Nationalist MPs to have parliamentary free vote on divorce

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi will give Nationalist MPs a free vote if the Private Member’s Bill on divorce presented by Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando is put to a vote in Parliament.

“On several occasions the Prime Minister stated that the government has not been given a mandate to legislate on this issue. Consequently, all MPs should feel free to express themselves according to their conscience,” Dr Gonzi’s spokesman said, when contacted by The Sunday Times.

Dr Pullicino Orlando, a strong advocate of divorce, said the move was “excellent news”.

The Nationalist MP said Dr Gonzi had throughout shown willingness to encourage an open and unfettered debate about this sensitive issue – while maintaining his personal position.

The Prime Minister recently pledged that the Bill, which is based on Irish legislation, would be discussed in Parliament next year before the issue is put to the electorate in a referendum.

Dr Pullicino Orlando said: “A responsible divorce Bill is far superior to any Bill which merely seeks to regularise cohabitation and definitely more conducive to the common good.”

He was referring to a cohabitation law that was promised by the Nationalist Party but which has not yet been enacted.

Labour leader Joseph Muscat has already promised a free vote to Labour MPs.