yes’ vote will be a solidarity vote.”

Engerer reiterated that the introduction of divorce will not break down marriages. “Divorce legislation will bring on the same level those who live together as a family, but on paper are not recognised as such. As the law stands today, they are second class citizens,” Engerer said.

He argued that a state should have laws which safeguard the minority. “Voting yes would mean voting for equality and fighting against discrimination – two issues which are listed as fundamental human rights by the United Nations.”

Engerer added that if state is “discriminating” against those whose married has failed, “imagine what society does.”

21-year-old Nikita Alamango, one of the founders of the StandUP movement, argued that those who believe in cohabitation do not believe in marriage. “We believe in divorce because we believe in marriage. We believe in giving a chance to those who want to find stability in their lives,” she added.

Alamango explained that the proposed divorce is a responsible one as it guarantees alimony to the first family. She added that the more she listens to what those who are against divorce say, the more she feels she has to vote in favour.

“We have no right in deciding for others what to do with their lives,” Alamango concluded.

Muscat argued that the affluence of a country is based on civil rights. “In countries next to us, people have engaged in civil wars to obtain their civil rights,” Muscat said, adding Maltese and Gozitans alike are lucky to be living in a democratic country where they can voice their opinion.

Muscat reiterated all divorce does is recognise a state of fact. “No one is imposing divorce. One should vote yes because it is a civil rights. It’s up to the person what to do then. It does not mean that all those who are in favour of divorce will use it,” he said.

Muscat added in a modern civil society, citizens must learn to how to live together in diversity, understand there are people with different ideas.

Present also at the debate was comedian Chyrsander Agius, who said he is endorsing the 'Yes' campaign because he believes it is a right which offers the chance of a new life.