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.
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Anthony Mizzi
Oct 26th 2010, 22:10
Dr. Muscat leads and Dr Gonzi follows- a step in the right direction!
Ernest Vella
Oct 24th 2010, 17:22
Jekk jaghti blank vote...Gonzi vot iehor minghandi ma jiehdux ghax din ma ssemmietx fil-programm elettorali. Biex idahhal id-divorzju l-ewwel inehhi mill-innu tal-partit il-kliem Kattolici u flok jiktbu tradituri. Xejn differenti mil-Labour...ghal posthom jaghmlu kollox...opportunisti u nies bla valuri.
Kieku GonziPN semmewh id-divorzju ma kienx fiducjuz li jitla...ma jemminx fis-sovranita tal-poplu li jhalli min jivvota u min ma jridx joqghod
Ramon Casha
Oct 24th 2010, 16:16
If the divorce question will be put to a referendum, parliament will still have to vote on what question will be put to the electorate. Ideally, parliament should first decide on a draft law, so that the voters will have a tangible legislation to vote on. People will then be able to study that proposed law and approve or reject it, rather than be asked a vague "do you want divorce" question and then find out later what the actual law will be.
Joan Pulis
Oct 24th 2010, 15:08
Eenie miney meeni moe
let's see where the flow flow
then we'll see were we will go
with the current we will flow
Carla Mifsud
Oct 24th 2010, 15:04
Better late than never
maria formosa
Oct 24th 2010, 14:58
@M.VELLA
Divorce is no human right!
C A Camilleri
Oct 24th 2010, 14:38
"malta dispite its size is one of the top 20 countries iin the world"
Yeah sure....maybe in the forefront of third world countries you meant. At least, I hope we make it there. Try again I Borg.
Charles J. Buttigieg
Oct 24th 2010, 13:39
Human decency demands that the strong must fight for the weak that can’t fight for themselves. Under the excuse of religion our strong majority is doing the opposite by fighting to suppress the weak minority which is being denied a civil right- the right for a legislation to regulate and protect them and their offspring after their marriage had failed.
Cecil Herbert Jones
Oct 24th 2010, 12:45
Is there a partisan tragicomedy playing up? Albeit I think civil divorce should be enacted, I dare say that it will effect a very important aspect within the local banking system, ie home loans. It will make it harder for a couple to borrow money cos the repayment securities will not be seen to rest on solid foundations. The result could be higher interests, at least in Malta. And they're high enough as they are. Still, I wouldn't send anyone to hell and back just because they genuinely made a mistake getting married. Nevertheless marriage is a more attractive proposition that by far outweighs divorce, in Malta or anywhere.
l fenech
Oct 24th 2010, 12:33
L-aktar jekk il-free vote ikun bhal ma gara fil-BWSC u fil-PAC.
DGalea
Oct 24th 2010, 12:23
Marriage is a human right. Divorce is not. Check any human rights charter.
Alex Ciantar
Oct 24th 2010, 12:14
I would expect that all the PM votes would be publicised so as we know who voted for what? Therefore we would be guided to whom we vote for in the next general election!!!
V. Aquilina
Oct 24th 2010, 12:02
It seems that the PM is in a serious quandary as to how he is going to face the tide that is throwing the divorce issue on our country. I find it very serious that the PM is allowing his MPs a free vote in Parliament. It is in critical moments that leaders distinguish themselves!
Ray Buttigieg
Oct 24th 2010, 11:56
A big percentage of laws and measures taken in a legislature are not mentioned in the electoral program, especially those that are of a controvesial nature. This is true to any government being blue or red or local and foreign. Why we have to drag the country into a referendum on this issue, (and for the vast majority of people inhabiting this earth actually its a non-issue), i can not comprehand. Since when have civil rights been the domain of the majority. Civil rights are actually there to protect minorities and give rights to people with specific social problems, marriage breakdown being one. Politicans do not need a mandate to enact civil rights, they have a moral and political obligation to do so. A referendum on divorce is unwarranted, divisive, expensive and I dare say also immoral.
Raymond Bezzina
Oct 24th 2010, 11:22
@ All
Divorce can never be called 'responsible divorce' because divorce
is evil in itself. The words 'responsible divorce' are only a gimmick,
and are only being used to try to attract people in believing, that one
could find true happeness by discarding the spouse as many times
as s/he wishes.
Hereunder is another big problem which we are facing, and which I feel
we could hold as an example.
In Malta, so many families are suffering financial hardships and bad
relations due to the drugs problem. Regarding this problem, the state is
doing its duty in a responsible manner, in a way that even though thousands
of families are suffering, the government did not legalise drugs to
ease their hardship. In this, the politician knows very well, that even
though people are aware that drugs would ruin their life, they would fall victim to
this scourge; therefore, and rightly so, the government did not legalise drugs.
I firmly believe that the politician is duty bound and responsible to legislate
entirely towards truth and righteousness.
The whole truth and true righteousness would never accept evil as a solution.
Dr EMMANUEL BEZZINA,LL.D.
Oct 24th 2010, 11:21
Let us cut this crap about anyone being some strong advocate for or against divorce:this is nonsense.DIVORCE is a corollary of a DEFUNCT MARRIAGE and so falls within the realm of individuality.Any individual who is conscientiously aware that the Marriage has failed should have an available remedy at law to dissolve legally that union,considering that thousands in our country have already done so as a matter of fact - de facto.Leaving it to a free vote among MPs is equally uttering a nonsensical statement:MPs are there to represent the people of this country and so cannot assume responsibility for the private decisions of any individual.MPs as SERVANTS OF THE ELECTORATE [ they themselves boast so often that they are THERE TO SERVE ] are to effectively provide a legal remedy as to how to obtain a Divorce in accordance with our Laws.Any further considerations are irrelevant:hence the MPs are dutifully obliged to legislate to effect this needed remedy, a remedy that should have been put into effect the moment we became sovereign and independent 46 years ago.So our idiotic MPs have lagged behind in legal foresight for all this time because they are afraid of an anachronistic hypocretical institution!
G.Mangion
Oct 24th 2010, 11:09
@ gcForte (I have strong feelings that Dr.Gonzi will not do a " U turn " this time,but a whole " Roundabout " your quote ) You should know better who is the Chapion of U- Turns & Roundabouts what a hell of a Profetizzimo you are what about 2012 any News >>>>> ??
A Cassar
Oct 24th 2010, 11:06
YEAH!!!!
Better late than never!!!
Carmelo Briffa
Oct 24th 2010, 11:02
Id divorzju ma hu xejn hlief firda ta min ghal xi raguni jew skuza hu egojist b'dannu lejn l-ulied u s-socjeta.
Min jikriha joghqod ghalja
Karmnu
Raymond Grech
Oct 25th 2010, 16:30
bil permess tieghek ha nzid ftit ma dak li ktibt ghax vera jghamel sens: Id divorzju ma hu xejn hlief firda ta min ghal xi raguni jew skuza hu egojist b'dannu lejn l-ulied u s-socjeta. Min jikriha joghqod ghalja, inkella jista dejjem imur ghal annullament tal-knisja, u b'hekk jiehu dak li jrid imma b'naqra loghob tal kliem ma jkunx agixxa ta egoist jew ghamel xi dannu lil ulied jew lis socjeta.
marija falzon
Oct 24th 2010, 10:34
May I ask, who is leading the nationalist party in government? Gonzi, Pullicino Orlando, Austin Gatt? this government seems like a ship with too many captains, and no clear directions where its going. If gonzi, just 5 days ago, promised a referendum, what is he going to give his MPs free vote on? its either a referendum or a free vote. Please decide and pick one.
'Stephen Farrugia
Oct 24th 2010, 10:33
Besides the subject of divorce, I would like your Times readers to understand that a ' free vote' gives power to our MP's, democracy and our national interest. It also allows a stronger voice to our people and is a valid asset or tool for freedom of speech.
A big yes for the use of 'free vote'.
Stephen Farrugia ( Right-wing Social Democrats)
George J. Cutajar
Oct 24th 2010, 10:30
Now that the PM has decided to allow a free vote on the divorce issue I think the referendum should not be held. Our MP's are elected to legislate and that is what they should do after a decent debate.
Having said that I think the issue should be shelved for the moment and handled after the next election before which both parties should take a stand in their respective electoral manifesto. A referendum on the matter will be a useless exercise in waste of precious funds.
As things have eveolved, especially now with the PM's latest declaration neither party can have an advantage over the other.
anthony bugeja
Oct 24th 2010, 10:23
Xi jhawwad Gonzi. Imma ghalinqas qed johrog mil ghammad fundamentalist religjuz li ghandu.
Anthony Mizzi
Oct 24th 2010, 10:23
Joseph leads, shows and illuminates the way and the P.N. follows, no wonder the LP has a torch for an emblem !
leonardo vince
Oct 24th 2010, 10:16
FLIP FLOP
gcForte
Oct 24th 2010, 10:09
I have strong feelings that Dr.Gonzi will not do a " U turn " this time,but a whole " Roundabout "
Lynn Zahra
Oct 24th 2010, 11:21
A real leader doesn't give his followers the fight to a free vote. If only Gonzi and Muscat had the guts of our previous leaders, Mintoff and Fenech Adami, we wouldn't be in this mess with hundreds of separated couples left without a legal remedy for their situation. It's 2010 and divorce being introduced in Malta should not be an issue, certainly not with all the broken marriages that we have despite not having divorce.
,
sscerri
Oct 24th 2010, 14:14
Good morning Mr.Forte............. looking for a bet....????? .........didn't waste much time to go back to square one.................in all these years here you didn't get one right and most likely ( I am no prophet like you so I say "most likely") you won't get this right either........enjoy...!!!!!
B. Cachia
Oct 24th 2010, 09:50
Actually neither the government nor the individual MPs themselves have been given a political mandate by their electors to decide on the issue. So a free vote in Parliament isn't going to help. The people should be allowed to decide in a referendum, as the PM has already stated.
Roderick Cordina
Oct 24th 2010, 10:02
A simple question pls....Since you may know.....can you pls define what the mps have a mandate to do or not??!! did on your vote define what they can propose or not or on what issue they can vote or not ??!!
B. Cachia
Oct 24th 2010, 10:44
@ Roderick Cordina: The only way I know for a politician to have a political mandate is for that stance to be stated to the electorate before an election, in a manifesto or in public statements. I do not recall that the divorce issue was on the radar at all in the last election or that any positions, for or against, were stated in the programmes of the two parties.
Of course, legally parliamentarians do have the right to just settle the issue themselves anyway, but would this really be democratic behaviour?
J. Schembri
Oct 24th 2010, 11:25
There are what we call electoral programs. Voters are not supposed to give a blank cheque to their representatives.
The people have the last say in a democracy , in case of a vote in parliament the people have the right to abrogate the said law passed in parliament by our 'representatives' without a mandate.
I , for one would expect my MP's to abstain from voting on an important bill on which I never knew how they think about this subject.
George Cremona
Oct 24th 2010, 13:16
I agree with you. Neither the government side as a body nor its ministers and individual MP's have the manadate from the electorate to decide on this issue. Not even the Nationalist Party or any of its sections has it. The grassroots have never been consulted or approached on this very delicate matter which it is wrong to assume that it effects only the individuals or the families concerned. Divorce will have a very negative impact on the Maltese and Gozitan societies at large and therefore it is only through a referendum by the electorate that such an issue should be decided upon.
Ramon Casha
Oct 24th 2010, 16:12
Are you saying that parliament may not tackle any issue that was not explicitly stated in their respective electoral manifestos?
l borg
Oct 24th 2010, 09:46
no matter what thier will never be divorce in malta
we are a catholic country and its agianst our religious beliefs
but those that want it are free to move to others countries were even killing children before birth is allowed
malta dispite its size is one of the top 20 countries iin the world
god is on our side
lets leave it like that and not allow pagans to destroy our country
S. Calleja
Oct 24th 2010, 10:06
"malta dispite its size is one of the top 20 countries iin the world"
Please guide me to the appropriate report.
Alex Ciantar
Oct 24th 2010, 10:14
And do you honestly that with a conscience? You are so arrogant Mr I borg open your eyes and be true christen for once........and I expect that now you want to go to heaven for that statement eh?
JOSEPH ZAMMIT
Oct 24th 2010, 10:28
Humbug, Mr.Borg.
Who are the "we are a catholic country"?
Who are the "pagans to destroy our country"?
Divorce is not for the likes of you, and I wish you well to not become a victim of marriage--if you are married that is.
If you believe god is on your side, why are you afraid? Why don't you show tolerance and compassion towards others? By your contribution, you betray your inquisitorial dark ages mentality.
Miguel Micallef
Oct 24th 2010, 10:37
Yes, I'm curious too. Can you direct us to this information please? I think the last time I checked Malta was closer the last 20 countries of the world.
R Casha
Oct 24th 2010, 11:09
Ibqa Ohlom Siehbi!!!
Id-divorzju se jidhol Malta, trid u ma tridx inti.
Dejjem tista tmur toqghod il-Filippini, dejjem sakemm jidhol hemmhekk ukoll.....umbghad tista tmur toqghod il-Vatikan!!!
Daniel Farrugia
Oct 24th 2010, 11:16
So do I take it that your god must be the rightious one and all the others are false? Don't you realize you may just be an "infidel" to the muslims for example? We'd be better to start invoking reason and universal human values for a beginning and not a choice of Gods from a menu of a particular country. You dont need to consult a book to realize that killing children is wrong, consult you mind (and if you're a believer, you're consulting God's gift to you as a human being). Otherwise, you values will change and depend on your GPS position on earth, which is'nt much intelligent is it?
Alex Ciantar
Oct 24th 2010, 11:24
And do you honestly say that with a conscience? You are so arrogant Mr I borg open your eyes and be true christen for once........and I assume that now you want to go to heaven for that statement eh?
David Caruana
Oct 24th 2010, 11:36
I hope you are aware that your forefathers were pagans.
What's funny is that if you take a quick look at history, you would soon find out that most destruction in the world happened at the hand of Christian crusaders or Muslim jihadists rather than pagans who worshiped Nature and respected Her balance
Mario Said
Oct 24th 2010, 11:47
Which World? The Third World?
Alex Ciantar
Oct 24th 2010, 12:12
And do you honestly say that with a conscience? You are so arrogant Mr I borg open your eyes and be true christen for once........and I assume that now you want to go to heaven for that statement eh?
lydia workman
Oct 24th 2010, 14:02
Unsubstantiated statistics, dogmatic unwillingness to allow everyone to have an opinion or to exercise his/her right and lack of spellcheck use is the backbone of this post, prosit on all three!
victor pulis
Oct 24th 2010, 15:07
In what areas are we considered among the top 20 countries in the world pray tell?
Ramon Casha
Oct 24th 2010, 16:14
Divorce is coming - that much is certain. Just as condoms are available for sale and YOU decide for yourself whether to use them, so divorce will be available for those who want it - and I assure you that Catholics will be among them, just as there are Catholics who use the condom. The question is, what exact law will be enacted? This of course has to be decided before we put it to a referendum.
Paul Barrett
Oct 24th 2010, 16:28
Malta is a mainly Christian Country predominantly of the Catholic faith. As a secular state however the population as a whole should not be treated as slaves nor live under the domination of and spiritual fear of one particular branch of the Christian religion.
That it would be in the interests of the Catholic Church to retain power and vital economical income from the denial of the option to apply for a legal divorce following legal separation is fairly obvious. That they have been successful in applying this enslaving power over many years is also fairly obvious with many of the comments from those against legal divorce quoting religious conscience and religious extracts as their main, if not only, argument.
No devout Catholic has ever been forced to apply for divorce nor been forced into a second marriage. That being the case, there is no reason at all for any faithful member of the Church to deny the freedom of choice to none members of the Catholic faith (who would not in any case go to or pay the Church for an annulment) to apply for divorce following legal separation should they so wish to.
j gatt
Oct 25th 2010, 13:31
Glad that you made it back safe and sound, but you may go back to Afganistan at any time, and you may stay there for a bit longer this time too.
Have a safe journey, may your God protect you and protect us, from such repressive mentality.
J Micallef
Oct 25th 2010, 16:01
"we are a catholic country". Who is WE? Speak for yourself, not for all Maltese.
"god is on our side". Strange how religious fundamentalists never say they are on God's side, it's always God who has to align his (her) views to yours!
P.Cassar
Oct 24th 2010, 09:34
IN JOSEPH'S FOOTSTEPS........FOR THE UPTEENTH TIME.........THOUGH THE PM DENIES IT................. BUT WE ALL KNOW IT.
CONGRATS MR PRIME MINISTER AND WHEN THERE IS GOOD ADVICE PLEASE TAKE IT FOR THE COUNTRY'S BENEFIT..........AND WE ARE REFERRING HERE MOSTLY AND SPECIFICALLY TO ...........BWSC.
D Gatt
Oct 24th 2010, 09:54
well said!
Michael Seychell
Oct 24th 2010, 10:19
I think you are forgetting three great decisions taken by the PN were Joseph Muscat followed Lawrence Gonzi despite the fact that He - Dr Muscat - was totally against these important matters.. These are the introduction of VAT; Joining the European Union ; and Changing our Currency to the Euro.
I am not referring to older issues which happenned much before Dr. Muscat was involved where the MLP had to follow the PN, so that I may not be accused that Joe Muscat was not there yet - iin three cases mentioned today Dr. Muscat was there and he worked hard on the media to ensure that VAT be removed, that we do not join the EU and that we should not join the Euro zone, but he failed miserably.
Regarding Dr. Gonzi he never stated that the PN government will never give a free vote to its members on divorce - but always replied that when the time comes he will decide. It is now expected that next year the Divorce issue will be before Parliament, and Dr. Gonzi decided at the right time, and as usual He - Dr. Gnzi took the right decision.
Michael Seychell
Tal-Pieta
J. Schembri
Oct 24th 2010, 09:07
Mp's from both sides of the house do not have a mandate to introduce divorce.Other countries decided this issue with a referendum.
It seems that Pilate is washing his hands again.
m vella
Oct 24th 2010, 09:48
Divorce is a right of the minority ,so referendum my left foot
Roderick Cordina
Oct 24th 2010, 09:49
Does the government (every government) have mandate to increase utility bills or build a new power station that costs several millions of euro?!! Does the Government has a mandate to introduce any bill he may wish to introduce even the whistle blower act?!! (to say the truth the pl proposed it first and electorate turned it down in 2008 so the people are against it, using your argument) The people elect mp's to represent us for 5 years independent on what they can or can not introduce. As far as they are elected they have the right to propose and vote for anything.
The government and every MP has the mandate to propose what he likes. You have elected them to take a decision on our behalf (suppost!!) by a parliament voting....if the majority votes in favor than it is a bill because they are elected there to introduce or change bills....end of story...your argument in my opinion does not make sense
Charles J. Buttigieg
Oct 24th 2010, 08:59
Why is this man taking so long to make his mind up?
cecil herbert jones
Oct 24th 2010, 14:56
There are good reasons, very good reasons.
Roderick Cordina
Oct 24th 2010, 08:57
Very good eh.....This divorce issue is taking over every discussion....What about other much more important issues such as the budget which is coming now and our cost of living......??
While the PL is very busy with its new emblem (very important eh!!!) the PN is hiding under the divorce bill.....no one to trust.....
N> Buckle
Oct 24th 2010, 08:54
Joseph Muscat leads others follow.
Peter Bonnici
Oct 24th 2010, 10:30
Hate to break it to you buddy, but JPO has done the leading here. Muscat only spoke of leading, but never got down to it. The emblem saga got in the way.
David Gatt
Oct 26th 2010, 00:32
@Peter Bonnici
Just so you remember... Joseph Muscat is not the PM... Lawrence Gonzi is! He should be leading. But instead we have a situation where on the divorce issue he did nothing. Joseph Muscat kickstarted the talks and the idea of the free vote in parliament. JPO, after waiting in vain for his leader to do or say something, took matters in his own hands... and he did good! Now after so many months Gonzi has awaken, and he has proposed something which Joseph Muscat proposed even before he became leader of the Labour Party.