Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando’s initiative to introduce a divorce Bill in Parliament not only caught everybody by surprise but has exposed divergent views on the subject that transcend political party allegiance.

While Nationalist backbencher Franco Debono is “clearly and unequivocally” not in favour of divorce and would prefer the decision being taken by the people, his colleague Jesmond Mugliett believes Dr Pullicino Orlando’s Bill should be debated in Parliament.

On the other hand, while Labour MP Leo Brincat insists the road proposed by Labour leader Joseph Muscat to present a Private Member’s Bill after the next election is the “most practical” way to attain the desired result, his party colleague Justyne Caruana wants to see a wide-ranging debate before any decision is taken.

“There is an ongoing debate on divorce, which I am following but eventually it should be the people to decide the matter either through a referendum or an election,” Dr Debono said, insisting that whether a referendum should be held before the next election depended on what stage the discussion had reached.

Debate is also the central concern for Dr Caruana. “The discussion cannot be conducted through blogs, newspaper letters or by priests preaching from the pulpit. This is such a delicate issue that everybody has to be heard, and as politicians we have a duty to listen to everyone,” she said, adding that her decision would be formed after the discussion.

Mr Mugliett refrained from saying whether he agreed with divorce but insisted he was in two minds on whether a referendum should be held.

“The current situation raises the problem of whether there is a mandate to introduce divorce, and a referendum could offer a way out. But I see a point in the argument against a referendum because it concerns the civil rights of a minority of people and the majority may not appreciate the need for such legislation,” Mr Mugliett said.

Although divorce was a delicate issue, he added, it would not make any difference to the way people “are already constructing relationships in marriage and reconstituting them in another form”.

Now that MPs are faced with a Bill, Mr Mugliett said, they should debate it in the second reading.

Mr Brincat, who favours divorce, did not agree with those who insist the Labour Party should include the issue in its manifesto.

“Joseph Muscat’s commitment to submit a Private Member’s Bill after the next election means people will vote knowing beforehand what to expect, but MPs will have the freedom to vote according to their conscience,” he said.

“The Bill will have the weight of the Prime Minister behind it and not simply that of a backbencher,” Mr Brincat said, adding he was convinced the Labour Party would have a stronger liberal wing in Parliament after the election.