Gonzi willing to start divorce debate

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday his government is prepared to kick-start a national debate on the introduction of divorce, putting his weight behind Social Policy Minister John Dalli's declaration in an interview with The Sunday Times that he is planning to propose such a discussion to Cabinet colleagues.

Asked for his reaction while participating in the celebrations of Bastille Day, as guest of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Dr Gonzi said he agreed that such a debate should start and he would welcome a discussion at Cabinet level.

Malta is the only EU member state and only one of two in the world that does not allow divorce. The other country is the Philippines.

"My government agrees that the time is ripe for such a discussion to start. We have to address our evolving social realities. The way our society is developing makes this discussion even more important. However, we have to look at all aspects of divorce," he said.

Dr Gonzi was cautions not to mention any time-frames. Pressed to say whether divorce legislation could be proposed to Parliament during this legislature, Dr Gonzi steered clear of making any commitments. "We cannot pre-set this important discussion and we have to tread carefully.

"What we are saying at this stage is that the government is disposed to start analysing and discussing. We need first to see how best to address Malta's present social realities and then make the necessary decisions.

"But, I must stress, we first need a thoughtful discussion on this delicate issue."

Dr Gonzi insisted that his government believes first and foremost in having stronger families. "We believe that what Malta needs most is stronger families. Thus, we will also be discussing better ways of how to offer more support to strengthen families," he said.

Nationalist governments have never put divorce on the political agenda. Former Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami - known for his strong Catholic convictions - had steered clear of such a debate, stressing that divorce was not up for discussion.

During his 22-month stint in government, former Labour leader Alfred Sant had set up a commission on the family but no concrete results were forthcoming.

The new leader of the MLP, Joseph Muscat, is on record saying that he is in favour of the introduction of divorce. He pledged that if elected and if Labour is in government he would be moving his own draft legislation and would allow a free vote to Labour parliamentarians on the issue.