Update 3: Pullicino Orlando presents divorce bill - PN group to meet tomorrow

Joe Zammit

Jan 25th 2011, 16:13

Legislating in favour of divorce is grave sin that separates the offender from God and puts him or her on the path to hell.

Legislating in favour of divorce is legislating in favour of evil, condemned by God.

Legislating in favour of divorce is betraying God who tells us that what he has joined together let no man put asunder!

Legislating in favour of divorce is a diabolical step that pleases only the devil.

Legislating in favour of divorce makes you responsible before God for the grave sins others will commit on account of your sinful and evil legislation.

Join in the battle between God and the devil! Fight the good fight! The victory is ours, it’s already guaranteed!

Joe Borg

Jul 9th 2010, 07:21

*sigh* I was cursed with being surrounded by hundreds of brainwashed people.

I feel sorry for you; wanting to control other people's lives so they don't offend your religion. After all, everyone handpicks whatever is convenient for them from the bible, no one mentions things like:

If a man commits adultery with another man's wife, both the man and the woman must be put to death. (Leviticus 20:10 NLT)

or

"If a man lies with a male as with a women, both of them shall be put to death for their abominable deed; they have forfeited their lives." (Leviticus 20:13 NAB)

or

Anyone arrogant enough to reject the verdict of the judge or of the priest who represents the LORD your God must be put to death. Such evil must be purged from Israel. (Deuteronomy 17:12 NLT)

Instead we choose to believe things we like. I dream of a day where Maltese citizens are ready to accept that not everyone is fond about christianity and that there are people who choose to abandon their beliefs.

H Zammit

Jul 8th 2010, 23:27

I would like to have a short reply (three sentences would suffice) from those in favour of divorce 1) why should divorce be legalised? and 2) how will divorce improve the stability of marriage? and 3) who should benefit from divorce?

simon cutajar

Jul 8th 2010, 19:05

WHEN IS GOING TO BE THE REFERENDUM PLEASE ? I HAVE THE PEN AND PAPER READY . LET'S GO ! WAKE UP PLEASE

Christine Bright

Jul 8th 2010, 16:54

I will not discuss if divorce is good or bad. Some marriages last till death does them part, others simply don't make it. However, if people will marry just to give it a try and then divorce, it would be more mature from their side not to marry at all. Going through law courts for a relationship is not fun at all.

To those people saying that annulment costs a lot of money, I don't think divorce will come cheap either. You will still be paying the government or courts. Also, many lawyers will love this since if divorce is introduced, pre-nuptial contracts might be legal too.

Some people are arguing that divorce should be available for first, second, third marriages etc In my opinion, before this is done, there should be a change in the way women adopt surnames after marriage. Currently, if I am not mistaken, a woman can choose to keep her surname, take her husband's or adopt both surnames. Personally I think that women should NEVER change their surname. This will avoid problems and changes in signature, ID card, passport, driving licence etc...

Raymond Camilleri

Jul 8th 2010, 15:44

it should be introduced immediately why they did not do it earlier a referendum ? or why wait its a right to be able to obtain a divorce not a matter that should be voted for by all population, as the percentage needing it is low, therefore the majority they care less if it is introduced. so Dr Gonzi please now its time you know you must do what is right. not like, Dr Beppe conveniently said in the interview, take a stand position them correctly (referring again to marbles here ) go for correctness, , and Dr Sant you should not pass judgements like those police investigate then if there is a case trial and judgement no ? careful please remain the person you have always been wanting good for our nation, I strongly believe you are a valid asset. for the rest of the Mp's please do not follow the political way of looking good in the eyes of the majority but consider the minority as well, even if this does not always make you win votes.
Lets be totally Europeans with all the rights and obligations
Thumbs up For Mp J.P.O for bringing up this issue

Dawn Cummings

Jul 8th 2010, 14:00

@Kenneth
Ghandek ragun Kenneth. Jien x'aktarx m'ghandix kaz...qeda niccekja fid-detajl imma dik ir-risposta li ghandi bhalissa...u jien fuq civil qed nitkellem eh! Ta' kisja ma jinteressanix u ma nistax nifhem kif (il-knisja) qed tindahal hawn.

Allura x'naghmel? Nibqa ekk? Separata u nikoabita?! L-ex ragel f'daqqa wahda ma riedx tfal u mar jghix hajtu wahdu. Tort tieghi tghid forsi...jista jkun...imma dahhaq bija.

Ma nafx kemm ser jiswa id-divorzju...imma jekk dan huwa l-unika cans li ghandi biex nerga nibda mil gdid u nibni familja - ha niggieled ghalih li jidhol f'Malta.

dominic zammit

Jul 8th 2010, 13:48

Pullicino Orlando. You deserve a round of applause from me and others with progressive believe on this issue. Wish you the best of luck and a whole lot off support from others mp members both sides of the house.

Evarist Saliba

Jul 8th 2010, 11:09

Those who point out that those who believe in marriage for life are free not to opt for divorce overlook the fact that marriage involves two persons.
Those who speak of a second chance must know that nowhere in the world where divorce is available, is this limited to a second chance.
Those who would limit divorce to "serious" cases must know that this is how divorce, where this is now available on demnad, was first introduced.
May I say that, on balance, I found the comments of the wo/man in the street in Valletta more thoughful than many of the comments hereunder.

A.Attard

Jul 8th 2010, 11:09

A woman was sitting next to her daughter and an old told this girl you look "exactly like your mom". The girl replied "can't be that is my 4th mother"!!! funny aye? looooool

l.zammit

Jul 8th 2010, 09:45

Jiena nemmen li ghandu jkun hemm zewgt tipi ta' zwigijiet: (kif diga qeghda)

1. BIC-CIVIL u
2. BIC-CIVIL u BIL-KNISJA

Dak li jkun ghandu jkun liberu li jghazel bl-liema mod jizzewwweg.

La darba jkun hemm 2 tipi ta' zwigijiet, jekk ikun hemm bzonn ikun hemm:

1. ANNULAMENT TAC-CIVIL u
2. ANNULAMENT TAL-KNISJA

L-ebda stat m'ghandu dritt li jimponi d-divorzju ghall-zwieg ikkunsmat fil-Knisja Kattolika, la darba l-Knisja ma temminx fih ghax immur kontra r-regoli taghha.

Min jemmen fid-divorzju jizzewweg biss bic-civil.

(f' kull sitwazzjoni, kulhadd irid jerfa r-responsabilitajiet tad-decizjoni li jkun ha)
F'din is-sitwazzjoni, l-Knisja missa taghraf il-htiega kbira li hemm sabiex teduka u tinforma n-nies x'vantaggi hemm li tizzewweg bil-knisja. Jiena nemmen li l-Knisja trid tkun saqajha ma l-art u mhux thalli kaz t'annullament ghaddej is-snin waqt li dak li jkun ihallas belli liri biex jiehu annulament! (qisu xi business!!) Dan il- fatt igerrex hafna nies milli jsegwu l-knisja! Hajja wahda ghandna u hemm min ikun jixtieq jerga jizzewweg bil-knisja, izda b'dir rata li (kienu) jinqatghu l-annulamenti (qeghidin jghidu li haffew il-process), dak li jkun jahlulu kwazi kwart minn hajtu! il-Knisja trid taghraf kif ser tigbed in-nies lejha u mhux tgerrixhom!

J Brincat

Jul 8th 2010, 09:06

@Kevin Cassar

So it seems we have an enlightened one in our midst!

Stefan Portelli

Jul 8th 2010, 08:46

I Can't believe myself that I'm watching and hearing about divorce in Malta once again!! Why do we need to apply divorce in This Roman Catholic country? When a couple gets married do the say that in troubles, Black moments, etc.. we'll still be the same couple? Where Is that commitment between the couple? Or nowadays it ha been upgraded to have an expiry date??

If the couple is in betrothal for several years and everything has gone correctly and after marriage they are loyal to each other everything is ok.

NB. DIVORCE IS THERE TO BREAK FAMILIES

Konna u ghadna nghixu f'pajjiz tal-Mickey Mouse

Andrew Farrugia

Jul 7th 2010, 21:29

@ Kevin Cassar
Absolutely had no doubt at all that sophists and "sappitelli" of the Cassar ilk are "able to give substance to any claim or view one may profess", such as arguing, with more than a touch of arrogance and disdain, that it was impossible for the cow to jump over the moon; the problem is that all it boils down to is insubtantial gobbledegook. BDW, you also seem to be particularly gifted in divining people's intentions; i am amazed at your prowess.

Andrew Farrugia

Jul 7th 2010, 17:07

@ Dawn Cummings
Nothing to do with this topic, but i also wished to run as fast or faster than Husain Bolt. Never been able to. How come?

Claire Busuttil

Jul 7th 2010, 16:39

JPO gabar giehu ma hafna nies, b din il mossa! well done however!

A. Bartolo

Jul 7th 2010, 14:56

Finally! A round of applause for JPO. Quite frankly I don't care if it's a political move - as long as it benefits the nation, it deserves the thumbs-up. It is high time for the State to divorce itself from the Church (yes, pun intended) and give hope to all those who are not practising Catholics, whose marriages are over and who are victims of a country who forces down the beliefs of the majority down everyone else's throats. And no, marriages are not just Catholic - marriage exists in other religions too so marriage by civil law does not necessarily have to incorporate the rules of one particular religion. That's where the State comes in. Or at least it should.

L Magro

Jul 7th 2010, 14:53

I hate my wife - but my girlfriend hates her more :-)

Sean Grima

Jul 7th 2010, 13:30

JPO is only trying to steal the limelight!

Joe Xuereb

Jul 7th 2010, 13:21

@McKeown, are you prepared to ban Salome the Strauss opera? It is the non-fictional tale of a BIBLICAL child-princess turned whore because she lusted after the head of john the baptist. She was murdered by her paedophile step-father Herod, who, if I remember rightly, wanted all babies killed to ensure that baby jesus was. He was terrified of an infant and his psychosis was evident. People are upset when they see - if they are forced to see, since we're talking expensive seats in a theatre - psychosis on stage. Well, the immature are. So Salome has to go, banned and burned. What are you waiting for. Advise your near-relative to ban this filthy representation of a bible story.

A.Attard

Jul 7th 2010, 13:01

So some of you are saying that you mary someone then your love for him dies? and then if you love dies for the second one? and the third or fourth?.

Vanessa Bonnici

Jul 7th 2010, 12:24

My pro divorce belief stems from the fact that no one benefits from an unhappy marriage.

Why should you be stuck in a marriage when your partner is abusive, unfaithful etc. If you obtain a separation, you are 'in the eyes of the Church " unable to make a new life for yourself with a new partner....basically you are expected to remain alone all because your partner was in the wrong....seriously?????

I believe that this bill should have been passed a long time ago....bring on divorce there are many people out there who will benefit from it.

David Buttigieg

Jul 7th 2010, 12:23

@ Mgr.Victor Zammit McKeon

"The Church, since she is faithful to her Lord, cannot recognize the union of people who are civilly divorced and remarried. "

Nobody (except Catholics) gives a toss whether the church does so !!!

David Buttigieg

Jul 7th 2010, 12:21

@ Mgr.Victor Zammit McKeon

"349. What is the attitude of the Church toward those people who are divorced and then remarried? "

A Non Catholic, whom church attendance records indicate are in a majority would say -

"E CHI SE NE FREGA !!!"

Antoine Vella

Jul 7th 2010, 11:57

Do people still believe that if a couple is unhappy with each other, they will remain married just because there is no divorce??

People are already walking away from marriages if they are unhappy.

John Vella

Jul 7th 2010, 11:37

xi drama dalghodu!! divorce or no divorce, separazzjonijiet qed isiru.....min itella il qrejjen l'hemm u min itellaw min aw!! ghamlu bhali, aqbzu dritt ghal annullament....f'sena lestejtu :D

R.Borg

Jul 7th 2010, 11:36

CAN MALTESE CITIZENS KNOW BEFOREHAND WHAT WOULD BE THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS IF DIVORCE IS INTRODUCED IN MALTA?

AND IF THERE ARE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS, WILL THE MALTESE TAXPAYER FORK OUT THE MONEY OR JPO, CV, MC ET ALIA? AND IF IT IS THE TAXPAYER, THIS WOULD BE A GRAVE INJUSTICE ON THOSE WHO TOTALLY DISAGREE ON THE ENTRY OF DIVORCE......THIS IS ALSO A QUESTION OF CONSCIENCE.

I AM NOW REALISING HOW MUCH HATRED THERE IS IN THIS COUNTRY AGAINST GOD AND HIS CHURCH. THIS WOULD NOT MAKE ME LOSE HOPE BUT TO PRAY MORE FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL ISLAND:

"LIL DIN L-ART HELWA,
L-OMM LI TATNA ISIMHA.
HARES MULEJ KIF DEJJEM INTI HARIST.
FTAKAR LI LILHA BL-OHLA DAWL LIBBIST'

AGHTI, KBIR ALLA, ID-DEHEN LIL MIN JAHKIMHA............"

Jane Galea

Jul 7th 2010, 11:33

Olina Tretyak the Church charges less than €400 for an annulment.
I know because I have a relative who got her annulment.
You know what those who lie are called don’t you?

James Gauci

Jul 7th 2010, 11:27

once again dear JPO doing whatever needs to be done for himself...he gives PN a bad name...

Mgr.Victor Zammit McKeon

Jul 7th 2010, 11:09

FROM THE COMPENDIUM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

349. What is the attitude of the Church toward those people who are divorced and then remarried?

The Church, since she is faithful to her Lord, cannot recognize the union of people who are civilly divorced and remarried. “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another, commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery” (Mark 10:11-12). The Church manifests an attentive solicitude toward such people and encourages them to a life of faith, prayer, works of charity and the Christian education of their children. However, they cannot receive sacramental absolution, take Holy Communion, or exercise certain ecclesial responsibilities as long as their situation, which objectively contravenes God's law, persists.

Mgr.Victor Zammit McKeon

Jul 7th 2010, 11:08

FROM THE COMPENDIUM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

347. What is gravely opposed to the sacrament of Matrimony?

Adultery and polygamy are opposed to the sacrament of matrimony because they contradict the equal dignity of man and woman and the unity and exclusivity of married love. Other sins include the deliberate refusal of one’s procreative potential which deprives conjugal love of the gift of children and divorce which goes against the indissolubility of marriage.

348. When does the Church allow the physical separation of spouses?

The Church permits the physical separation of spouses when for serious reasons their living together becomes practically impossible, even though there may be hope for their reconciliation. As long as one’s spouse lives, however, one is not free to contract a new union, except if the marriage be null and be declared so by ecclesiastical authority.

mf vincenti

Jul 7th 2010, 10:59

I don't know what all the fuss is about. Those who wish to abide by the teachings of the Church are free to do so - go in Peace and live your lives the way your conscience, the Church & your heart tell you do do so. Those who do not follow the teachings of the Church, out of choice, different religion or non religion, should be free to go their own way & divorce if they wish to do so (and reconciliaton is impossible). Stop judging others lest you be judged yourselves. At the end of the day what is an ''annullment'' other than a convenient source of revenue dragged on for years in some cases. A 'buy your way out of a religious marriage' concept? Don't tell me it all goes towards ''administration costs'' - if anything it should be ''free'' to the Faithful - not unlike the medieval pre-Martin Luther days when the Church sold certificates for a guaranteed place in heaven when it needed $$$$$ to build the Vatican.

M. Bonnici

Jul 7th 2010, 10:29

I DON'T KNOW HOW ON THIS ISLAND STILL LIVE PEOPLE THAT KEEP CONDEMM OTHERS THAT ARE NOT LUCKY AS THEY ARE TO LIVE IN PAIN OR FRUSTRATED JUST BECAUSE THEY HAD THEIR MARRIAGE TORN TO PIECES. MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS AND CARE ABOUT YOUR MARRIAGE AND LEAVE OTHERS TO LIVE BECAUSE EVERYONE HAS THE RIGHT TO LIVE, DIVORCE HAS TO BE IT IS VITAL AND THERE WILL BE NOTHING OF WHAT CERTAIN PERSONS MENTIONED HERE AS ENHANCING ADULTERY OR WOMEN MADE PROSTITUTES THESE ARE ALL SICK COMMENTS. AND DON'T WORRY IF PEOPLE LIKE ME WILL BURN IN HELL I THINK I WILL SEE MOST OF YOU!!!

Sonja Casha

Jul 7th 2010, 10:22

and finally someone with enough guts to fight for what is right and desired by so many of us Maltese. Thank you, thank you!! And no I am not myself in need of a divorce but I am tired out of my wits to hear catholic values being a justification for keeping people living in misery. Its time for us to make some step towards being a secular society.

R.Borg

Jul 7th 2010, 10:10

Is JPO kidding? Does he want to take his electors for a ride? He declared that '......he adhers to the catholic faith'.
Come on JPO, do not be a hypocrite. Have you read the harsh discourse of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, about hypocrisy and white-washed sepulchres.
What does the Messiah say about divorce? What does the Church teach about divorce?
JPO, do not forget that at the end of your life you have to face your DIVINE JUDGE and before Him give an account of your life, decisions, actions.
And remind Charles Vella of this forthcoming experience. And CV should leave us alone and mind his business. He left Malta and its Archdiocese OUT OF HIS OWN FREE WILL to 'serve the Lord and His Church' in italian pastures. He should say what he has to say to His Holiness the Pope and the Italian Episcopal Conference.
By the way, JPO, you betrayed me and my family when we voted for you. THIS PRIVATE MEMBER'S BILL WAS NOT ON YOUR AGENDA. Whatever you decide we will not trust you anymore, sorry, and do not lean on our votes. The PN made a grave mistake in your regard.

dvella

Jul 7th 2010, 10:05

Jahasra ghal naqra poter ta minuta x'kapaci jaghmel in nisrani!!!!!!

Emanuel Cilia Debono

Jul 7th 2010, 09:59

Att D. Buttigieg
In the first place , we are not speaking here of 'a couple who divorce' but of all married couples who are given the option of divorce .

The availability of divorce ( and consequently all those couple who avail themselves if the opportunity to divorce) downgrade the idea of marriage as we know it. If you prize the ideal
of marriage as an institution you would not want to see it downgraded by a few , for their own convenience ( not to say in some cases, for their own selfish interests).The downgrading of the institution of marriage is a loss for the community as a whole.

Secondly the availability of divorce lessens the confidence of validly married couples in a mutual lifelong sharing of love for their own good and for the good of the community.

You speak of 'self righteousness' - a common buzz word for some- . A person who builds up one's own ethical principles on what has been commonly held as the good of humanity for thousands of years is not self righteous. On the contrary that person who seeks righteousness in self interest or personal convenience is 'self righteous';.

Ercole Spiteri

Jul 7th 2010, 08:50

Divorce is wrong as it enhances adultery, which is a mortal sin!

Those members of parlament who vote for divorce are voting for mortal sin and thus cannot consider themselves christians nor should they be allowed to receive holy communion.

One other thing, we all know what happened in other countries, first there is divorce, then abortion follows and finally euthanasia and who knows what after!

Abdilla.f.

Jul 7th 2010, 08:23

The silent majority is finally finding it's voice!

Malcolm Felix

Jul 7th 2010, 08:15

So many different ideas. Only one solution!...Referendum will do!

Dr Francis Saliba

Jul 7th 2010, 07:08

@JulianBorg

Controlling my own selfish ambitions in the interest of the well-being of society as a whole does not “require a lot of effort and sacrifice on (my) part” - it is the normal practice expected among the decent members of any civilized society. Everyone should try it.

Emmanuel Mallia

Jul 7th 2010, 01:16

Prosit Jeffrey. il-veru prosit. Ser tibqa tissemma fl-istorja bhala politiku li ghandek il-kuragg tesprimi x-xewqat tal-maggoranza tal-poplu. Nawguralek kull success kemm ghada fil-grupp parlamentari u sew biex din il-ligi tigi approvata mill-parlament. Nispera li shabek parlamentari illi socjevolment esprimew li huma favur l-introduzzjoni tad-divorzju ituk l-appogg mehtieg u mhux jaqaw fin-nassa ta' politika partiggjana. Nispera illi l-PN jaghti vot liberu lill-membri parlamentari tieghu. Stennejna bizzejjed u nispera illi ma npoggux dan l-abbozz ta' ligi fuq l-ixkaffa billi l-PN jghid li ghandu jkun hemm referendum.

M Muscat

Jul 7th 2010, 00:05

Min jaf jithajjarx xi hadd jibni xi centru ta' counselling biex it-tieni, it-tielet, ecc zwieg jirnexxi? Nissugerixxi f'xi art il-mistra!!!
Kunu afu li fejn dahal id-divorzju, dahlet mentalita divorzista li tkompli tifred u mhux tghaqqad. Bid-divorzju dak li jkun jidhol ghaz-zwieg b'anqas impenn ghax jaf li hemm ' a way out'. Jidher li jsolvi l-problema tal-ftit biex johloq hafna aktar.

Salvu Sciberras

Jul 6th 2010, 23:59

L Vella ghax ma tillegalizzax is-serq u l-qtil ghax mhux kulhadd jisraq u joqtol imma l-minoranza zghira hafna li taghmel hek.

A.E.CAMILLERI

Jul 6th 2010, 23:08

@ K.Anastasi
Both parties should now have the courage and the discency to give their MPs a free vote. Such a vote should be taken after serious and unpartisan debate. Individual MPs should vote on their concience and then we, the people, would know what kind of people we have running our country and when election time comes around WE DECIDE who we want to lead us.

Guzeppi

Jul 6th 2010, 22:50

Bravo JPO!!!

George Cremona

Jul 6th 2010, 21:19

Two wrongs do not make one right. The best answer for combating situations which are causing marriages to break in our country, is good preparation by educating couples on moral, religious, social and family values before marriage. Lack of serious preparation before marriage is the main cause of most of broken marriages in our country.
Broken marriages do have an impact not only on the family itself but also on society in general and the burden that such unfortunate experiences imply has to be shouldered by the implicated parties and the citezens as well, who strictly speaking are simply outsiders.
Divorce not only doesn't solve anything but would without doubt breed more broken marriages, broken families and at the end of the line broken society. But it is a step forward that would eventually lead the country to accede to legislation in favour of abortion.

Joe Xuereb

Jul 6th 2010, 21:14

It is not a question of right or wrong. I am thinking of divorce, abortion, acceptance of homosexuality, acceptance of marriage between homosexuals, etc. The church his made its pronouncements on these issues and can not renege on any of them. It has set itself up to fail because, like everything else, we live in an evolving world. So failing it is until one day it will disappear as 'myseriously' as it appeared. Marriage was not instituted by god/jesus/canaa. Marriage is a necessary social contruct instituted by Man. As such iit is not writ in stone. Get over it.
Children take a long time to rear so marriage IS important. The siring of children is normal. Caring and loving them is normal. What is not normal is turning a natural phenomenon that sets the ball rolling (a couple's falling in love) into an indissoluble contract between two people with no blood ties. Love towards one's child is normal and unconditional. Love between to people, initially strangers is different. It is ANYTHING but unconditional.
Falling-in-love is Nature's trick to get us going to multiple. Job done, Nature washes its hand of the matter. Look and observe.

K.Anastasi

Jul 6th 2010, 21:12

This is just political maneuvering by JPO and the PN. Taking the wind out of the PL... I doubt anything will come of this apart from bla bla bla isoltu.

C Gatt

Jul 6th 2010, 20:37

Incidentally this was a clever (if somewhat cynical) move by the PN to distract attention from more serious matters and give the papers fodder for the lean summer months. I think this bill has as much chance as a snowball in Dubai, but excellent timing all the same :)

M. Azzopardi

Jul 6th 2010, 20:15

Another typical 'balbuljata' of JPO!

Melly Grech

Jul 6th 2010, 20:13

What do we teach our children at schools?! We teach them good things (hopefully) such as being friends with one another and if they get into a fight, we urge them and assist them to reconcile. The same principle applies here. If divorce is promoting more separation and the lack of reconciliations (hence it tends to be more of a bad thing rather than a good thing). Consequently, it should not be promoted/thought by politicians! If something is bad, it should not be thought/allowed/provided as an option - bad example to adults/children and society.

Raymond Farrugia

Jul 6th 2010, 19:50

Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando should be dismissed from the party point blank. He was elected on the Nationalist party manifesto and should be loyal to it. This motion only proves that the NP has lost control over its party members if it cannot discipline this person..

Sabrina Borda

Jul 6th 2010, 19:48

There will be thousands of eyes watching this space regarding the Prime Minister's convictions on the divorce issue and what he and his party will agree to in the case of the divorce bill presented by Dr Pullicino Orlando as to whether or not Maltese citizens should have their own convictions to decide for themselves without being trapped within the beliefs and constraints of others irrelevent in personal cases. The long overdue Divorce Bill must be acknowledged sooner rather than later so that people may have the right to move on with their life in peace and dignity. This is an important move for the Prime Minister to make without delay.

Thomas Kent

Jul 6th 2010, 19:07

This a Private Member’s Bill. So the first question is: why he doesn't present it from within his party? He has the right, that is obvious, but he and his party represent voters, not themselves. Secondly, the reasoning is -unfortunately again- the squalid one: "we should be like the others". Please, be Maltese! And thirdly, the rights of the couples in trouble (and their children) are not defended dissolving and dissolving their bonds, but reinforcing the way they take them. Don't forget the rights of the children!: not only adults have rights. And don't forget the rights of some partners that many times don't want to divorce. Divorce is the first -and definitive- step to break a society in selfish pieces. So don't play with fire and try to build a better law for marriages and civil unions.

m. borg (slm)

Jul 6th 2010, 18:59

@Melly Grech
Do you suggest to go back to the dark 60s. The church's charge is the soul and not the body who has the right to impose religious convictions on others, those writing here against divorce and the proposed bill , although I respect their right to an opinion, are sounding like Taliban and fundamentalists.
Who has the right to impede me from choosing hell from heaven if it all comes down to this.?
The church is obliged to teach right from wrong and not impose religion.
Personnally I don't believe or at worse apply for divorce but I don't feel I have the right to impose my reservations on others.

David Scerri

Jul 6th 2010, 18:37

man created marriage and its so called ...rules!not jesus

Mario Bonnici

Jul 6th 2010, 18:16

Well done to JPO. It's time for our MPs to stand up and be counted on this issue.

John Stivala

Jul 6th 2010, 18:12

TO MP DAVID AGIUS....You were too busy following football and pushing your agenda to 'nationalise' Italian and English football matches...that you didn't event realise that your fellow backbencher MP was about to present a bill on divorce. David Agius...get your priorities right!!!!

K J Vella

Jul 6th 2010, 18:12

At Christian Apologists Get over it! Divorce is here! It isn't Queer! The church wants a monopoly on the right to be the one to say a marriage was null and void. It takes over 10 years for the church to issue it's decrees for normal people when in other countries it takes a maximum of 18 months. These are the questions the church should answer and why the web of deceit. The church needs to get its credibility back. Divorce is here to stay! And please do not mix this with abortion. It has NOTHING to do with abortion. I for one am pro the former and con the latter

Melly Grech

Jul 6th 2010, 17:58

Dr. Pullicino Orlando indicated that the divorce motion should be introduced to correct injustice for those persons who wish to remarry and that we should not mix Christian values with political values.

I dont agree. Min qieghed fil-politika ghandu d-dmir li jmexxi l-pajjiz b'mod Kristjan u jimxi fuq il-passi tal-Bibbja. Specjalment min qieghed fuq il-politika u qieghed hemm biex jaghti ezempju ghal-kulhadd. If a family is broken, should we promote divorce? Or should we promote reconciliation?!

J.Tonna

Jul 6th 2010, 17:58

(Continued...) Now, this is what is happening to those who are expecting the Church to speak in favour of divorce. The church cannot favour divorce as it goes against the teachings of its founder, Jesus Christ. – in a few words ‘the Church does not sell divorce’. This is apart from the fact that it knows that divorce bring havoc to marriages.

J.Tonna

Jul 6th 2010, 17:56

@ those who are blaming Malta’s Catholic church for being against divorce.

During my 42 years in employment I worked in Government Departments that attracted many clients. Some seeking explanations while others complaining.

Once a lady called on me and, on telling me what she wanted to know, I directed her to the person who knew more than me about the subject, as he was the one in charge. Hearing this she shouted “Don’t start sending me from Caiphas to Pilate taf, ghax….” And she stopped short of threatening to report me to the Minister, as was very customary at the moment.

I told her calmly “Madam, when you want to buy potatoes do you go to a chemist or to a greengrocer”. She replied “To a greengrocer, of course.” “So, I told, her that’s the trouble, you came to the wrong shop, but to show you that I intended to help you I will phone the person to whom I sent you and introduce you to him”. Her one worded reply was “Fhimtek” (I understand what you mean). We shook hands and she left smiling. (Continued ...)

m.farrugia

Jul 6th 2010, 17:37

Mur gibek fi zmien Gonzi ( l-Arċisqof) tipprezenta mozzjoni bhal din fil-Parlament. Monsinjur Pawl Cremona jidher li mhux se jiggielidlek. Mikiel Gonzi qal le u lanqas wiehed mill-aktar mexxejja li qatt rat Malta ma rebahlu. Il-qarib ta dan l-Arcisqof qalbieni Malti - Laurence Gonzi il-P.M. x'se jghidlek u kif se jaggixxi?

victor pulis

Jul 6th 2010, 17:35

Should we teach people to swim or should we place lifeguards in all the swimming areas? I say we do both for the sake of those who, although they are good swimmers sometimes they meet with difficulties.

victor pulis

Jul 6th 2010, 17:31

@Josef Duffy
Please do tell me how your taxes will be used to 'maintain' these new marriages.

Andrew Cachia`

Jul 6th 2010, 17:25

JPO. absolutely brilliant. finally.!

Olina Tretyak

Jul 6th 2010, 17:23

Re-marrying will legitimate the children of second families, will legitimate second families themselves and put a social status into them.

"living-in girlfriend" of separated man can become his wife. This will give them both a status of Husband and Wife and will strengthen their union. This will give them the same chance of running family forever than they had in a first marriage. It is much harder to take decision to divorce once again than to say to your living-in partner something like "I think we are not competible" and dismiss.

What will protect second families if they do not have even a name?

Having widely spread separations and not allowing people to lock their second relationships is placing them to live in a sin and in a less moral standards than they were prepared to.

Patrick Vella

Jul 6th 2010, 17:18

Well Done Mr Pullicino Orlando.

At Last someone who has the courage to stand up and say 'We have spoken enough, it is time for action'. At last someone who stands up and finally DOES something about this hypocritical situation in Malta.

At last someone who puts forward a concrete measure in an effort to get the ball rolling, and, ultimately help many many victims of separation who are living an unhappy life due to circumstances beyond their control, and who are denied a second chance at happiness by those same 'holier than thou' people who claim they are in that situation and have to basically lump it.

Well done again.

MG Buttigieg

Jul 6th 2010, 17:17

To all those who are in favour of giving the adults a second change. Yours is only a partial view of the situation. You are thereby committing a grave injustice against the children. The people who are against divorce are against divorce because it has been proven that a divorce mentality will accelerate the divorce rate leaving children swinging from mum's to dad's side.
So you should be honest and give the children their rights. Dlivorce is not about the marriage of a man with a woman. It is about the breaking up of a family made up of a man a woman and one or several children who instead of being loved and nurtured find themselves fighting to survive the bile of their parents.

Henri Caruana

Jul 6th 2010, 17:17

So an MP presents a Private Member's Bill for the introduction of divorce...What is the opinion of the PN Leadership on all this? Did Gonzi lose control over his MPs or does JPO have tacit consent from above to proceed on a matter so important such as divorce? In both scenarios, the voluntary/involuntary silence from the Leadership is outrageous. Beyond the 2015 Vision and all the other fancy slogans produced on a regular basis, this leadership is either totally absent or spineless with JPO acting as the sacrificial lamb ...

Anton Portelli

Jul 6th 2010, 17:14

Well Dr. Pullicino Orlando. This is what many have been waiting for. I hope that the other members of parliament will listen to the pleas of people who want to make up a new life with their partners but cannot get married because of lack of divorce in Malta.

Joseph Vella

Jul 6th 2010, 17:09

Willingly or not Malta marches to the drum beat of secular progressiveness, mitigating for an end to church interference in the private affairs and behavior of individuals. The Maltese church taking advantage under questionable constitutional protection, is fighting a losing battle in an age of enlightenment, when most parishioners are far better informed than the clergy, who use the pulpit as a bullying platform from which to intimidate and cajole those who oppose its dogmatic authority.

In the not so distant future Malta will have joined western Europe in legalizing divorce, abortion, gay marriage, separating state from church, and as well dealt with other social issues which champion free choice. Progress will of necessity emerge at the expense of a much reduced church influence, in favor of greater freedom of choice and action for average citizens. The fear of hell and damnation with their many repercussions will have receded.

Other then as a place of worship for the truly converted, the church has no major role to play in today's modern society. Secularism will ultimately prevail over an ossified church, that combats human progress which threatens its substantial money flow and very existence.

M.Attard

Jul 6th 2010, 17:08

Mr Ramon Casha. Do you know what are you talking about? Do you think that the solution is divorcing your wife and re marry for the second time makes you happy? If someone is not capable of living and maintaining the first marriage, how come that the 'NEW' couple will be able to raise a steady family….. from a broken one???

Ramon Casha(2 hours, 13 minutes ago)
Breaking up couples??? Divorce does the exact opposite: It allows two individuals to get married and form more stable families.

Let's face facts here: the couples who go for a divorce are no longer married in any practical sense. They don't love each other, don't live together, and usually already have formed new relationships. The only thing remaining of their marriage is a piece of paper. They're not a couple any more.

By all means let's do all we can to help couples stay together, especially if children are involved. However it's important to recognise when there is no couple any longer

Dr Ing Patrick Attard

Jul 6th 2010, 17:07

Well done to Dr Pullicino Orlando for understanding the suffering of the people who cannot regularise their position and re-marry. The introduction of divorce will not cause more families to break down since these couples can seperate already. Divorce allows rights like the right to take a medical decision for your partner after a serious accident. The introduction of divorce will remove the Church's monopoly on annulment - and this is the biggest danger.

It would be interesting to see how Dr Adrian Vassallo will vote. It seems Dr Pullicino Orlando just pulled the carpet from under Dr Joseph Muscat's feet. I

I expect a long sermon from Mgr Mario Grech and the Church will probably withhold Communion to Dr Pullicino Orlando.

Joseph Calleja

Jul 6th 2010, 17:07

Very interesting indeed. "Dr Pullicino Orlando presents divorce bill". which is very commendable. May I suggest another bill. The right for gays and lesbians to be able to get married? Any MP to introduce such a bill? Well it is a bit more far fetched but it's viewed as a right. Isn't it ironic though, that those who want to divorce are not allowed to get a divorce and those who want to get married are not allowed to marry, well at least not according to Maltese Laws! Very confusing. Be and let be.

J Mizzi

Jul 6th 2010, 17:05

This is a situation which puts the Labour Party at a crossroads: should Muscat rally his troops and impose a party yes vote on ALL the PL parliamentary group, or should he let go of the favourable opportunity which comes around only once in a five-year legislature by persisting in his silly free vote? Carpe diem, Joseph! Go for it ... it's now or never.

joe scerri

Jul 6th 2010, 17:00

I sometimes wonder if those vehemently opposing divorce have a hidden agenda. What are you afraid of? That your spouse will ask for divorce? If you are happily married then you have nothing to fear and if you are not then you should welcome it.

Kurt G Pace

Jul 6th 2010, 16:56

WELL DONE, BRAVO JPO. Finall, an MP wit brass balls. Well done indeed. About bloody time

Martin Farrugia

Jul 6th 2010, 16:55

Good work Jeffrey. Today you have proven yourself to be a bright shaft of light in an otherwise dark political scene.

joseph falzon

Jul 6th 2010, 16:37

JPO
Jeffrey Pack OFF
You should RESIGN .......Shame on you

Adrian Farrugia

Jul 6th 2010, 16:34

All those that oppose for a reason - let the discussion seriously begin in a serious manner - let those who are so unfortunate have a second chance. what all of you are afraid of???

Xandru Borg

Jul 6th 2010, 16:26

AT LONG LAST!

I do not like this particular MP, and I have been somewhat alienated by the PN, but I fully welcome this move.

Those who are against divorce can continue to practise their belief, but hopefully, those in need to get a divorce in Malta will hopefully get access to divorce more easily. I live in Sweden and I feel very embarrassed that Malta is so backward in this regard.

I truly hope the people of Malta will bear an open-mind on this important issue.

Ian Fenech

Jul 6th 2010, 16:22

@ Ernest Vella

Thomas Moore was the one who used to burn people in the name of the Catholic church because they read the bible in English - and the church made him a saint. Says very much about his political believes if he would kill people just because they belived in something else. Are you suggesting we do the same in Malta for people who believe in divorce.

Peter Spiteri

Jul 6th 2010, 16:18

Olina Tretyak and others. Church annulment is not that expensive. Neither is civil annulment. The only thing is that you have to have a basis at law for your annulment and not simply some petty reason which will allow you to divorce your partner. As said by others, divorce is contagious.

I am also wondering why we have such a sudden urge by foreigners to change our laws including by the International Bhuddists and Jews.

Alfred Gatt

Jul 6th 2010, 16:17

I would like to ask MP J. Pullicino Orlando which will cause the greater harm to the common good to our nation (forget what other countries are doing: we are here interested in our nation}: the strengthening of marriage or the legalising of divorce? The entering into a second marriage does not give the surety of a never ending stable relationship. The mere fact that one can opt for divorce is already an indication that if things go wrong, then there is the other alternative of going for another marriage. Every relationship has its ups and downs and in the case of divorce or any other kind of similar rtelationship, there are always the children that suffer the greatest.

Ron Saliba

Jul 6th 2010, 16:15

Why are there so many people against divorce? Are they afraid that their partner will leave them? Do they have such low self esteem?
Even though i dont need a divorce, i am sure others are desperate for it, so who am i/you to tell them yes/no. They are in their position, and ONLY them can have a say whether they want it or not

Dr Francis Saliba

Jul 6th 2010, 16:15

@JoeGrima

In most countries that legalized divorce for “grave” reasons, the situation rapidly evolved into a “no blame” legal charade where the consenting couple do not even have to appear in court (except for the division of the spoils). Where some proof of guilt is necessary this is easily simulated by a fake adulterous stay in a hotel. That is a “rabta coff” type of marriage dissolved by an assembly line of civil divorce cases.

@Julian Borg.

A “four year wait” is only a prelude. Do you not read the newspaper accounts of "important" people in the news suing for divorce within months of a hasty marriage?

Incredibly, you accuse me that I value the good of society as a whole more than the selfish personal freedom of the individual. I make no apology for that public-spirited unselfish attitude. Clearly, I hold that view from an altruistic point of view and not “as a means to (my) own ends. Do you understand what you are writing?

albert leone ganado

Jul 6th 2010, 16:13

I think this is another of those attention seeking publicity stunts by JPO. I seriously doubt that there was any support of a dark hand within the PN strategic spin circle. However one has to admit that it does steals a march on what the PL was proposing on divorce and puts the PL in a bit of a tizzy on how to react. Certainly some summer homework to do for the strategists in both parties

m. borg (slm)

Jul 6th 2010, 16:11

Not very long ago David Agius gonziPN's whip said that no gonziPN MP will vote against the government to bring it down.
It looks that JPO has found a way round that assertion because the ball is in Dr. Gonzi's court and he needs to see how he can keep the party together on this bill.
After the election JPO got enough lambasting from his own and disowned by practically the majority of gonziPN because of the Mistra debacle which, according to Joe Saliba almost cost gonziPN the election.
What's JPO's real intention.? Does he want to become popular again with a different kind of electorate or is he getting his revenge after worming his way back, even getting an appointment from Dr Gonzi himself with a €13,000 renumeration.
How real is his compession and sentiments towards those who wish to start a new life with another partner.?
JPO knows that this bill can be postponed indefinetly or a referendum bill proposed to counter his.
This knife has more than two sharp edges.

M.Attard

Jul 6th 2010, 16:11

Right , so we introduce the 'divorce', then the 'abortion' and then what ......?May be we demolsih our churches and our religion? and then what else???????

David Buttigieg

Jul 6th 2010, 16:11

A fundamental point the 'righteous' and indignant are missing is that no matter how many, if any, bills on divorce are approved, a couple who get married in church will be viewed by the church as married to each other, no matter how many divorces/re-marriages take place.

So their position, vis a vis the Catholic faith will be no different to separated people living with their partners as they do now, so what is the real problem other than clutching at straws?

Johanna Pullicino

Jul 6th 2010, 16:06

Welldone! First step in the right direction.
At this point, no one must forget that AD was the first party presenting Divorce on their manifesto!
We must stop living a lie and face the reality of the 'Maltese Families'. Our children deserve better.

Jonathan Cassar Torreggiani

Jul 6th 2010, 16:04

Why would one choose to be a weed that quickly dries in the sun, when you can be a deep rooted plant that gives good fruit?

If JPO truly understood the meaning of his Baptism he would be beaming with love for God.
Alas, a foul smell fills the air.

Raymond Camilleri

Jul 6th 2010, 15:59

Where are Cana? Progett Impenn (should be renamed Progett Nindahlu fil-qohob ta' haddiehor)? The Bishops?

Oh! it is a PN MP speaking...so they must be phoning Castille to see what's happening in their party! Religio et Patria...
this is really really funny!

David Buttigieg

Jul 6th 2010, 15:59

@A.Attard

"a child's concern is to have a proper family "

I agree, and it would be foolish to think that children are not negatively affected by divorce, however the alternative, seeing their parents forced together and at each other's throats is equally bad!

M.Attard

Jul 6th 2010, 15:55

Right , so we introduce the 'divorce', then the 'abortion' and then what ......?May be we demolsih our churches and our religion? and then what else???????

Sandro Mangion

Jul 6th 2010, 15:55

The Sandro Mangion who has posted comments earlier is not me (the European Commission official and former Malta Gay Rights Movement coordinator).

Alexia Bencini

Jul 6th 2010, 15:55

"The right to marry is a human right , but the argument for divorce is based on pity and convenience. Other solutions must be found for broken marriages. Proper marriage , of its very nature, excludes divorce."

How does 'proper' marriage, by it's very nature exclude divorce? Says who? Based on what? I'm afraid the arguement is based on fairness and justice. Forcing people to be in what both parties no longer want to be in, can not claim the same.

@L Spiteri - giving a site that would be english would be more conducive to discussion I would think...

Ernest Vella

Jul 6th 2010, 15:54

Bir-rispett kollu, Dr.Pullicino...zgur mhux ha jkun xi politiku li ha jaghmel l-istat iktar gust...mill-esperjenza naraw li bil-paroli kollu taghna...l-ebda Gvern ghadu m'ghamel xejn biex jirrisolvi l-ingustizzji li ghadhom isiru f'pajjizna...nies imsallbin bid-dejn, xoghol prekarju, tahdem kemm tahdem il-flus josfru u m'hemmx cans ghal naqra mistrieh, nies jghixu f'toroq qatt maghmula...minflok tressaq "Divorce Bill" ahjar tahdem biex tissolida n-nukleu familjari...4 t'ijiem ohra x'ligijiet ha jkun qed jipproponi l-politiku...(mhux int) l-abort ghax hija ngusta li minghandu jista jmur jabbortixxi l-Italja u min m'ghandux ikollu jerfa l-piz ta tarbija li ma jridx (argumenti li ser nisimghu fil-gejjieni), iz-zwieg homosesswali ghax barra fl-EU huwa permess, l-ewtanasja etc etc.

Tlift il-vot tieghi...kont naghmlek iktar persuna serja u kredibbli...naf li ha jattakaw dan li ktibt...ma tantx jippurtani ghax illum tghallimt nghix f'socjeta fejn it-tajjeb sar hazin u l-hazin sar tajjeb...prosit lil politici...San Tumas Moore kien xempju ta politiku li bieghx lil ruhu ghal voti jew ghas-sultan...dan il-politici nessewh...HASRA!!!

Ruth MIZZI

Jul 6th 2010, 15:53

Finally, light and a shimmer of hope at the end of a very long and tedious tunnel ??? WELL DONE JPO! THUMBS UP :))

Mario Muscat

Jul 6th 2010, 15:51

JPO , A very big thank you from me and my partner . No words can express our happiness that maybe one day we will be able to marry each other. We live for that day.

joe muscat

Jul 6th 2010, 15:51

Imma kif kull ma jigri Malta nippruvaw indahhlu il-politika, jien personalment ma naqbilx mal politika tal-PN imma fuq din issue iva nghid prosit lil JPO u nispera li membri parlamentari ohra min fuq iz zewg nahat jappogjaw lil JPO, ejjew nikbru ftit, u min qieghed jikkummenta kontra id-divorzju jien sempliciment nghidlu HADD mhu qieghed jisfurzak tiddivorzja imma inti qieghed timponi fuq haddiehor. FAVUR ID-DIVORZJU

charles spiteri

Jul 6th 2010, 15:51

PROSIT 80% TAL MALTIN WARAJK INT HATIBQA TISSEMA

Lydia Pace Workman

Jul 6th 2010, 15:49

Divorce not yet being legal in Malta is not encouraging couples to work harder at their marriages,it is simply discouraging legal and human rights of couples who successfully make a life with a different partner after a marriage has failed badly. I for one, am looking forward to the change that is long overdue. Every individual has a right to happiness at the end of the day!

Dunstan Crockford

Jul 6th 2010, 15:45

A tough one for Dr.Gonzi surely!!! I personally feel that a referendum would have been more in place! JPO should have,at the very least,consulted the parliamentary group.

L Spiteri

Jul 6th 2010, 15:43

A serious research in the U.S. has led those involved to conclude that divorce is socially contagious. Vide:
http://www.lefigaro.fr/sciences-technologies/2010/07/05/01030-20100705ARTFIG00536-le-divorce-est-socialement-contagieux.php

Joseph Calleja

Jul 6th 2010, 15:42

What is the big deal here? One way or the other divorce will come to Malta, Is this a political move, I say yes because since we belong to the EU you can go out to most any of the other EU states and obtain a divorce. All this divorce talk means that the government is trying to get ahead of the game and avoid the inevitable and at the same time make some points. How come this came up all of a sudden? I really think that the government is seeing the writing on the wall and is trying to get a head start. Is this a move full of hot air? Is the legislation going to discuss divorce for the next 5 or ten years with no final decision. Divorce will be a very hot item in the next general election because the subject means votes. Why is divorce such a voodoo, when over two thirds of Maltese are cohabitating? A lot of married men and women are leaving their household and cohabitating but that's OK? Please don't use divorce as a political weapon, but as a human need. Divorce can be a good thing.

Gerard Cassar

Jul 6th 2010, 15:42

LP be careful before adhering to J.Pullicino Orlando move in favour of divorce. It could be a trap. I cannot imagine JPO taking an initiative before talking to the Prime Minister and then the whole P.N. set up. Let him say as much as he want he did not discuss the mater with rhe elder of his party. It could be in fact an entrapment to divide the Labour Party.Let us beware of such initiatives.

Ian Fenech

Jul 6th 2010, 15:41

Could it be that finally somebody has seen the light ( no pun intended).
I agree state and religion should be seperate. We cannot let our religious belief dictate the polies of a country.

R. Caruana

Jul 6th 2010, 15:41

Miskin, qalibilu lil Joseph!

Marius Zulgis

Jul 6th 2010, 15:40

Finally! Well done!

L. Attard Bezzina

Jul 6th 2010, 15:37

Prosit JPO. About time someone had the gall to do this. Whether it will be actually taken up and discussed is another issue. Behind you all the way !

Neville Grech

Jul 6th 2010, 15:32

Prosit Jeffrey. Nawguralek li tgħaddi, umbgħad żgur tkun ġbart ġiehek.

Amanda Delia Cacciottlo

Jul 6th 2010, 15:26

Proset at least now we have from the Goverment' side who had to guts to present this new divorce bill - Hon Pullicino Orlando thank you and rest assured that both as the AD Party most of the PL Parlamentarians will follow suit - Mr Prime Minister this must be passed with a free and secret vote and bill will pass with flying colours
I would never get married in a Catholic Church here unless divorce is legal due to bureaucracy and length our Religious Party Leaders take - again well done we are all behind you Hon Parlamentarian

George Scicluna

Jul 6th 2010, 15:24

Prosit JPO hej. Bhala wihed li fl elezzjoni li ghaddiet ivvutajt lilek, ihossni, jien, u familti vera tal misthija!!! Qed turina kemm inti Nisrani ehh!!! Surely this is DEFENATELY NOT the line of our PN, and Catholic Malta.

David Buttigieg

Jul 6th 2010, 15:22

@Emanuel Cilia Debono
"I find it even more objectionable that the mionority imposes its views on the majority. "

I agree, 1000%

HOWEVER, this is not the case! How is a couple who divorce imposing their will/views on you? Nobody will force you to divorce!

R.Mifsud

Jul 6th 2010, 15:21

U Fl-Ahhar infaqqat il-Buzzieqa u l Maskra li tant ilu juza l PN...fl-ahhar sabu lil JPO li qabzitlu li fuq dan is sugget il PN dejjem jilaba tar Religjuz u jakkuzza lil PL meta dan jiftah halqu!!! Issa naraw daqxejn il Knisja x ser tghid fuq dan...ax is soltu l ghaziza KNISJA titkellem biss meta PL jmur kontrija...u meta tal PN jaghmlu xi haga..haga ta l Ghageb tibqa halqa maghluqa!!! Haqa wahda biss nghid jien ejja nippruvaw nibzghu ghas socjeta taghna..d divorzju mhux s soluzzjoni ghal problema..inhoss li johloq aktar problemi!!

Emanuel Cilia Debono

Jul 6th 2010, 15:21

@Mr. David Buttigieg

I have an open mind about the result of a referendum. I am here thinking about the issue itself not about what the majority ( or the minority for that matter) think about it.

If in your view , the majority in a referendum would opt against divorce , it is extremely undemocratic for the minority to impose its views on the majority. The people in a democratic State , like ours, have a right to express themselves on something which would radically affect their way of life. The right to marry is a human right , but the argument for divorce is based on pity and convenience. Other solutions must be found for broken marriages. Proper marriage , of its very nature, excludes divorce.

DR EMMANUEL BEZZINA

Jul 6th 2010, 15:19

Dear Jeffrey,your professional and private life does not come into this:for once an MP has grasped the correct significance of being elected as a People`s Representative,a matter of importance I have long been attempting to fecundate our MPs with.A Representative must represent the individual necessities of nationals in the country relating to which,the MP has been elected.An Institution among us,that represents no body and no entity by the way it conducts its weird business,has long been influencing and manipulating our infra structurally deficient MPs.Well JEFFREY has now shown that his infrastructure is vividly solid.

One hopes that as the Summer Recess approaches,this will not be a Mid Summer`s Exposition which will melt away as the Parliament is reconvened again for the Autumn Session:JEFFREY please do not leg-pull my People,they have had enough of the hypocricy of most of our Politicians.The last MP to present a Private Member`s Bill on the matter was piper Joe Brincat whose efforts were then doomed but appreciated.JPO has the advantage of being on the Government`s side and has the Opposition with him barring those who simply do not qualify as People`s Representatives though they be MPs.Well done JEFFREY - Good Luck!

miriam grech

Jul 6th 2010, 15:18

Ara veru hawn min qieghed sew fid dinja!!!!!!!! bid divorzju--- jicoobitaw ---- jiseparaw u hafna modi godda, ZGUR LI MA JKOLLINIX FAMILJA SODA!!!!!! MIN SIGRA HAZINA QATT MA HAREG FROTT TAJJEB.
Ma rridx ninsa l isspejjes tal avukati .Ahsiba sew qabel tizzewweg u terga tizzewweg u terga tizzewweg!!!!!!! Jaqblilkhom tibqhu xebbiet u guvintur.

Olina Tretyak

Jul 6th 2010, 15:15

Country that allows Legal Separation and Church Annulment already allows the ways of breaking marriges and the way to re-marry.

It does not allow legal divorce for divorce is a right to re-marry without paying to Church the annulment fees.

It is a matter of who is in control of the business, not the matter of morals or faith.

If bill will be approved, the Church will lose business of annulments. Strangely you will find out that though being deep catholics people will stop asking Church permision to re-marry through annulment because divorce will be cheaper way to do so.

Now Church is in a great danger to lose its "re-marrying" business and government is in opportunity to get it.

You can use the divorce subject in Politics or in Promotion of the Faith, but it will remain a clear economical issue of who controls the income from already existing service.

I would call it an attempt to re-direct a cash flow.

People want the re-marrying service to be cheaper, therefore they will vote for divorce if referendum will take the place. MPs are mostly lawyers, they want clients.

Patrick Bellia

Jul 6th 2010, 15:15

L infern hawm qieghed my friend diga qedghin fih

Emanuel Cilia Debono

Jul 6th 2010, 15:05

@Mr. David Buttigieg
I have an open mind about thge result of a referendum. If in your view however the majority would have its own will against the minority,, I find it even more objectionable that the mionority imposes its views on the majority.
It is a human right to marry but it is not a human right to divorce. Proper marriage , of its very nature, excludes diuvorce.

yaz tabone

Jul 6th 2010, 15:05

yes!! lets hope this happens.. im sick of living in a place thats ruled by religion.. let those who believe do what their book tells them to do, n let the ones that don't believe have free will n rights

if in the next election one specific party promises to introduce divorce, i will vote for that party regardless. i ll never get married until divorce is introduced

James Caruana

Jul 6th 2010, 15:03

as someone once sang:

"Halluwna w tkellmuniex, ghax ghadna ma qomnhiex...............ahn' ahna jew m'ahniex"

what is going on on this once paradise of an island.........Malta has changed in many respects, most of which are NOT for the better!

James Caruana

P. Vincenti

Jul 6th 2010, 15:00

JPO claims to be Catholic but is he not just a supermarket Catholic in reality?
That is, one who picks and choose what parts for the Catholic religion suits him/her best. It is wrong to try and imply that true Catholics can have such contradictory views without severe moral conflict. It is absurd to imply that just because one is in politics, he/she should be allowed to twist the teachings of the church at will. It may have been far more of JPO to leave both his and the beliefs of other Catholic MPs out of this altogether. This is pressure they can do without. I doubt that real Catholics need a lesson in Catechism from JPO.

PaulVellaCritien

Jul 6th 2010, 15:00

If the pn votes in favour of divorce it will be the end of its political life, it seems that the present leader will keep loosing his credebility.

Oscar Cassar

Jul 6th 2010, 14:56

Prosit Jeffrey, kellu bzonn kulhadd jahdem fil-politika skond dak li verament jkun jemmen li huwa necessarju fis-sitwazzjonijiet u problemi tal-lum... kieku f'Malta hawn hafna anqas burokrazija. Ilna snin twal niddiskutu dan is-suggett u min suppost li kellu jiehu xi forma ta' azzjoni, koxjentement injora certu problemi socjali u hallew cittadini Maltin (li ma setghux jakwistaqw dan id-dritt minn barra) fit-tbaghtija. Forsi issa....

Kevin Azzopardi

Jul 6th 2010, 14:53

I wonder what Gift of life will say now that it was a motion by the PN. Most probably they will find a way to blame muscat.

Edric Micallef Figallo

Jul 6th 2010, 14:52

I believe that the last he spoke about divorce he said he wanted scientific studies to be done to see whether it would be positive or negative for society, and then he would conform himself to such studies as if he had no opinion, or values to give him a solid political position.

So the scientific studies are unneeded now, Hon. Pullicino Orlando has enough knowledge in him to take this stand. He has denied his own previous position by taking an opposite position, a position not shared by the political party in whose name he was an elected candidate. Well done indeed.

He should spare us the babble about being a Catholic. I guess this Catholic didn't really take heed of the words of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI (which for a self-professed Catholic at least, should be very important) when he was here last April. Instead he quotes, or rather misquotes, the Pope himself. Well done once again.

We'll wait for PN's official reaction, that is stage 2.

David Gatt

Jul 6th 2010, 14:48

I'm a LP supporter but I support JPO on this one, well done!

This also serves as an answer to those who complained about J. Muscat's proposal, i.e. to give a free vote in parliament. It's becoming clearer every day that divorce is something that the majority of the MPs would vote in favor of.

hadrian agius

Jul 6th 2010, 14:48

WELL DONE JEFFREY, FINALLY SOMEONE WITH GUTS!!!!!

Charles Zammit

Jul 6th 2010, 14:45

I was thinking of not voting next election but I might change my mind.Keep up the good work Mr.Pullicino Orlando.

Raymond Camilleri

Jul 6th 2010, 14:44

Will the church come out all guns blazing? Or since it's a PN MP it doesn't matter? Let's see...

P Pace Balzan

Jul 6th 2010, 14:43

I was once told by a person who contested the national elections that he would do his best to ensure that a specific court case relating to a separation will take over 10 years to settle.
He has succeeded. (The court case is still in progress)
Court cases are known to take years to settle in Malta.
What is everyone on about here.
You will all be 'Very Old' when your divorces come true (if ever).
You will, in all probability, also be forced to work till 70 to maintain all these (and other) sad bits of legislation.

Joseph Sultana

Jul 6th 2010, 14:43

I would not really mind if a Bill granting divorce became law. What I would mind very, very much is having to pay tax to afford these people their wish. Who's going to pay courts, lawyers (legal aid??) children's care until they become employed, and a myriad other expenses that are at present bleeding the British economy. Let them have their divorce but they should have to pay for it themselves. Divorce can never be a human right, it's a human luxury! Only if divorce became law through a simple "YES or NO" referendum should the taxpayer be held responsible for all expenses!

David Buttigieg

Jul 6th 2010, 14:42

@Emanuel Cilia Debono

Why not hold a referendum?

Because the majority imposing their values on the minority is most UNDEMOCRATIC!

C Debono

Jul 6th 2010, 14:42

Well done! I hope this does go through! Thank you JPO

David Buttigieg

Jul 6th 2010, 14:40

@A Attard

I have children, and for arguments sake I am very happily married. I also personally believe divorce, or rather re-marrying is a sin!

However that is my business and I would never impose it on others, which would be a greater sin.

However, you still haven't mentioned, with all the reasons you gave, how what other people do in this regard is your business!

Victor Laiviera

Jul 6th 2010, 14:37

I hope no one is naive enough to take this simply at its face value.

What is Dr Pullicino really after?

What is going on in the PN Parliamentary Group?

K.Dimech

Jul 6th 2010, 14:35

Surely no one is realising that this is a machiavellan plot to preempt Joseph Muscat

R Micallef

Jul 6th 2010, 14:34

Well I have to say that JPO has the courage to forward this Motion. Well done! This is surely something that a lot of people will be voting for next election. Whether it's politically motivated or not is irrelevant as this is something that a substantial proportion of the population wants and needs in order to move on with their lives. The current situation, in my opinion, is that we have divorce a la Maltese. Why not make it legally binding? Dear Dr J Muscat, now the ball is in your court. Show us that you have the same guts as JPO! All those interested in this issue are watching!!!

Robert Caruana

Jul 6th 2010, 14:31

BUT THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE BY JOSEPH MUSCAT NOT JPO:

Raymond Bezzina

Jul 6th 2010, 14:30

With reference to the second paragraph of the above article I ask :
Where is the evidence that divorce would prevent the greater harm to the
common good ? Where ?

The evidence that I have is that divorce increases the problems in society
and not prevent them.

cutajar j

Jul 6th 2010, 14:26

jpo jahseb ghal rasu, l ewwel d disco w issa d divorce.
pn hu hsieb.

Mark Piscopo

Jul 6th 2010, 14:22

Well done to Dr Pullicino Orlando My family friends and I agree with the introduction of divorce. Dr Pullicino Orlando and is one of the few MP that really represent the pulse of the people. Excellent move .

C.Agius

Jul 6th 2010, 14:19

99% of all separted couples co-habitate. So what's the fuss.

Do not fully agree with divorce but if one asks separted couples what they're going through then one would reason out things differently.

JOe VELLa

Jul 6th 2010, 14:17

Dr. JPO
All is well to present a Bill that in the end benefit some individual or individuals that you might be aware of. Prosit
Now how about you do something to the excessive DISCO noise pollution going on up to 4 a.m. in your area and that people that voted for YOU have been complaining for years. But than I guess that is another cup to tea!

KJ Tabone

Jul 6th 2010, 14:09

Finally, someone with substance!

I am glad to see someone from PN emerging from the traditionalist shell. :)

Andrew Farrugia

Jul 6th 2010, 14:08

JPO: variante impazzita, loose cannon? Nooo! As if!

Joseph Carmel Chetcuti

Jul 6th 2010, 14:07

Congratulations to Pullicino Orlando. Whether this gets through parliament or not is irrelevant. At least it is now on the table. Malta will continue to be the world's laughing stock so long as its citizens are denied the right to divorce their partners. The Church is at liberty not to recognise divorce. Equally, the State should be at liberty not to recognise a marriage that is administered by the Church. Fair is fair! The time has come to put an end to the interference of an unelected body of unmarried men who continue to interfere in our lifestyles when theirs lives much to be desired.

Daniel Camilleri

Jul 6th 2010, 14:05

I do not why people still have the impression that a party has christian values and the other not. I think all political parties have different people with different values. (and this is positive)

As regards to divorce, its not that easy to just say yes or no. I was fully against, after after seeing people suffering because their partner decided not to continue the married life, i tend to say its better these people have another opportunity to have a family. Hope the legislation considers the effects on children too.

Tony Borg

Jul 6th 2010, 14:04

I do not question JPO's good intentions,clearly this was not a political move from his side to win or lose votes but he presented this bill because he truly believes in it.

However,no doubt the impact of the introduction of divorce in our country to our society is irrevocable and huge and can not be introduced because of any sentiment at that time. I tend to agree about a referendum only if the agenda behind it will not be political.

The family is the strongest pillar in our society (socially and economically) and thus such a proposal should be seriously analysed. Even though Malta and the Phipinnes are the only countries sans divorce, we must look at our countries such as the UK who publicly declare that if they can turn back time and not introduce divorce - they would.

In most countries it has been stated that there is a direct correlation between divorce and broken families. I do believe that it is a free country and one should do as he pleases, as long as it does not harm anyone, however who is voicing the children in this scenario?

Henrik Piski

Jul 6th 2010, 14:00

It seems that the letter Alternattiva Demokratika to the members of Parliament bearred fruit.

Martin Farrugia

Jul 6th 2010, 13:58

Smart move.

Joe DeGiovanni

Jul 6th 2010, 13:58

One of the outcomes will be that 'Nobody's children' will have to cry quietly, where nobody can see them, but they will carry the scar of being betrayed by those who are dearest to them for the rest of their lives.

Patrick Bellia

Jul 6th 2010, 13:58

L infern ma jezistix my friend

Mike Magri

Jul 6th 2010, 13:57

HO..!! HO..!! HO..!! What`s going on in the FRAGILE GonziPN REGIME...!!??!!??.. I always thought that on such a serious matter like this, it should have been the Prime Minister HIMSELF who should have put this subject as a parlamentary motion, and NOT a bill by one of its members...!!!

HAWWADNI HA NIFMEK........!!!!!!!!!!

Paul Smith

Jul 6th 2010, 13:56

Guys,
this is a free vote. The bill will get knowehere. You will still be living in a 14th century theocracy the day after tomorrow

John Galea

Jul 6th 2010, 13:55

Finally, in 2010 someone decided to take the bull by the horns.

It is about time that an MP bit the bullet - and coming from JPO was no surprise - he is one of the few MP that really represent the pulse of the people.

To all apologists - have you ever thought that by introducing divore you will be increasing the number of marriages?? How many couple cannot get married becasue they are separated. Who will regularise the mess left behind these people when their kids grow up, different sets of surnames, problems with inheritance, emotional issues etc. Has anyone thoght about living and let live? Has anybody thought about the current mess in society without divorce?

Divorce is not like taxes - it is not obligatory for everyone, those who need it may use it, the rest don't really have to worry about it.

And was not it Jesus who said' Give unto Ceaser what is Ceaser's and to God what is unto God's? Modern equivalent would be let the State take care of the people and let the Church take care of their souls.

So what is the fuss all about??

Patrick Bellia

Jul 6th 2010, 13:55

Jekk vera tridu li jkun hawn id divorzju u jkun hawn hawn min jibda hajja gdida, mhux tivvutaw bil free vote fil Parlament izda ghamlu referendum ma tghidtx ma ahniex imdorrijin bihom ir referendums u tara jekk jaghddix, halli l poplu jiddeciedi mhux tiddeciedu intom ghall poplu. ghall EU l poplu iddecieda b referendum ghaliex ghad divorzju fil parlament bil free vote?

JSAMMMUT

Jul 6th 2010, 13:54

Well done, Jeffrey.we need divorce

Ramon Zammit

Jul 6th 2010, 13:53

I am really amazed by the number of people in favor of divorce. Its really worrying that so many people are fed up of their marriage or just want to get married with some peace of mind that in an eventual failure they could get divorced. Now I ask all of you: Why get married if you are not capable of enduring marriage for your whole life? - Marriage is not there for everyone, only for those who truly love each other - so do yourself a favor and DO NOT GET MARRIED IN THE FIRST PLACE - By divorcing you will do harm and make children suffer

Mary V gALEA

Jul 6th 2010, 13:52

No, No!! Saint Nicholas would certainly not, repeatr NOT... have given his approval to something definitely against the commandments of the Church . PREPOSTEROUS!

Josef Duffy

Jul 6th 2010, 13:48

Mr Pulis : "Divorce is not a tax where everybody is supposed to pay. If you don't feel like using it good luck to you but you have no right to deny it to others." However, it is my tax and the tax of other fellow citizens which is to make good for the expenses incurred to maintain these new "families"!!

Natasha Borg

Jul 6th 2010, 13:47

Religious belief and legal rights should not be irrevocably tied in wedlock. The two are very separate - also considering the fact that many people who marry in Malta are not Catholic, and perhaps not even religions, yet they still have secular rights. Anyone who feels that divorce is wrong may happily remain wed till death do them part. They will have the fundamental right to choose.

The issue of "allowing couples to file for divorce only if they have lived apart for at least four years in the preceding five years" is a joke! Lets drop this Big Brother attitude and grow up as a country - government needs to start focusing on serious matters and allow civil society to get on with life in Malta knowing that their leaders are investing time and resources in ensuring a Quality life for citizens who Still choose to stay in this country, rather than in haggling on issues which hinder progress.

Emanuel Cilia Debono

Jul 6th 2010, 13:47

The possibility of dissolving marriage (on grounds other than invalidity) goes against the traditional model of marriage as an indissoluble bond between a consenting male and female . In my opinion the availability of divorce tends to undermine the confidence of the marriage partners in each other and in the institution of marriage as we know it. It tends to have a destabilizing effect on the family.
Why not hold a referendum on the matter ?

A.Attard

Jul 6th 2010, 13:46

David Buttigieg without crying Foul i will answer your question.Please do not forget our children, it is already hard for them to see their parents seperated not to mention devorced.Divorce will only destroy further our possibility to fix our marriage because anyway it goes if this marriage dosent work,maybe the next will?...or the next??....or the next???.What about those new couples which are trying to start a new life together wouldnt it be more tempting to blow up the marriage just for the sake of tring a new one?

Karl Consiglio

Jul 6th 2010, 13:45

@Tony Abela,

How is one to know what one is voting for if things will be a matter of free votes? That's ridiculous. For example, I want to know if a party will, or will not, bring about divorce in Malta NOW! Before the elections, Not later, after a free vote made by a handful of conservative old cob webbed politicians feeling the peer pressure have a free vote between them

Laura Falzon

Jul 6th 2010, 13:43

Ghamel xi haga bis-sens ghal darba !

Alexia Bencini

Jul 6th 2010, 13:41

Firstly:
I think this is a very worrying development. Divorce does more harm to society as a whole even if it seems to help the individuals concerned.

How exactly did you come to that conclusion? Where is the evidence? Also what's the difference with the way separation currently happens? The family would have to do through the same level of trauma - possibly more.

@K. Pullicino - From the state's perspective, marriage is a contract between 2 individuals, and just like any contract, sometimes the contract gets dissolved.

There is no need for the install fear that with divorce society will implode or something as dramatic as that. People will stay married because they want to, and not stay married if you don't.

That is already happening. Let's not put blinkers over our eyes and accept it.

Adrian Buckle

Jul 6th 2010, 13:41

Jeffrey is seriously in contention for my vote. Well done, Jeffrey.

Albert Farrugia

Jul 6th 2010, 13:40

So...here we go a-spinning again....yet again the PN uses JPO for its spinning requirements! Before the 2008 election they used him in a press conference (as he himself admitted) as bait for Alfred Sant, now he is being used in this new tactic. Well, be very very careful Joseph Muscat, the PN are VERY good at winning elections. Seems like the footwork in midfield is already well underway aimed at the opposition's goalposts! Will JPO once again be the PN's Klose?

Martin vella

Jul 6th 2010, 13:40

Finally an MP with guts,thanks JPO well done others should follow from both sides of the house. MALTA GROW UP

James Grima

Jul 6th 2010, 13:38

@JPO.
Shame on you!!! Dawk huma il valuri Insara li suppost thaddan? I lost the few remaining faith I had in you! Din mhix il linja tal partit li dejjem mexa hand in hand mal valuri tradizjonali-Insara, ghal gid ta dan il pajjiz li bhal ma qal il qdusija tieghu il Papa "Malta hi gioiell tal Knisja Nisranija". Dik il linja li qbadt hi il linja ta dak il "partit" li jostina jimxi kontra il kurrent ta dak li vera jemmen il poplu taghna!!! Shame.

Dr. John Zammit

Jul 6th 2010, 13:36

I congratulate Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando on behalf of ALLEANZA LIBERALI - this means that if the law passes the Nationalist Party will remain in government for eternity because more than 50% of the Maltese want a divorce law. It can also mean that we the Liberals will lose support but we are not there for votes, we are there to push the other political parties to move with the times and be more liberal. I happened to bump with Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando at St. Nicholas Band Club on Sunday 27th June on the Feast day of St. Nicholas and I told him that maybe I will be a candidate for the Siggiewi district and maybe St. Nicholas opened Jeffrey's mind to present the divorce bill. I found that most of the middleaged men and youth of Siggiewi support my Liberal policies that Malta should become like Amsterdam and I was very welcomed at the Siggiewi Football Club and at the Siggiewi Brass Band Club (the building that I was born in). WELL DONE Jeffrey you got our support from the Liberals of Malta - Dr. John Zammit Leader, Alleanza Liberali.

John Pace

Jul 6th 2010, 13:35

Thank you JPO !! Finally someone with ba!!s.

t. borg

Jul 6th 2010, 13:32

iz-zewg partiti ghadhom jaghtu free vote lid-deputati taghhom. jpo jista' jerbah hafna voti lil pn jekk id-decizjoni tittiehed issa milli tkun weghda tal-pl ghall-elezjoni li jmiss. personalment inhoss ii hadd m'ghandu dritt jimponi li persuna li tizzewweg zghira u z-zwieg ifalli minhabba miljun cirkostanza tghidlu biex jibqgha jghix ma persuna li ma jhobbx aktar. din hija biss tustagni. min se jindahalli jekk jien irrid immur l-infern?. din hajti u ebda referendu mhu se jbiddel kif irrid nghix jien. hajti tieghi. naqbel li t-tfal ikunu protetti. hawn nies li ilhom snin twal ifrudin u jghixu ma' partner iehor u kellhom it-tfal. ghaliex m'ghandhomx ikollom drittijiet bhall haddiehor?. min ma jridx id-deorzju ghax tajjeb huwa u egoist.

David Buttigieg

Jul 6th 2010, 13:32

By the way, don't hold your breath on this!

David Buttigieg

Jul 6th 2010, 13:31

To all the hysterical chaps crying foul, please PLEASE explain this to me!

How on earth is a couple divorcing and re-marrying, ANY of your business?

Please do explain it as I honestly want to know!

Karl Consiglio

Jul 6th 2010, 13:30

Keep up the good work JPO, things must change, make it happen!

tony abela

Jul 6th 2010, 13:29

I have a stinking feeling that Hon Pullicino Orlando has a political agenda to dilute the impact Dr Joseph Muscat has created with his proposal of a free vote on the issue if elected in Government.

I will not be at all surprised that the PN propoganda machine is behind Dr Pullicino. I am almost sure that he is not acting on his own along this road.

Karl Consiglio

Jul 6th 2010, 13:29

Keep up the good work JPO, things must change, make it happen!

victor pulis

Jul 6th 2010, 13:28

Divorce is not a tax where everybody is supposed to pay. If you don't feel like using it good luck to you but you have no right to deny it to others.

victor rodenas

Jul 6th 2010, 13:27

I`ve just went to have a look at the Calander......no, its not April fools day....I like people with GUTS.....bravo JPO......let the apologists howl and howl .If their marriage (if they are married after all) is ok ,thanks be GOD.One must not be selfish however,divorce is only for those who really need it,........a bit of fresh air in the Summer`s heat at last.

Andrew Camilleri

Jul 6th 2010, 13:26

At last someone is doing something.................well Jeffrey.

Joseph Schembri

Jul 6th 2010, 13:25

This is one of the few MPs who have got what it takes to be a real MP - representing people. Others just go about 'pussyfooting' around. I liked this piece about him written months ago: http://malta-exposed.blogspot.com/search?q=bajd

Demis Paul Scerri

Jul 6th 2010, 13:25

Thanks JPO. We need politicians like you who have the guts to say and make what is needed in a real society. Everyone should have the right to go on with his life.

C Galea

Jul 6th 2010, 13:24

At last , someone with bulls , apart those of the world cup.
I am not the other C Galea !

Nadine Formosa

Jul 6th 2010, 13:23

Prosit Jeff! MP with guts indeed. Issa forsi l-oqbra mbajda li hemm fil-Parlament jinkixfu. JPO is a person with a direction and he knows where he wants to go!

Ramon Casha

Jul 6th 2010, 13:21

Curiouser and curiouser! First we get Adrian Vassallo from the "progressive party" wanting to make Malta into Iran, now we have JPO from the regressive party trying to introduce divorce.

In any case, it's good to see at least one PN MP who's still got a social conscience. Well done JPO. You stole one of Joseph Muscat's main weapons. Unfortunately I doubt that your party will stand with you on this one.

Trevor Zahra

Jul 6th 2010, 13:20

What has the catholic church got to do with anything....why does the catholic aspect even come into the equation...@sandro Mangion...are you trying to say that a person who is not catholic has no values??? What hypocrisy....from where I see it it is the catholic church in Malta who treads on the values of people by ensuring the law remains in force that members of the clergy in Malta are exempt from Prosecution in a court of law irrespective of what law they decide to break. Values has nothing to with the introduction of divorce and imposing a time limit of 4 years is also wrong....people have the right to a happy life and the right to a second chance...well done JPO for getting the ball rolling on this one...

Elton Freeman

Jul 6th 2010, 13:20

Finally, Welldone, About time etc etc.
I think this law should be passed straight away no referendums, elections or anything. Divorce will not be imposed but available for who NEEDS it.
The church should not get involved in this issue and I cant understand people that are against. Unless they are and they want to remain stuck in a finished relationship so the other half will not be available to start fresh.

d. borg

Jul 6th 2010, 13:19

At last someone with guts and who puts the interest of the people before anything else. Well done!! I hope all our parliamentarians will do the same.

Dr Francis Saliba

Jul 6th 2010, 13:18

Let us wait with bated breath for the detailed proposals by this scion of modernity for the inroduction of a "bill ... to dissolve marriages which are irrevocably broken down". It would be very interesting to discover his plans how to prevent that this innovation from degenerating rapidly into sham marriages of convenience, a "rabta coff" and mutually arranged divorces for lightly contracted marriages. This is the general experience wherever divorce has been legalized under whatever pretext!

Kat Gauci

Jul 6th 2010, 13:16

Thanks JPO! :)

John Carmel Navarro

Jul 6th 2010, 13:16

I fully support Jeffrey Pullicino on this one; it is high time that Malta grows up. The Church is not the State and the state is not the Church, now hopefully our elected Members of Parliament from both sides would vote with honesty without the interference or fear of the Church. I accept that this is one hot potato but at long last we have someone who is pushing forward the wishes of the people who elected him, I do not expect everyone to be rejoicing but in a free democracy no one should be suppressed because one section would be upset! As and when Divorce becomes legal in Malta, one has to remember it is not something that becomes compulsory it would just be an option for people to start a new life rather than be condemned. I shall follow with interest to see where the Church would stand, would they take the same attitude as in the Co-habiting issue once Divorce becomes legal..

C.camilleri

Jul 6th 2010, 13:15

Does this means that the PN members in parliament are going to be given a free vote on this issue?
First the PN accuses Joseph Muscat of being populists for bringing up the divorce issue for discussion and now one of their own is proposing divorce.
Just who is being populists?

A.Magri

Jul 6th 2010, 13:14

Thank you Dr. Pullicino Orlando. It's about time we stop forcing religious beliefs on secular matters.

K. Pullicino

Jul 6th 2010, 13:14

"We cannot ,however, allow our religious sentiments to interfere with our obligations towards citizens"

I feel that this type of argument is slightly weak. I shouldn't disagree with divorce just because I don't need it in the same way I shouldn't agree with divorce simply because I think I need it.

At the moment, the general idea is that anyone agreeing with divorce is being altruistic and thinking of others but anyone who disagrees with it is, on the other hand, doing so just because he harbours the Catholic faith.

I mean, can we have a serious discussion on how this will help our country? After all, you can't just give someone something just because he wants it. And let's not degenerate this issue into a petty Xarabank ħamallata please.

The starting point which I think we should all start from is not divorce, but rather marriage itself. What values should we, as a society, place in marriage? What are the aims of marriage? Is marriage occurs between two individuals or something that happens in the context of a society?

Simon Dimech

Jul 6th 2010, 13:12

If this bill passes the only differnece remaining between our political Parties would simply be in thier names.

M Attard

Jul 6th 2010, 13:12

Obviously each case should be studied separtely but to continue breaking up families/couples and put kids in a difficult situations is called a 'Pogress' Mr C Galea?

D Vella

Jul 6th 2010, 13:08

Not before time. Nice to know that there is at least one MP with enough backbone to introduce this much needed piece of legislation. Earnestly hoping that those marginalised by their sex and their sexual preferences will also be helped to achieve their rightfull place in a community of equals.
The proof of the pudding is,of course,in the eating and we must hope that this bill will become law without obstruction in the near and forseeable future.

Miguel Micallef

Jul 6th 2010, 13:08

Well done! Do not succumb any further to a few twisted minds. Their votes are not as important as the progress of the whole nation. As many of them have told me countless times, I will tell them, for once:

If you don't like it - leave!!!

P. Vincenti

Jul 6th 2010, 13:08

I think this is a very worrying development. Divorce does more harm to society as a whole even if it seems to help the individuals concerned. We cannot change a culture so dramatically without a proper debate first and the involvement of all the people of Malta. This seems more like political manoeuvring. Is this being presented now to neutralise Muscat’s promise to present a bill for divorce with a free vote if elected. If so, then this is a very dangerous game to play. If this is a private members bill which includes PL MPS, then the secondary ramifications have to be considered.

S Vella

Jul 6th 2010, 13:07

A big thank you is in order for JPO! To all of you against divorce please note that this is not mandatory but only an option in cases of marital breakdowns, which I am sure exist in plenty on this long forgotten island!

Sandro Mangion

Jul 6th 2010, 13:07

What a disservice to the Nationalist Party! I hope the Party gets rid of JPO and CO as soon as possible. They are betraying not only the Party, its people and its supporters but also our values.

M Saliba

Jul 6th 2010, 13:03

Finally a Nationalist who is realistic! Well done. This is just the first step and I do hope that Parliament will now no longer hide behind its finger by stating that no Bill has yet to be presented.

I have no doubt that JPO's Nationalist beliefs are still strong inside but he has shown the people that he is also responsive to the fact that the Roman Catholic Church is NOT the State and that the State should cater for ALL it's citizens, regardless of their beliefs. If Roman Catholics do not want to get divorced it's their choice and no one shall force it on the. But let the rest of the population exercise their free will.

wally vella-zarb

Jul 6th 2010, 13:02

Well done JPO!

P. Vincenti

Jul 6th 2010, 13:00

This is far too serious an issue for sixty something odd people to decide about. A national referndum is the only democratic way to go about this.

T. Cardona

Jul 6th 2010, 12:54

About time! Finally, an MP with guts. Thanks JPO.

R Buhagiar

Jul 6th 2010, 12:50

This Nationalist OParty has truly lost its soul.
Not even if you make a law, you have to go to the public first in a referendum. JPO you have done much damage to our party. We will remember you next time round. In Opposition. As a nationalist, I am vowing that come next election, we will throw the PN to the Opposition benches,. That;s my vow. So help me God.