No decision expected from PN divorce discussion tonight

No decision is expected to be taken at the unprecedented discussion on divorce that is scheduled to take place this evening within the Nationalist Party’s executive committee.

However, party sources said the committee may suggest the setting up of a working group to study the state of the family in Malta and see whether there is a scientific argument for the introduction of divorce.

The PN had until recently largely ignored the divorce issue until one of its MPs, Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, forced it onto the agenda by presenting a Private Member’s Bill last month.

Party leader Lawrence Gonzi has already expressed himself adamantly against divorce, saying only that he wants the discussion to continue and the decision to be taken by the people.

This evening’s meeting, which sources said was one of many to come, is intended to “continue the discussion” on the issue as debate heats up.

“It would be a very superficial decision if it were decided at one sitting. May I assure you that the PN does not take decisions in a rushed manner, especially when such decisions can affect the well-being of society and the family,” said Marthese Portelli, president of the PN’s Executive Committee.

“The strengthening of the family remains the number one priority for the PN and this will be at the core of the discussions that will take place in the Executive Committee and elsewhere within the party.”

The committee brings together some 100 members of the party from the parliamentary group to the youth section. However, only 85 people can vote, because the votes are divided among the representatives of the various sections of the party.

Such meetings generally begin with an introductory presentation leading to an informal discussion on the topic.

It is not yet known who will give the presentation on divorce, if anyone. Dr Pullicino Orlando has not been asked to prepare any form of intervention, The Times is informed.

The discussion, which will take place in a circular room at the party’s headquarters in Pietà, also has the pension reform on the agenda.

Party members who will attend the committee meeting, but preferred to be left unnamed, said they were going to it with an open mind but expected nothing out of the ordinary.

“This will be just another executive council meeting. I don’t think a decision will be taken for or against divorce.

“We’ll all have the chance to make our voices heard and then we’ll plan to continue discussing the subject through the party’s structures... perhaps with a view to setting up a working group to help us form an informed opinion.”