Divorce ‘a sign of failure in society’

The Social Action Movement has asked all MPs to carry on working in favour of stable marriages and healthy families, adding that the question of divorce was tied to the “moral well-being of Maltese society”.

It urged parliamentarians to uphold the code of law, which was “still mainly based on moral values”.

It called for “mature reflection” in light of the “strong campaign” underway in favour of introducing divorce in Malta. A moral order which should be respected by all honest citizens would be at stake if divorce was introduced.

The movement reminded all Maltese that every marriage was a source of well-being for the whole of society, applying even more strongly in the case of the sacrament of marriage.

It said divorce was a sign of failure in society and a “grave offence against natural law” and it was not declared anywhere as a basic human right.

“Research has shown that the introduction of divorce results in a social wound and causes further deterioration in marriage relationships because of a divorcive mentality.

“The introduction of divorce will not be for the general good of society, a fact that should bother believers and non-believers alike. It may, perhaps, solve the problems of a few but will surely leave negative results in its wake. The teachings of Christ and of the Church... condemn divorce, a condemnation which still stands today,” the movement said.

Government MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando ignited the divorce debate a few months ago by proposing a Private Member’s Bill and insisting the divorce issue should be decided before the next general election.

According to a survey commissioned by The Sunday Times a few weeks ago, a referendum on divorce would see 40 per cent vote in favour and 45 per cent against with almost 14 per cent undecided. Twenty per cent of respondents believe it should be the current crop of 69 MPs who should be making the decision in Parliament.