Divorce: is it an issue or not?

I would like to contribute two questions to the divorce debate.

Firstly, is it really that hard to make a decision? Secondly, is it worth holding a referendum to decide?

To me, divorce has always been a bad word and a bitter pill that will not heal any problem. When we talk about the family, we have to stop and see how many elements that word encompasses. To me it is three: the father, the mother and the children.

Once there is a problem and divorce is mentioned, this happens: one person wants out at all costs the second will try to reconcile and give it another go for the sake of the family. Most importantly, the children have no say in the matter, and get pushed and shoved from place to place.

One must not forget the parents were not forced to marry each other. They picked and chose each other, to live together till death part them. Furthermore, there is a time before marriage called the period of engagement. This is long enough for two people to get to know each other before they tie the knot.

At least, that was the way we used to use that very important time. We got to know what made the other person tick, what things the other person liked or disliked, how they felt about children, and how much love they were prepared to give to make their family work.

Now, it is different. Now, people are smarter, live more freely, are more modern and not ignorant – the way we were – so they use their time courting to go out every evening for a few drinks, and then when the time comes, they look for a secluded spot and have their fun. Is that a smart way to start a family?

I am going to challenge the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition to make a decision we can be proud of. One should not forget we Maltese are very blessed.

The best solution to this important issue is for those who need and wish to have divorce go to another country in Europe and have their divorce, and for the ­government to pay all travel expenses for those people involved.

This way, people who want a divorce will have their wish fulfilled, without any added expense, and the rest of the Maltese who oppose divorce will be happy too.

Also, those wanting divorce will get the same benefits as do all countries in Europe, without any extra expenses.