Pullicino Orlando warns PN of wrong decision on divorce

D Montebello

Jan 31st 2011, 01:09

that s the beauty of democracy for one to express his views and yes Jeffrey is not afraid to say what he thinks and fights for what he believes in , mank hemm xi erba ohra bhalu li ma jibzawx jitkellmu hekk, mela ahna komunisti jew , everyone has a right to express his feelings even if they do not agree with their own party politics . Keep it up Jeff and continue pursuing in what you believe in just like you always did ,of course you will have people who do not agree with you, so what , that s life , but there quite a few who admire you and support you too

Joe Zammit

Jan 28th 2011, 16:13

Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, you are completely wrong.

Divorce renders all marriages cohabitations because when the spouses want they can create an excuse to get a divorce.

You know that cohabitation is against the teaching of the Catholic Church and so you also know also that divorce is against the teaching of the Catholic Church. Besides, two wrongs do not make a right.

Divorce is condemned by Christ. The teaching of Christ and his one Catholic Church comes before any political party.

Divorce is a great injustice against God. It is big injustice against the whole nation. It is a horrible injustice against all married people.

Join in the battle between God and the devil! Fight the good fight! The victory is ours, it's already guaranteed!

Dr Francis Saliba

Jan 26th 2011, 17:45

@ M Vella Bardon.

Most people I know would not attach much importance to Elton John’s opinion as to who is the mother in a “marriage” between two biological males. His views about religions and spirituality would not carry more weight with most people, notwithstanding his knighthood for other services to his nation. Religions, and Christianity in particular, are not popularity contests. From its very beginning Christ warned that his teaching would be divisive. That did not prevent Christianity from becoming a most durable beliefs with millions of adherents throughout the world. Your concern about “the church losing people left, right and center” is very touching but somehow it sounds rather hollow and insincere. Do you really care?

Lino Apap

Jan 26th 2011, 17:02

Some of the comments being made would be hilarious if they weren't so tragic for people needing divorce. Above everything else, the people making them force me to think of those Christ called "whitewashed graves" or oqbra mbajda. They come out bearing their chests and then make slanderous accusations at a politician who has stuck his neck out for the rights of a minority. At no point does JPO "threaten" his party - he is simply warning it that should the PN continue to ignore this legal necessity those who have voted PN in the past may simply stay away or vote AD in the next election - this is NOT a threat, it is a reality. PN voters who are separated persons wanting to regulate their relationships at law have been patient with the PN for many, many years. The pressure was already felt in 1998 so much so that the PN under EFA promised to regulate cohabitation in that year's electoral programme. This promise was never carried out - now these same people and many others will not be happy with a cohabitation law. It is now time for the introduction of divorce- JPO is just stating facts

R. E. Saliba

Jan 26th 2011, 13:19

Religious sentiment aside, the funniest thing is that many of the people who speak in favour of divorce would be the first ones to try to get their kids into church schools. And they would also be the ones who enjoy religious holidays to the utmost.

This is a Roman Catholic country with many benefits handed down by the church, that are enjoyed by all. Yet such people want to have their cake and eat it.

It makes far more sense to insist on a review of the annullment procedure in order to make it efficient... less time consuming and certainly less expensive.

R.Borg

Jan 26th 2011, 12:27

I'm sorry to see that people are more worried about the breakage of the marriage rather then how the children of this couple are effected. If you really want a good opinion you must see the full picture not just the ideal scene some of you are painting.

WE ARE LIVNG IN A WORLD OF EGOISM! MARRIAGE IS ALL ABOUT SACRIFICE not just quit when you face the first obsticle!

A.MICALLEF

Jan 26th 2011, 12:06

Min qieghed fil-parlament suppost jghamel ligijiet li jgib ic-cittadin bi-drittijiet
ugwali ma cittadini shabna Ewropew. Il-parlamentari ma ghandhux ihallu
l-ebda twemmin personali jafettwa il-qadi ta dmirijiethom. It-twemmin religjus
tghahom jipprattikawh fil-hajja personali tghahom, ghaliex fil-parlament
qieghedin iggvernaw ghal-kullhadd inkluz dawk mhux insara li llum hawn
hafna f-Malta. Obligu wiehed ghandhom li JGHAMLU LIGIIJIET UGWALI
MAL-PAJJIZI OHRA FL-EWROPA inkella inutili dhalna fl_EU.
Min hu nisrani JPO jiggrantilek li tippratika ir-relijon tieghek kief trid u meta
trid. IMMA JPO ghandhu iID-DOVER li min mhux nisrani jippratrika wkoll
it-twemmin tieghu. Dak xogholu l-MP. Thankyou JPO.

Michael Hudson

Jan 26th 2011, 11:55

I will not go into if divorce should be introduced or not. Everyone has a right to believe what he wants and some have perticular situations, that in their case, divorce is the only way they can get their life back on track.
What worries me here is that no one mentioned the very foundation of marraige. What about preperation for marriage. How many couples are really taught what marriage is all about. In simple words, when my kids grow up and decide they want to marry, my advise with be that if they are ready for a lot of sacrifices and to love unconditionally and to put yourself on the bottom of the list, then yes, marriage is the way forward.
I hear all the time about pre marriage contracts, so that when and if the marriage breaks, the material things are distributed accordingly. Is this the foundation on which we want our marriage to stand. Not to mention, without taking sides, the anti family polics we have in this country. All the weight is being carried by the families, no wonder no one wants to procreate.

Oscar Cassar

Jan 26th 2011, 11:36

Partit politiku jkun kbir mhux kemm jirbah elezjonijiet, izda kemm jhalli impatt fuq tibdiliet politici fil-pajjiz. Kien il-PN li fis-snin ricenti incentiva dibattitu ghal shubija fl-EU izda minn naha l-ohra iz-zmien ghad-dibattitu kien twil wisq b’mod li kieku thalna qabel konna nigwadanjaw kundizzjonijiet ahjar. Hekk ukoll dwar id-dibattitu favur id-Divorzju. Jidhol jew ma jidholx, iz-zwigijiet ser jkomplu jitkisru izda f’dibattitu twil sempliciment qed nikawzaw aktar wegghat sforz ta taghma ghal rimedju civili.

Tisma certu nies tahseb li ma hawnx problemi sempliciment ghax ma hawnx divorzju. Ohrajn qed jiproponu Koabitazzjoni qishom biex jaghlqu halq uhud minn dawk effetwati. Koabitazzjoni legalizzata, f’pajjiz bla divorzju ser iggib tnawwir fil-mentalita taz-Zwieg u l-Familja. Bhekk fi zmien meta l-hazen qijad u ser jibqa maghna, irridu nevalwaw id-divorzju biex verament niprotegu l-istituzzjoni taz-Zwieg u l-Familja. Min politikament ma jirrikonoccix dan, mhux jghix f’rejalta.

Apparti dan l-assenza tad-Divorzju qed tohloq hafna aktar pressjoni finanzjarja u psikologika fuq il-vitmi tac-cirkustanzi meta jghaddu minn proceduri twal (snin) ghal Annullamenti. Dan f’sempliciment taghma li jkollhom bidu gdid f’hajjithom. F’Politika ta ‘Solidarjeta’ li l-PN tant kien kburi biha, zgur li ghanda taghder u tassisti lil dawn il-persuni fi hdan is-socjeta taghna, jaghxu maghna izda kultant qishom imwarba jew minsija.

DGalea

Jan 26th 2011, 11:07

One should first and foremost lobby the goverment to strengthen the institution of marriage by inroducing marriage friendly incentives that stop them from falling apart with the first crises,,,, and then introduce divorce legislation. If a building is collapsing because of cracks in the walls , one does not plaster it or rebuild it BEFORE FIRST CHECKING THE GROUND ON WHICH IT IS BUILT AND STRENGTHEN THE FOUNDATIONS.

Dr Francis Saliba

Jan 26th 2011, 10:58

@Robert Callus.

Today's Catholic Church cannot be accused that it "FORCES" anyone to obey any laws. It teaches what is right and what is wrong according to Christ's mandate that happens also to be its duty under our republican Constitution. What you dread is that that teaching will have an influence on the electorate.

James De Giorgio

Jan 26th 2011, 10:46

JPO has become my least favourite Nationalist MP.

He should be booted out: it's clear that his whims are more important than anything else the government is tackling at the moment and is ready to bring it down.

K Vella

Jan 26th 2011, 09:20

JPO please do not mix politics with values.....

Just keep on your path and leave others base their decisions on their own opinions, without anyone's influence.

M.Curmi

Jan 26th 2011, 09:20

Come next election, I will for sure not vote, even as 10th preference for JPO! I prefer to leave his name blank.

@ all pro-divorce lobbyists...say whatever you like & get whatever researches you wish: divorce will always be something detrimental to society.

Marcelle Bugre

Jan 26th 2011, 08:17

It is interesting that most people speaking about divorce are men, and that most who do not agree with divorce are men of a certain age group . Could it be that they were used to a world where men dominated family life much more, and now they want to prove that they still run the show? I am not surprised that they want their 'ego' and their individual feelings to be encompassed in the 'common good'. But we all know they will fail, because some 'people' who are silent now will speak up if a referendum comes along.

C.Busuttil

Jan 26th 2011, 02:34

@Yaz Tabone

You are an atheist ? Ok you have all right to be, however, you can't be a nationalist as this goes against the ideals of the party and ideals are not for sale.

@Pseudo Nationalists

Like it or not the PN cannot be in favour of divorce its a matter of principle. Don't like ? you can leave anytime, the party does NOT need people that don't believe in its ideals. Even if this means ending in opposition, the ideals and values of the party are NOT FOR SALE whatever the cost this might mean. If George Borg Olivier or Nerik Mizzi two TRUE NATIONALISTS happened to be around they would have kicked out of the party those who don't share its ideals.

What's the use to belong to a party when you don't share its ideals. RELIGIO ET PATRIA

Dr.Gonzi don't let the types of JPO appear to blackmail you, It would be better for the party to suffer an electoral defeat than losing its soul.

Philip Hili

Jan 26th 2011, 01:20

Jekk il-Partit Nazzjonalista ikompli jitlef il-valuri li hu msejjes fuqhom, billi jaccetta agneda personali ta' xi deputat li tmur kontra l-principji tieghu, il-Partit Nazzjonalista jista' l-anqas biss jikkontesta l-elezzjoni li jmiss.
Baqax issa, deputat iwissi (warns) lill-Partit hej!!!! (It-tifel iwissi lil missier). Wasal iz-zmien li l-Partit iqalfat lil dawn erba ghorrief li ghadhom kif lahqu fil-partit u li qeghdin jaghmlu l-Parit taghhom.
Dr. Gonzi, jekk kull deputat (65) jipprezenta "private member's bill" u kull deputat jippretendi li dik il- mozzjoni personali tigi diskuss fil-parlament, tispicca biex twarrab il-programm elettorali li tkun irbah l-elezzjoni u tiddiskuti il-"private member' bill".
Zmien il-kontijiet jasal u ta minn ikun jaf minn huma dawk li jipprezentaw irwiehom biex iservi lil-Malta! u ma humiex lesti li joqghodu ghar-regoli tal-Partit. Sa issa mhux biex iservu lil Malta u lil Maltin, imma biex iservu lilhom infushom billi "juruk il hmara u mbaghad meta jkollom il-mazz f'idhom iqabbzulek id-debba".
Nahseb li ghad johorgu b'xi wahda biex isir gvern ta' koalizzjoni!!!!! U halluna!!, kissirtu Partit bl-gherf li tahsbu li ghandkom!!
Issa ghandna idea ta' xi erba bravi. Nispera li l-votanti jiftaku minn huma meta jasal il-waqt.

Fr Leonard M.Testa OFMConv

Jan 26th 2011, 01:17

DIVORCE = sequential polygamy !
Should divorce debate eventually succed, next campaign will be for legalising polygamy, thus opening a pandora's box!, , then rejection of the unique status of humans consequently allowing infanticide as per notorious philosopher Peter Singer whose book, Bob Brown, Australian Greens Party Leader co-authored ,as well as legalising abortion and euthanasia'' , hostility to the notion of family, man, womamn and children which some see as one among a set of alternatives allowing marriage regardless of gender identity... this is only a part of the hidden agenda of those so-called progressives!
Is this what they mean by the progressive movements in Malta? or is it rather regressive returing to the law of the jungle?

DGalea

Jan 26th 2011, 00:46

''Chris Reiff(8 hours, 42 minutes ago)
Go back to your Church and preach to yourself."

Should one remark that one may feel inclined to do so , once you have wriggled back into the old piece of rotted wood you crawled out of.originally.

Rachel Galea

Jan 25th 2011, 23:53

In reality the PN need not take sides in this argument. All it has to state is that it will honour the result of the referendum and legislate accordingly, thus leaving the decision solely in the hands of the people..... majority wins

Having said this, divorce should never have gone to a referendum as both the PN and PL are in parliament to serve the whole Maltese population..... today more than ever. This decision should be taken by Parliament, leaving each MP to vote freely but secretly according to his/her conscience, and the law passed accordingly.

After all, who am I to impose my belief and way of live on others? As a Catholic it is my duty to try and persuade people to convert, but I can never tell anyone that because my religion forbids me to divorce then you cannot do so also.

And yes, I congratulate JPO for sticking his neck out for the minority in this situation and for painting a very perfect picture of what our warped mentalities will make us do if PN legislates in favour.

jcamilleri

Jan 25th 2011, 23:19

It seems JPO knows it all. If the PN does not endoerse his ideas, then the party is in the wrong. Only HE is in the right. I do not see JPO as an asset to the PN any longer. I'm sorry.

E Camilleri

Jan 25th 2011, 22:59

Ah but of course there's nothing wrong in the Hon. Pullicino Orlando passing judgments on what constitutes a right or wrong decision, it's just the Church who can't! Typical...

Paul Simon

Jan 25th 2011, 19:37

Part 2

Marriage life is not a ‘BICCA’ BUSINESS; it’s a lifestyle for the TOUGH! You learn to become TOUGH like everything else in the world by committing mistakes but get back on your feet and look forward not backwards! No one is perfect!
And when the going gets ROUGH the THOUGH get going and not back track from their WORD of Honour! (If it still exist)

Paul Simon

Jan 25th 2011, 19:34

Part one

When two get married they become ONE in body and soul. (They get so close they even sometimes think about the same thing at the same time) – That’s LOVE.
Divorce is just like amputating part of your body!
You can replace a leg or an arm with an artificial one, which FUNCTIONS just the same, but still it’s just not the same as the real thing it’s ARTIFICIAL. You don’t feel it but you still may feel the ghost of your amputated limb itching! (With great respect to who had to go through this ordeal).
If we like to live an ARTIFICIAL life so be it, you don’t need divorce to certificate that. Don’t marry in the first place. Why go through the hassle of saving money, applying for a bank loan and go through a lot of sacrifices for the big day to invite family and friends and committing yourself ‘until dead do us part’, ‘for better and for worse’ in front of everybody and there are those who do it on the altar as well, when at the back of your mind you know that you can bailout from the WORD you gave....

Anthony Ellul

Jan 25th 2011, 19:28

The party that if it continues to ignore the suffering of thousands of people whose marriage has broken down, these words for me are all bull______.JPO is worried about those couples that are suffering of broken marriage!!!He is not worried about the whole workers that put their live to dead for 65 years and trying to put them to grave if trying for 70 years pension .After all why the PN is trying to call a referendum for divorcé while for the pension ages the PN does not call for any referendum. The PN is always a double face PARTY. In what direction is going? Always we are in hell. Next where?

Anthony Roberts

Jan 25th 2011, 19:17

Mr. Pullicino Orlando is completely right. My wife and I are very happily married and so we would not consider divorce, on the other hand we know many people who are not and they deserve to be released from the hell they are living in.

Mike Magri

Jan 25th 2011, 18:52

Honestly Guys..I REALY would prefer a situation were we have ALL of our marriages stand for ever and untill death do us part, especially as promissed in catholic marrages.. But ALSO we all know that we are all human beings made of flesh and blood, therefore subject to ERR, especially at this day and age were most of us, Unfortunately, lost completely our Moral Values...!! Now having such a situation and being what we all are, we have been having an INCREASE in broken mariages for various reasons and thus we have a lot of legal and non legal seperations, cohabitations and annulments and what not..!!!
Now, having said all that i definately would prefer having a serious Social Legislative solution were members of such broken families may have another chance, LEGALY Binding them with a set of hard rules, living with another partner... i.e Annulment and Divorce..

MBorg

Jan 25th 2011, 18:04

@H Saliba

Joe Zammit has every right to make his views known the way out for you if you do not agree with what he writes is not to read them.

Like you I think that " your extremist views only serve to highlight the intolerance your kind live by ." Do you really think that we all have to agree with you ? How very mistaken.

M.Anastasi

Jan 25th 2011, 17:47

The introduction of divorce has absolutely no effect on a strong solid marriage.
Those bible bashers claiming marriage is forever & who feel threatened by it's introduction implies there's something very wrong with their own marriage.They are intimidated by the fact that given the first opportunity their spouse would dump them.

James De Giorgio

Jan 25th 2011, 17:08

I don't like the way JPO has hijacked the divorce issue and blackmailed his own party over it. There are many other issues which require urgent attention, the economy for one..

oh but I forgot that JPO is not affected by economy, it's only us lesser mortals who vote at elections who actually have to suffer that.

H Saliba

Jan 25th 2011, 16:47

@ joe zammit
Have been keeping tabs on your 'comments' its about time you are politly requested to get a life and keep your holier than thou and BORING ideals to your self . You live your life as you please , that is your right BUT let others live theirs' ,you have no God given rights to comment the way you do . i for one could not care a hoot about your religion and say people like you and your extremist views only serves to highlight the intolerance your kind live by .

yaz tabone

Jan 25th 2011, 16:38

for the past few days i ve been rly disappointed with the maltese, but after reading a few posts here i realised that some people do have comon sense!

Divorce should be a right, there is absolutely no reason not to legalize it. i have yet to hear ONE good reason. the church? i'm an atheist, so why should i follow your beliefs?! the affect on kids? my parents are legally seperated n the years of arguing to what affected me, having them live apart is a breath of fresh air.

The church allows annulment which means that the marriage never existed, BUT to say a marriage didnt work out is a sin? priests can break their "vows". they fear that there will be an increase in people cohabitating, when it's the complete opposite!
i speak for many wen i say that if divorce won't be made legal, there is no chance that i'll get married! i'll just settle down without signing any papers. why should i be forced to stay with (eg) an abbusive man just to make others happy??

GROW UP MALTA!

Thank you JPO for fighting for our rights!

C. Borg

Jan 25th 2011, 16:37

to Denis A Carabott, divorce was introduced in Australia with other British laws in 1857.....boy do you have statistics of divorce since then. What are you, the Encylopedia Brittanica in persona.........

Kemm najdu cuccati, basta indoqqu it-trombi.

toqghod tajd....kemm ghadna lura.......1857............

Robert Callus

Jan 25th 2011, 16:12

@Fr Leonard
Can you please quote which part of the bible entitles (or even obliges) Catholics to FORCE others obey its laws?

Joe Zammit

Jan 25th 2011, 16:09

The family is the foundation of society.

Marriage is the foundation of the family.

Strong marriages make strong families. Strong families make strong societies.

Divorce weakens marriages greatly; so divorce weakens societies greatly.

Say no to divorce and YES to the indissolubility of marriage!

Marriage + Divorce = Cohabitation

John A. Zammit

Jan 25th 2011, 16:07

I am against divorce, however I am not going to vote in the forthcoming referendum lest Gonzi who has already pronounced himself against divorce might get the idea that I support him. As for Fr. Testa I think that it would have been better for him if he were to concentrate and comment on the current social injustices in Malta e.g. whether there is an equitable distribution of wealth; whether certain actions by the government such as the privatization of state owned companies was made in the interest of the common good and the list goes on and on. It is such topics that we Maltese Catholics wish to listen to you members of the clergy to talk about if you wish that the Church remains relevant in the present times.

Joe Zammit

Jan 25th 2011, 16:06

There is absolutely no compassion in divorce. Promoting divorce is promoting evil for the detriment of all people. What is harmful to all people is not compassion. Christ knows more than all of us what is good for us: he commanded us never to resort to divorce.

1. Divorce is a great injustice against God.

2. Divorce is a great injustice against the family

3. Divorce is a great injustice against the children

4. Divorce is a great injustice against society

5. Divorce is a great injustice against the spouses themselves.

Join in the battle between God and the devil! Fight the good fight! The victory is ours, it’s already guaranteed!

Wayne Hewitt

Jan 25th 2011, 16:03

Through the inquisition and witchhunts, the Church, and that irrational man-made tool it uses, that is, religion, has over the years wiped thousands of emerging scientists, effectively keeping us backwards by thousands of years of scientific progress, that could have probably even defeated ailments such as HIV and Cancer by now.

Hardly an institution to look up to on 'moral' matters moreover on important life matters such as Divorce!

Donna Calleja

Jan 25th 2011, 15:49

What's wrong with a politician who has an opinion and is fighting for a minority of people who are suffering because they went through marriage breakdowns. I don't agree with the anti-divorce campaign when they state that kids will suffer more..separation causes pain and not divorce..so with or without it children will still suffer. I also felt sick yesterday at what Mireille was saying on Bondi + playing holier than the pope...we need to look at reality and stop hiding behind our fingers. We seem to be the ONLY country in the world who have an objection to divorce..how sick and selfish we all are and then we condemn a politician because he is speaking his mind out

Alex Ciantar

Jan 25th 2011, 15:16

Well done JPO at least there is a politician that is fighting for the victims of broken marriage...............yes victims, because in a broken marriage more often then not one of the spouses is a victim that through not fault of his/her own ended up in limbo and that is why we need divorce specifically for these victims so they may cut off all ties and start afresh.

In all the comments posted so far that argued against divorce there were hundreds of excuses why divorce should not be introduced but not even one mentioned the hardship of victims in a broken marriage, it seems we have too many armchair critics in this country that only see to the tip of their noses and they have no idea of what the reality is.

Divorce or no divorce people are living apart and nothing will stop them , Introduction of divorce will aid all the victims start afresh and right they truly deserve after what they may have been through!!!

G Cassar

Jan 25th 2011, 15:14

Going back to Fr. Rene's interview I also found the following: Quote "Irrespective of whether divorce is introduced or not, Dun Rene Camilleri’s major concern is that people are losing their sense of “responsibility” by entering marriage without the necessary coping skills. He argues that more should be done to prepare people before they marry.....But he fears that divorce will aggravate the situation as more people would marry with the idea that marriage is not a life long commitment. Unquote... It's very convenient to quote a sentence and ignore the rest...

Unquote...

G Cassar

Jan 25th 2011, 15:09

Divorce is not being proposed in the name of those who are the victims in a
relationship but also in the name of perpetrators of such suffering. Children might suffer when they see their parents
struggling in a relationship and increase when one leaves because of a third person. How much are we considering the
children's feelings...not when they're of an age such as JPO children maybe but when they're still of a vulnerable age
and one of the parents leaves because they want another relationship. But of course the children will learn to live
with this as long as we get our "adult rights" to choose what we want irrespective of anything else. This is already
happening with separations but why are we to officially recognize through legalizing infidelity, abuse and any other
pain inflicted on the victims whoever they may be. And this does not mean that no compassion is felt for those who
suffer...we are being asked to see that two people in a 4 or more years of relationship need to legalize their second
chance...and their past others (wife or husband) how do they come in the equation?

R Borg

Jan 25th 2011, 15:08

"If marriage means you fell in love, does divorce mean you climbed out?"

r pace

Jan 25th 2011, 14:45

Do people really believe that the complications of Divorce are worse off than those of Separations or Church annulments? Is it possible that these people think that all marriages are made in heaven? If so how does the church give annulments? Do people prefer to see kids seeing and hearing their parents quarrel and what not day and night and maybe incur violence too? Everyone has a right to his own opinion and so does JPO and the other members of the Pro Divorce movement and the population irrespective of political or religious beliefs, so all the comments directed at JPO personally are totally out of context and do not make the anti divorce stand a favor. If one is going to mention Christ then one should better think before penning as Christ taught us all many things which we may go against every second of our life......

c.agius

Jan 25th 2011, 14:27

FL-opinjoni fqira tieghi,jekk sa nikkwotaw lill- KRISTU rigward id-divorzju jaqbel u jkun ta gid li nikkwotawh il -hin kollu u mhux fejn jaqblilna biss.Ghax mhux fejn hemm zwieg imkisser biss qedin ibatu.

A.Grech

Jan 25th 2011, 14:21

@ Denis A. Carabott:
if as you say the number of divorces doubled in a short time when introduced in Australia, does that mean that people are senseless idiots who wanted to try something new for the fun of it, or that the law on divorce was desperately needed?
@ James Borg:
I totally agree with you!
not everyone is a christian, and laws should be drafted in consideration of all people!

Jan-Wouter Stigter

Jan 25th 2011, 14:13

How rude some people get! You may not agree with JPO, but he was voted in by loads of people and is an MP - so it's his job to have an opinion and say it out loud. Do we want 65 yes men in Parliament?

Fr Leonard M.Testa OFMConv

Jan 25th 2011, 14:06

PRO-DIVORCE MALTA POLITICIANS; A PROPHETIC GESTURE

It was reported in the media that the two pro-divorce politicians who are political enemies from both sides of the political divide, Nationalist (PN) and Labour (PL).now these days
in their zeal to annihilate Christ and his clear teaching on the matter are simply replicating Pilate and Herod who
prior to executing Christ were enemies however on that day, because of their intent against
Christ 'became friends, before this they were enemies" (Luke 23, 12.)
What a prophetic gesture !

Nil novum sub sole! Nothing new under the sun! Judas again ? What would Jesus call them ?
"Children of perdition.." (John 17:12)
" Whoever denies me publicly before men, I will also deny before my Father." (Mt. 10;32)
The ultimate vote that counts for both sides of the political divide will ultimately be the one Christ casts for you! There will be no PN or PL member of Parliament to cast a vote for you!

Quite prohetic!

Chris Mifsud

Jan 25th 2011, 14:05

Come on, Why is this still an issue?

As we stand, those who are against it need never get a divorce regardless if it is introduced or not, and those who want/need a divorce have no choice but to lump it.

If divorce is introduced, those against it still need never get a divorce and those who want/need it have the option there for them.

What is the big deal? Everyone wins. But NO!!! In Malta, where topless dancers are arrested, skinny dippers sentenced to prison, publications censored and so on, we have to be different, holier than thou and all that rubbish.

gcForte

Jan 25th 2011, 13:59

In my opinion it is not the issue of legislating the divorce law or not. The whole point is,if divorce will be legalized , how easy or how hard it is going to be to get the divorce ? Considering the long waiting for the annulment that we have today ( the church one ), I am sure that it is not going to be as easy as going to a supermarket and buy a box of matches. When considering the slow motion law courts we have ( to give fair and good judgment ), our whole heartily lawyers that will work even free of charge when necessary, and of course the fee itself to open the case, will make it that difficult, that even if you will be separated for 50 years it will be more viable to arrange your marriage than go through this hell, which after you waste all your money you will be old enough to re-marry again. If you are very rich......will be another story, because as the Malti says " bil flus tghamel triq fil bahar ".

MARIA FORMOSA

Jan 25th 2011, 13:57

J.P.O Seems to have a highly inflated image of himself! He is all the time arguing and twisting facts.Does he think that people are that gullible and fail to see his real motives in promoting his self interest in this issue?

maria mifsud

Jan 25th 2011, 13:50

Divorce is a civil right to those who really need it, and it's about time it's introduce in Malta.
I will vote in favour of such a law because there is always a painful story behing every separation. And believe me from what I hear & read they are on the increase year after year.

Having lived for more than 15 years in the states where divorce can be obtained, (where we raised a family) now I realise that it's not true that if there is divorce in the country everyone is going to be eager to use it. That's what the movement against divorce is trying to brainwash people into believing.

Thank God we still have the majority of our families happily married but why should the majority of us dictate to the minority?

Mark Vella Bardon

Jan 25th 2011, 13:40

@Vincent Galea
haha I like it, very funny. Unfortunately the in-laws are outlawed already ... much before divorce. In fact immediately so following separation.

@Denis A Carabott
These statistics are misleading. Any service to society increases in use as time goes on.
Divorce is not the cause of separation it simply provides a new start following separation with all the safeguards from abuse that such a law would and should provide.

@Joseph Zammit
If a marriage is a cohabitation, many already are, it is very sad situation.
If married couples are unable to persevere together with fond love and cooperation, then it is time for them to split up and try again ... hence divorce is a remedy to failed marriages.
It is a straightforward solution, unlike the present system of either satisfying the Curia or complicated court procedures of collusion or otherwise to obtain an annulment!

N.Cutajar

Jan 25th 2011, 13:37

If the anti divorce folk are so happy committing themselves for the rest of their lives just because they signed a piece of paper then how much happier are the couples that chose to be together out of their own free will.

Mark Vella Bardon

Jan 25th 2011, 13:23

I quote Sir Elton John in Los Angeles
Associated Press, 6pm CET 23rd Jan 2011:

‎"Everyone is entitled to have their own beliefs and their own spirituality. The big difference is that the dogma of the church can be so hateful and divisive. It's stuck in the stone age. We don't live in the stone age anymore. The church is losing people left, right and center because people are fed up with the rhetoric that they're giving them."

The PN or any other party who wants to rule with a fundamentalist attitude would follow the path of the church at its own and everyone else's peril.

edwin formosa

Jan 25th 2011, 13:11

Dan l-argument imissek ghidtulna qabel l-elezzjoni u mhux sentejn wara. Hekk titlob l-irgulija. L-argument tieghek tajjeb hafna.......ghal min hu bhalek. Imma l-partit mhux ta min hu bhalek biss. Tridx inhallu lil min jiddetta lil partit, anzi jbiddel l-istatut ghal konvenjenza tieghu? Fr Rene qatt ma gglorifika d-divorzju kif qed taghmel int. Jekk int kattolku taf li kliem Kristu u t-taghalim tal-Knisja Tieghu huma cari dwar id-divorzju. Tithajjarx tikkopja lil kattolku-tal-isem Ted Kennedy ? Dak gabar it-teologi kollha li warrbu t-taghalim morali tal-knisja biex isibulu mod ta kif jiggustifika l-posizzjoni tieghu favur l-abort quddiem l-elettorat kattolku. U rebah il-voti. U ghamel 40 sena jippromwovi u jillegalizza kull forma ta abort. Id-divorzju jindirizza l-ghanqbuta billi jkattar il-brimb. Tridx tghidli li rabta coff u wegheda sollenni huma l-istess ! U jekk jitfarrku zwiegijiet bla divorzju x'ha jigri meta ma 'enter' ikollna 'delete' fuq l-istess keyboard ? Zwieg imkisser ma jissewwiex. It-tfal dejjem innocenti u vittma ta xi hadd mill-genituri. Billi twarrablu l-ommu u timponilu ohra ma ssalvahx tifel.Dawk li innocentament fallielhom iz-zwieg haqqhom kull rispett. Dawn il-veru vittmi ta xi abbuz ma ssibhomx jitpercu quddiem nett. Principji ssostnihom akkost ta kollox. Partit li ghal voti lest jaghamel kollox mhux serju. .

Charles Zammit

Jan 25th 2011, 13:05

Will the present Gonzi act and go contrary to the views expressed by the Gonzi of the 1960s? Is this the same PN that brilliantly rode piggy back on the teachings and leanings of the Maltese church in the 1960s? Is the PN in for another U-turn on its basic beliefs and principles?

M. Anastasi

Jan 25th 2011, 13:01

The Bible teaches us to enter into marriage carefully and reverently and divorce is to be avoided at all costs. Honouring and upholding the marriage vows brings honour and glory to God.

wayne criggs

Jan 25th 2011, 12:58

I think that Mr Pullicino Orlando is closer to the people than the party's leader. Lawrence Gonzi lost touch with the people in the street. At least JPO is able to reckon what's best for the PN and he can foresee what can happen if Gonzi keeps on sticking his head in the ground… Dr Gonzi doesn't realise that, no matter how good he is in speaking, this skill will not fool the people forever.

Personally I am not happy with Mr Gonzi's leadership. I would prefer a confident, wise and progressive leader like JPO would be.

Wayne Hewitt

Jan 25th 2011, 12:57

The lack of a divorce law in Malta is leading to more couples cohabiting and less marrying. That is exactly why we need a divorce law, to safeguard marriage from extinction.

Some people, like me, believe that love is not necessarily for always, also because it takes two to tango and the level of commitment is not always the same, furthurmore in a more equal world where women are emancipated and sometimes are financially more stable than their male partners and family roles are becoming more democratic. Without divorce my only solution is cohabitation. What was necessarily a given 40 years ago, where the male was the bread winner and the female the housewife is becoming less and less frequent especially among the educated lot. Society is changing, legislation needs to follow through otherwise we will have a legal vacuum.

Fr Leonard M.Testa OFMConv

Jan 25th 2011, 12:53

CYCLE OF DIVORCE: REPORT

Australians whose parents divorced when they were children were less likely to marry and more likely to get divorced themselves, a report shows.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics report also found that people who had experienced the divorce or death of a parent in childhood were less likely to complete school and had lower incomes than people who hadn't.

Around one in four people aged 18-34 years had experienced the divorce or separation of their parents during their childhood.

It was found those people aged 18-24 , whose parents divorced, were more lekely to be in a live-in relationship (32%) than those who hadn't (17%).

ILLAWARRA MERCURY, Thursday, September 30, 2010

Emanuel Farrugia

Jan 25th 2011, 12:46

I dont need divorce. I have been happily married for scores of years and hope to remain so until I die ; BUT
Two observations on the subject. I believe JPO has made a bad decision when he accepted a Referendum. When the time comes to vote his own party members who are against divorce will be telling and transporting EVERYBODY to get up and go and vote like they do in general elections.

Another aspect that has not been given mch publicity is how do those Elderly couple feel who were born before the second world war and who are still happily married and who have childern who are separated, with no chance of being re-united and probably living in SIN by COHABITATION and having children, when their pogguti children will make them the talk of the village among all those skrupluzi who do not want divorce.

George Gauchi

Jan 25th 2011, 12:37

Malta needs more people like J.P.O. who have the gutts and are able to tell the leader what`s right or wrong and not only what the leader says and do whatever he wants,like that Maltese chidren`s story " In-naghag ta`Bendu " where all the sheep follow their leader to their death,after all J.P.O. was elected by the people to speak for the people and after-all I don`t know what`s all this big fuss about divorce is all about when now-a-days many young ones are living together and having children without even getting married and even married parents have got different partner and some of them live with their partners and don`t give a damn about their married partner or children,and for those who can afford go to other EU country and get the divorce done over there.

Joseph Farrugia

Jan 25th 2011, 12:36

Kont nammirak Sur Pullicino per fuq li qed tghid u fuq li qed taghmel jiddispjacini li ma naqbel mieghek xejn. Kif nista jien niggieled ghal minoranza biex inkisser il maggoranza.Kieku ma gralekx li gralek kont tkun wiehed minn dawk iz-zwigijiet bsahhithom li ghall grazzja tal hanin Alla hawn hafna. Li l-ligi qeghda hazina naqbel, imma li naghmel liegi li fejn dahlet kisret il pajjiez, u dan inti bhala ragel inteligenti, ghall inqas hekk tidher tafu dan, u biex tkun komdu int tkisser. Il-ligi ta Kristu la INT, u l-anqas l-ikbar pampalun ma jkissirha, ghax kien hawn ta minn prova qablek.

Jason Borg

Jan 25th 2011, 12:35

Min hu l-kap tal-PN: Gonzi jew JPO?

Dominic Chircop

Jan 25th 2011, 12:33

The Nationalist Party (the Curia Party) can never be in favour of divorce.

it is not a liberal party, and harbours members of Opus Dei in its midst.

It will never legislate anything that would hasten the separation of State and Church.

All liberal minded peopke should be wary of supporting the PN.

Unfortunatrly, even the PL has ultra-conservatives anongst its members. Some of these would be at ease within the Curia Party.

Denis A carabott

Jan 25th 2011, 12:32

You said that the introduction of divorce in ireland didn't increase the number of
divorce cases.
When divorce was introduced in Australia, the number of divorces doubled in a short time.

joe muscat

Jan 25th 2011, 12:26

@joe zammit

I respect your opinion but we live in a democratic country not in a church, and divorce is a civil right , nobody is going to be forced to divorce , but who want he can.

James Borg

Jan 25th 2011, 12:21

I am a Christian, but my opinion is that even if only one person in Malta wants divorce, who am I to deny him this right. If divorce is introduce it will NOT effect me as a Christian in any way. If divorce is not introduced in Malta it will not make the people better Christians.
It is very unfortunate that many people are loosing their Christian values, but we will not turn things around by forcing people to remain married.
As Christians we are tolerant to other religions and other beleives, so why aren't we also tolerant to those who want divorce?

A Said

Jan 25th 2011, 12:03

Dear Pullicino Orlando, If you don't want the people to turn their backs to the PN, you shouldn't have done what you have done from the very beginning. If they didn't turn their backs to the PN for what you did, I don't think they would turn their back to the PN, if the party takes a stand against the divorce.

Vincent Galea

Jan 25th 2011, 11:58

What will the in-laws be called after a divorce...... outlaws ?
Not fair.

Joe Zammit

Jan 25th 2011, 11:35

Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, you are completely wrong.

Divorce renders all marriages cohabitations because when the spouses want they can create an excuse to get a divorce.

You know that cohabitation is against the teaching of the Catholic Church and so you also know also that divorce is against the teaching of the Catholic Church. Besides, two wrongs do not make a right.

Divorce is condemned by Christ. The teaching of Christ and his one Catholic Church comes before any political party.

Divorce is a great injustice against God. It is big injustice against the whole nation. It is a horrible injustice against all married people.

Join in the battle between God and the devil! Fight the good fight! The victory is ours, it's already guaranteed!

Anthony Cassar

Jan 25th 2011, 11:31

I am still undecided on the issue of divorce. As a catholic I am not interested in the introduction of divorce in Malta but as a citizen i need to consider the implications of introducing divorceas a civil right in our country. I would like to hear all the arguments in favour and against and then take an informed decision.

This kind of threatening attitude as expressed by JPO is not healthy for a discussion, arguments and not threats should help inform the general public. So is JPO saying twist whatever you believe in to get elected? I hope no party in Malta does that!

JPO's argument politicizes the whole debate. People voted to join the EU becuase they felt it was in their best interest the same should be for divorce, now its up to the different sides to inform which option is in our best interest.

Josef Grima

Jan 25th 2011, 11:30

Please don't mention "values" and "Christian Democracy" in relation to the Nationalist Party. The recent happenings to make poor (and even not so poor) people poorer and rich people much richer is a clear confirmation of the loss of true Christian values and a disregard to the true meaning of Christian Democracy. The PN - your party - has always been a party of "Oqbra Mbajda" and only mention religion and values when it suits them in order to make sure that the many antiquated religious bigots still infesting Malta will continue to give them their support

J. Camilleri

Jan 25th 2011, 11:21

Il-Partito Nazzjonale - the roots of the Nationalist Party, is consecrated to the Heart of Jesus, and therefore is also the Nationalist Party. Furthermore the PN is a Demochristian party and upholds Christian Values.

So as such I cannot see how Jeffrey forms part of the party and is arguing in favour of Divorce and I feel that due to this CONFLICT OF INTEREST he should resign from the party.

J Camilleri - Nazzjonalist

Victor Buhagiar

Jan 25th 2011, 11:21

Whatever the outcome of this debate, I have only one wish. That Pullicino Orlando will not be allowed to contest the next elections as an NP candidate. He does not deserve to be one.

m vella

Jan 25th 2011, 11:18

JPO, you got my vote prosit,we need more politicians like you .

D. Mifsud

Jan 25th 2011, 11:13

Min jitkellem kontra d-divorzju jaghmel hekk ghax ma jafx x'igifieri tkun fl-infern.
Id-divorzju ghandu jkun qijad hem ghal min ghandu bzonnu. Ovvjament min ikun happily married m'ghandux bzonn juzah pero lanqas jista jcahhad id-dritt lil haddiehor li ghandu bzonn juzah.
Id-divorzju mhux kompitu tal-knisja imma ta l-istat. Igifieri ghandu jidhol b'ligi mill-parlamet, imbad il-knisja halli tghallem lin-nies biex ma jigux bzonnu. Imma dawk in-nies li qedin jghixu fl-infern ghandhom id-dritt li jkollom it-tieni cans. Hafna nies jahsbu li jek jidhol id-divorzju kulhad se jiddivorzja, mela hasbu li biex tiehu d-divorzju qisek se tiehu xi tazza ilma jew. Il-partijiet ikunu ilhom jipruvaw jirrangaw id-divergenzi ta bejnietom imma la ma jkunx hem tama ghaliex ghandhom jghixu mdejqin.

Raymond Bezzina

Jan 25th 2011, 11:13

@ All

Quote "........ This time around a vote in favour of divorce will not impose anything on anyone. Those who do not need or are against divorce are obviously not obliged to avail themselves of it. On the other hand, however, I strongly believe that those who are against divorce should not impose their beliefs on those who need it," Dr Pullicino Orlando said." unquote.

If you remove the word 'divorce' in each of the above three sentences and insert the word
'abortion', you will notice that it fits exactly for those who are in favour of abortion as an
excuse for its introduction : in fact they call it the 'woman's choice', while in the case of divorce
it would be 'the spouse's choice'.

Evil can never be regarded as the right thing to do. Where ever there is evil there are always
negative consequences to bear.

Mike Micallef

Jan 25th 2011, 11:13

When you chose to marry in a catholic church you are making a promise to almighty God to remain faithful to death do us part. If you then break that promise and chose to have other sexual partners for whatever reason you will answer to almighty God on your death bed. With God there is no divorce. People have rights. They have a right not to marry in the first place

Ernest Vella

Jan 25th 2011, 11:12

Ha nsaqsi biss...Ghaliex Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, ma qalx li kien favur id-divorzju qabel l-elezzjoni? Hemm kienet tkun l-irgulija...in-nies afdawk u l-hafna minnhom traddejthom b'din il-proposta...Tista tichad imma ghadni niftakar sew x'kont ghidti dwar l-issue meta kont saqsejtek...jien kostitwent tieghek!!!

E Galea

Jan 25th 2011, 10:57

"He also warns the party that if it continues to ignore the suffering of thousands of people whose marriage has broken down, they will turn their backs on the party when the time of reckoning comes." - people have turned their back to the party long ago and not because of divorce! Let us not use the divorce issue to mask failure!

john vella

Jan 25th 2011, 10:54

@Dr. Pullicino Orlando
I have to quote like you, Sir, Mother Shipten who in the 1500 century was put to the stake, and her prophesies came true, for the end of this era she is said to have said and recorded that: women will dress like men, cut their hair like men, and loose their motherhood as for men they become like PIGS, is this what you want sur P.O. just because it suit you. SHAME

P. Vincenti

Jan 25th 2011, 10:52

The sad thing is that JPO seems to think he is now the voice of the curia.
He is trying to make this a matter of separation of state and church. It is not. It is about my family, my kids and their future, my country. It is not JPOs play thing!
The Church has a say, they should be allowed to speak freely but this arm twisting by JPO is disgusting. I am very surprised with the level JPO has fallen to in this article. I guess I had no idea that this man could stoop to such levels to reach his aims.

Joe Zammit

Jan 25th 2011, 10:50

Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, you are completely wrong.

Divorce renders all marriages cohabitations because when the spouses want they can create an excuse to get a divorce.

You know that cohabitation is against the teaching of the Catholic Church and so you also know also that divorce is against the teaching of the Catholic Church. Besides, two wrongs do not make a right.

Divorce is condemned by Christ. The teaching of Christ and his one Catholic Church comes before any political party.

Divorce is a great injustice against God. It is big injustice against the whole nation. It is a horrible injustice against all married people.

Join in the battle between God and the devil! Fight the good fight! The victory is ours, it's already guaranteed!

N. Pace

Jan 25th 2011, 10:48

Irrespective of religion or beliefs, i think that when one has given a commitment to love and respect someone else, then they should work hard at keeping their word towards that commitment. After all, a commitment is a commitment

I am not saying that there aren't justifications for a marriage to dissolve, and I fully respect the situations that separating/separated couples might go through, but one has to really think of all the consequences that divorce will bring along.

EDWIN DE MARCO

Jan 25th 2011, 10:48

Give us a break! Most likely the referendum will be held this year.So wait & see.

Raymond Camilleri

Jan 25th 2011, 10:48

It is crystal clear: the Nationalist Party is a party of backwardness and consevativeness... pluralism is the only solution to the stagnation and mould in this 'pajjiz taparsi'...

P. Vincenti

Jan 25th 2011, 10:47

He ends his opinion piece with "I know that we will make the right choice."

I beg to differ; the right choice involves the good of the children and of course Maltese marriages as a whole. Divorce is not just a choice the PN party will make. JPO is completely out of order.
Divorce is anti-family and anti–marriage, how can it ever be a right decision?
I suspect that either way, the nationalists will lose some support but when it comes to it, in the end, the blues will stick to the blues as the reds do also. This is not about staying in power; it is about the truth and the good of the family. To pressure his own party with making a choice that is popular without considering if it is the right decision, is the very reason why all colours should oppose JPO’s personal anti-family campaign.

D. A . Agius

Jan 25th 2011, 10:45

Usual issue, usual political and religious threats.

Divorce is already here. Couples separate irrevocably and there's no way you're going to match them up again. The only problem is for those kids at a young age who will never have a close father/mother figure to look at, irrespective of whether it will be their first, second or third marriage if that be it!

And on the question of marriage, there might be people who simply wish to cohabit. Why not grant them rights and obligations? Is the church afraid that persons would not go to church? Wakeywakey, some already do!

Marriage is a marriage when this is under the "definition" of a churhc. Anything else is a Civil union. And Civil Unions should not be restricted by the Church's own yardstick but by a civil and understanding and hopefully supportive civil government which appreciates that not everybody lives by the same ideals.

Again, I admire people who have a REAL and happy marriage for 50, 60, 70 years. BUt unfortunately I happen to know of a few whose only reason to stay married was because of social taboos. Taboos inflicted mainly by Christian Well-wishers!

Norman Lowell

Jan 25th 2011, 10:42

""I agree with the Prime Minister that this will be a groundbreaking social development and that it should be decided upon by the people in a referendum which is to be held later this year. "

Translation:

We have a weak PM.
He lacks the moral fibre to take a decision based on principle.
The principle of "Individual Rights".

We also have 60 good men of average stupidity -
too cowardly to do their duty and vote in parliament.
They prefer to hide under the skirt of majority mediocrity.

We also have a weak opposition, with a weak leader.
Incapable of acting on principle and forcing a vote in parliament.
In short: Malta is Leaderless and Rudderless.

P. Vincenti

Jan 25th 2011, 10:38

These same children are today my best friends, they are now all grown up but they are still suffering the consequences of a lifestyle that reaped havoc. It is a real shame that JPO would deny this fact for convenience sake. Our children should be at the foundation of the family unit. To deny that they suffer in divorce is to make a mockery of the family. Justice cries out for truth in this matter. Fabrications like these will come back to bite JPO later on.

P. Vincenti

Jan 25th 2011, 10:37

Dr Pullicino Orlando claims that it is ‘not true that divorce had profound and negative consequences on children’
Has he not had anyone close enough to him to recognise the absurdity of this desperate claim? Surely he knows better?
I have seen the affects of divorce on children. It is not a pretty sight and very painful for the parents who later regret putting their children through a divorce. When parents divorce, the kids divorce also.
I grew up with kids of divorced parents and I assure him that their pain is very real and that it goes on. They survived but they continue to suffer anger and resentment towards their parents. It is true that some come to accept the new state, but not without real pain and anguish.
Unlike separation, where the couple remain married but living apart, divorce introduces an unnatural state where mum and dad then now have new legal partners in marriage with a whole new set of half brothers and sisters . This is very hurtful for children, not to mention very confusing.

D. Mifsud

Jan 25th 2011, 10:37

When I read certain comments to this news article, I further confirm that Maltese kindness and friendliness is just a false facade for many. In reality, a large number don't care about other people's problems and woes as long as they're ok. My marriage is working, so why bother about those whose marriage failed (already, in spite of absence of divorce). It's their fault, and they don't deserve the state's protection. And it's very comfortable to hide behind the excuse of religion isn't it? Thank you for making me feel proud to be part of such an "tolerant" society ...

louis zammit

Jan 25th 2011, 10:36

well said,,,many relations are broken and many are waiting for divorce..if PN will take the wrong decision and forget all about these people am sure that come next election they will vote against you....divorce should be introduced and ALL is FREE to use it or not everybody should be capable to know what is good for him or not... and not the Goverment
if the PN is so sociable then it should vote in favour of the DIVORCE LAW

Dave Bonett

Jan 25th 2011, 10:33

JPO should create a party of his own Liberal Party or something similar... I'm sure PN is not his place anymore...

I see interesting times ahead.

John J. Galea-Axiak

Jan 25th 2011, 10:32

Dott. Pullicino Orlando, ghalkemm dwar l-issue tad-divorzju ma naqbilx mieghek xorta wahda nirrispetta l-opinjoni tieghek. Pero' ftakar li int tlajt fil-Parlament bil-voti tal-Poplu biex tirraptezenta lill-Poplu u mhux lilek innifsek. M'ghandek l-ebda dritt li tirrikatta il-Gvern li int taghmel parti minnu b'agenda li mhix unanimament tal-Poplu! Kompli ahdem ghad-divorzju la trid hekk pero' tuzax il-poter li huwa tal-Poplu! Ghandi rispett kbir lejk pero' nistmell l-agir tieghek li tirrikatta bil-vot parlamentari tieghek.

Luciano Mule Stagno

Jan 25th 2011, 10:31

Failed marriages are a fact of life and children will usually suffer irrespective of whether their parents remarry or cohabit. Divorce will simply allow those people to move on with their life and give the legal rights they deserve. It will also regularize the position of children born to co-habiting couples.
While there is a lot of rhetoric about the increase in failed marriages after the introduction of divorce no one has presented data to support that.

H Dempster

Jan 25th 2011, 10:31

I believe that Divorce should be introduced and backup JPO and the rest on this motion.
However, one thing is bothering me is the fact that a U-turn may occur in relation to JPO standing policy that after maybe haveing been warned or dissuaded by the PM he would retract his policy on this matter. JPO show us that you are a man and dont let anybody intimidate you.

P Gatt

Jan 25th 2011, 10:31

Immaterial of whether I agree or not with the introduction of devoice you have submitted a private members bill without the PN leader's knowledge and you are now telling the PN and the PM of the consequences of a wrong decision and that PN supporters will turn their back on PN. Just not right!

Clifford Borg

Jan 25th 2011, 10:29

When I read these comments I realise how laidback we still are... You do not wake up one fine day and you decide to get a Divorce, like going to the supermarket. Its very simple, if a marriage does not work, its simple doesn`t. But you cannot be blamed for the rest of your life. You must have the right to start a new life again. Come on we are in year 2011 not in the dark ages.

J Caruana

Jan 25th 2011, 10:29

JPO is the biggest obstacle to the pro-divorce movement!

P Gatt

Jan 25th 2011, 10:26

What a pity the PN has ended up with such petty MPs! However, I'm sure that the strong values that have always characterized the Nationalist Party will prevail

K.Anastasi

Jan 25th 2011, 10:25

Lets have a referendum and get it over with!

I don't see why all this talk is needed, its not like we are the first country in the World adopting it, we are one of the last,so everyone knows exactly what it is and what it is for.

Jlaus

Jan 25th 2011, 10:25

JPO..Ibqa zomm mal principju tieghek,,,taghmilx U=Turns ,dawk hallihom ghall haddiehor, Insew kemm ghamluk eroj fit -2008 qbel l-elezzjoni,issa hadu li riedu u bhall lumija masghura qeg iwarbuk,,,zomm zod JPO

c. Borg

Jan 25th 2011, 10:25

Jeffery P.O. is hoping that the PN will go against the wishes of old Capo and Malta President, Eddie Fenech Adami, new Capo, Laurence Gonzi, deputy Capo Tonio Borg, etc., etc., and go for divorce. Some hope.

The days when the decisions of the PN Capi were sacrosant words for PN supporters are long gone. Voters from all sides of the political spectrum will decide and vote for or against divorce, how they personally feel and not what their politicians (and even the religious) say.

Go for it Jeffrey, all free thinkers are behind you in this.

M Muscat

Jan 25th 2011, 10:22

Tghid kemm tghid diskors sabih, id-divorzju jibqa dak li hu. Filwaqt li bhal donnu (u nerga nghid DONNU) isolvi il-problemi individwali imma johloq mewga ohra - ikompli idahhal mentalita fejn commitment ma jezistix.

Tqazzist naqra dan l-artiklu. Dan rikatt u ma rridux gvern li jimxi ghal voti imma ghal gid komuni.

Joe Micallef

Jan 25th 2011, 10:20

Why does he have to bring in the PN and Church in his "argumentation". By his own childish reasoning since I hate paying NI and Utility bills, if the PN doesn't abolish them they might as well not place thier party on the ballot sheet.

Wilfred Cardona

Jan 25th 2011, 10:19

Addio to your political career JPO! Please learn more about Christian Democratic principles before arguing your way. You were elected as an mp on the PN card, so till next general you must adhere to the party's principles and core values. Then you are free to choose.
Enough is enough JPO!!

Conrad Vella

Jan 25th 2011, 10:14

Well said Jeffrey, it always baffles me how the church/state deems to have a divine right on what couples choose to do with their personal lives. Divorce should be a right for whoever wants to make use of it. If someone is in a healthy marriage he/she should not worry about its introduction. Also the comments posted below are amazing as on one part the authors portray themselves as supporting christian values, whilst on the other personally insult, with a passion (hdura). Yes, hopefully the party we nationalists so love will hopefully have a healthy discussion that will benefit all those that are currently suffering as their marriage has for whatever reason broken down. Being given the chance to start afresh is certainly better than living in limbo for the rest of your life.

joe cutajar

Jan 25th 2011, 10:12

who do you think you are to say such things to the pn you are doomed you never see that seat again .joe cutajar marsa

W. Agius

Jan 25th 2011, 10:12

Il-bicca tad-divorzju... qed jaghmilha ballun politiku!!!

John Galea

Jan 25th 2011, 10:07

Marriage is suppose to be a permanent relationship between 2 people. It is not suppose to be a temporary relationship. I have lived in the Uk most of my life and most young people do not marry, but chose to cohabit and we have divorce. Too much of it in fact, that people in their 20s and 30s are choosing to cohabit instead, which has resulted in most children being born out of wedlock. Divorce in the Uk and other similar countries has had a serious negative impact on marriage and young peoples attitude towards it. What God has joint together, let no man put assunder is part of the constitution of marriage...and for better or worse. Marriage is permanent until death do us part and anything else is nonsense.

P Vella

Jan 25th 2011, 10:05

So, really, JPO is doing all this NOT for the benefit of people who are suffering the consequences of a broken marriage but for political reasons. Thank you JPO. You convinced me even more to vote 'No' to divorce in the forthcoming referendum.

Dr Francis Saliba

Jan 25th 2011, 09:56

Are people of the ilk of J.P.O. to be accepted as the new conscience of the Natiolaist Party? Hope not!

J Farrugia

Jan 25th 2011, 09:55

Jeffrey Pullicino, you are in no position to dictate to the PN about consequences. I prefer the PN to rest in the opposition for the next 10 years than seeing the PN accepting Divorce. You will never ever be elected under the PN ticket and you will neither make it to candidate level. Your arrogance is too much to stomach and I agree 100% with Dr Alfred Sant that you are not fit to appear in public. Your personal interest have taken the whole of you and made you what you are, the greatest liability of the PN. You are an insult to your profession and to your own self egoism. We will have none of your threats. And let the party assemble its grass roots in a General Council and you will have your immediate reply. Better the opposition benches than the introduction of divorce. With or without you..

Christopher Busuttil

Jan 25th 2011, 09:54

Nispera li dan il-gvern ma jaqax ghal dan ir-rikatt. Nispera li l-gvern jiddeciedi fil-kapacita tieghu minghajr influwenzi bhal ta' JPO. Nispera li l-gvern se jiddefendi l-familja u mhux l-elezzjoni li gejja.

gcForte

Jan 25th 2011, 09:53

Dan il pajjiz ma jixraqlux li ikun mghedded il hin kollu, min membri ta l-istess gvern. Ma ghadditx gimgha min mindu kien hemm it teddidha tat tabib Farrugia. Issa is solitu J.P.O. li nesa kemm hrigtu ghonqkhom ghalih, fil kas tal Mistra. Issa hareg jghedded...... Dr. Gonzi, isma min dak li dejjem issugerejtlek bhala cittadin sincier.............Ghal gid ta KULLHADD, mur fil partit tieghek u itlob vot ta fiducja sigrit. Int qeghed tghamel min kollox sabiex twassal lil Malta( bit tajjeb jew bil hazin )u lil partit tieghek sal barkun, izda shabek stess li jafu li jekk ma tghamilx kif jghejdulek qeghdin igibuk taht theddida kontinwa. Meta il lejber kien f`din is sitwazzjoni, Dr. Alfred Sant ghazel it triq ta l-irgulija, u qatt ma accetta li imexxi lil pajjiz u lil partit bit theddid. Kullhadd jaf x`gara.

C.Cassar

Jan 25th 2011, 09:51

Jekk ninsew ir-religjon u il-politika ghal mument ..

.. kemm hu isbah li tkun taf li xi hadd irid iqatta hajtu kollha mieghek meta jaf li ghandu cans wiehed biss u ghal dejjem

.. milli li jkun jaf li meta jrid jista jinhall mil-commitment u jerga jibda mil-gdid.

M fenech

Jan 25th 2011, 09:48

sur pullicino ma Jidirlikx li issa qet tkun wisq puppatur , arroganti u NOSY ??