The Labour Party is open to a referendum on divorce, saying yesterday it would consider “all options” when it came to the way the decision was to be made.

However, according to a party spokesman, the way to introduce divorce was a “secondary issue”.

“What is more important is that, irrespective of the forum where the decision is taken, rather than a vague ‘yes’ or ‘no’, the debate should be an informed one on specific legislation,” the spokesman told The Times.

Labour, the spokesman said, felt the debate should focus on “the type of divorce legislation to be introduced”, and ensure it protected the interests of the parties involved, primarily the interests of children.

A survey published in The Sunday Times last week found that 40 per cent of respondents would vote in favour of divorce while 45 per cent would vote against and 14 per cent were undecided.

It also found that only 18 per cent wanted the decision to be postponed until after the next election and that 58 per cent wanted to have their say through a referendum.

So far, Labour leader Joseph Muscat has promised to propose a Private Member’s Bill once elected Prime Minister. He also assured his MPs – including some who oppose divorce – he would give them a free vote.

He later reiterated this position when Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando pulled the divorce rug from under his feet by proposing his own Bill last month and demanded it be discussed by January.

Dr Pullicino Orlando later called for the finalised Bill to be submitted to the electorate after a parliamentary discussion so it can be endorsed in a referendum.

The Prime Minister, Lawrence Gonzi, has expressed a preference for letting “the people” decide the issue, although he has not specified whether that would be through a referendum or a general election.

The Nationalist Party has since begun internal discussions to come up with its stance but Labour has so far remained quiet on the issue, saying only that it should be discussed freely.

Asked if the party should rethink its position and come up with a cohesive policy in light of the recent developments, the spokesman said there was “no reason” for any rethinking.

“Joseph Muscat has been clear and consistent in his position in favour of the introduction of divorce, while leaving room for freedom of conscience, irrespective of contradictory survey findings.

“It is the PN which might need to rethink its position – which is looking increasingly like a voting impact assessment rather than a discussion on principles,” the party said.

The spokesman added that since the current situation on divorce was brought about “consciously or unconsciously” from within the PN, the Prime Minister had to “deal with the issue”.

Recently, Labour MP Marlene Pullicino – one of the more conservative party members – changed her position and said she now backed divorce legislation with certain safeguards. The PL spokesman said Dr Muscat was aware of her “researched change in position” and welcomed it.

Speaking to The Times on Monday, Jesuit Provincial Fr Paul Pace had said politicians and political parties should not hide behind a referendum and should face their electorate with a clear stand on the divisive issue.

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