Fenech Adami hits out at quick fix divorce bill - 'Yes' movement reacts

Mr Joe Gatt

May 20th 2011, 08:11

“Jesus Christ, who is not any other philosopher but the Son of God, said divorce was bad for society.`

But in Malta the future trend is quite the opposite. Marriage in Malta seems to be bad for society, especially in the light of the soon to be legalized

`COHABITATION`

Ms Emma Xerri

May 17th 2011, 23:16

Why but of course. Why make it a quick fix divorce, let them stew and suffer for years, then maybe they would be eligible to obtain a divorce. And speaking of quick, in the local context it is laughable since Malta is about 100 years behind the times when it comes to divorce, so the no quick fix is preposterous both on the national and individual levels.

Why fix something quickly when you can prolong the suffering and inflict more physical and psychological wounds to a family that has already suffered enough. What a strange brand of Christians these people are!

Lino Apap

Jan 30th 2011, 08:44

@ Dr. Francis Saliba - The length of time taken to finally debate the issue of divorce does not necessarily mean that this is due to opposition to divorce. It more likely indicates the lack of fibre of our politicians as they care more for votes than for people. The pressures released today were felt back in 1998 when the PN under no less than Dr. Eddie Fenech Adami actually promised to do something by introducing cohabitation laws. Nothing was done and our consummate politicians simply buried their heads in the sand and let Rome burn. This is why so much time has passed and not the imaginary “long-lastng opposition” to divorce that you claim.

I apologise if I gave you the impression that I wanted to “dictate” what you should do with your vote. I only suggested that you should refrain from voting if you feel that doing so will go against your staunchly-held Faith. Please feel free to use your vote in the referendum. In that way YOU will have the opportunity of dictating to others what they can or cannot do when their marriage breaks down and force your staunchly-held religious principles down their throats - Sir.

anthony pace gouder

Jan 30th 2011, 01:44

Judaism(probably the oldest religion) maintains that it is better for a couple to divorce than remain in a state of constant bitterness and strife .

Jews , the chosen People of GOD , whose commandments were handed directly to them thro' Moses, have entrenched judaic 'attitudes' recognizing and accepting DIVORCE as an unfortunate NECESSITY !

Judaism , so close and obedient to GOD, has an even QUICKER FIX thro'Jewish Law which has been exercised/observed for thousands of years, than the one our parliamentarians are proposing,, and no Rabbi or any practising devout Jew ever doubts this conflicting with the will of God .

Vide:> http://www.jewfaq.org/divorce.htm

lydia pace workman

Jan 30th 2011, 00:23

I am baffled. In what chapter and verse did Jesus Christ state that divorce is bad for society? That line must have escaped me.

Joe Xuereb

Jan 29th 2011, 19:39

@Ray Bezzina. Marriage and its dissolution has nothing to do with religion. If you, and everyone else sees divorce as sinful, then, all you have to so is not to divorce. With your (mis)understanding of the matter, you may as well campaign against anything that is deemed sinful. You're a big boy now. Be responsible for whatever it is you're about. Anybody's else's responsibile are so notyour business.
I suspect that people's resistance to divorce is only seemingly based on religious values. I'm inclined to think that people the world over are made to believe that 'happiness' comes in the form of another person. It's very comfortable (but dangerous - for a short while this indissoluble'togetherness' feels so natural, crazily, madly, deeply; but it's a temporary 'state of mind', a nine-day wonder not unlike the TV set in the corner or indeed the lustre of anything new, its temporary 'sheen') to buy into this. So comfortable that people are reluctant to relinquish the cosiness that is marriage. Togetherness, two-merged-into-one, indissolubly so - it's just a construct buffered by the State, and to buffoonery by religious belief systems.

Peter Borg

Jan 29th 2011, 10:51

The irony is that this man who fought bravely for our personal freedoms and liberties in the early eighties now seems to be ready to embark on a crusade to do exactly the reverse. Why is it that Maltese Roman catholic fundamentalists feel that they have the right to impose their own values and religious beliefs on the rest of us?Have things really turned full circle? Have the former champions of freedom and liberty become the guardians of imposed dogma?

Dr Francis Saliba

Jan 29th 2011, 10:50

@LinoApap.

The fact that there is such a long-lasting opposition to the introduction of divorce laws in Malta does not have anything to do with facing facts and calling a spade a spade. The proposed local bill is the thin, sharp, cutting end of a wedge that leads inexorably to still more harmful “quick-fixes” divorces. That is not idle speculation. That is the experience everywhere elsewhere – two steps forward, one step backward.

I do not dictate what you should do in a divorce referendum. Please have the civility not to try to dictate to me what I do with my vote. The question is not whether anyone compels me to resort to divorce if and when divorce laws are introduced, whether that is done with the ascertained consent of a sovereign electorate or surreptitiously behind its back. The referendum would gauge public opinion about the introduction of divorce laws. No sir! I cannot accept your advice that I forfeit my right to vote to suit anybody else’s convenience.

jcamilleri

Jan 29th 2011, 10:41

@jcamilleri li huwa kontra d-divorzju .... l-annullament huwa rarissimu li tiehdu mal-knisja ghax temmen li l-affarijiet ha jitrangaw u tirrejalizza biss bil-gravita tal-koppja meta jkun tard wisq u jkunu xebghu jitqatlu l-koppji u jzeffnu t-tfal fin-nofs. Biss jekk taf li bl-annullament li jinghata daqstant malajr avzani kif taghmel halli nkunu nafu xi jrid isir U KEMM JISWA WKOLL, allavolja il-knisja ma' jiswiex li taghmel certu qliegh fuq min hu batut. Halli l-min ghandu bzonnu d-divorzju juzah u mhux ghax kuntent int kuntent kulhadd. U kun ghafa wkoll illi mhux kulhadd nisrani bhalek f'dan il-pajjiz. U jekk int wiehed milli vvutajt iva ghall ewropa prepara ruhek ghall abbort ghax dak ghad jidhol ukoll maz-zmien. Jien kontrih imma hawn min hu favurih, biss minix behsiebni niddetta l-dak li jkun x'ghandu jaghmel. L-importanti naghmel dak li jaqbel lili !

Robert Agius

Jan 29th 2011, 10:40

Down with fundamentalism - Divorce now.

Join us in the battle against nonsense! our victory is guaranteed!!! (Sorry, couldn't help it any longer Joe)

Ms P M Graham

Jan 29th 2011, 08:07

The role of Government in my opinion has lost its way.

The elected party seems to think they , (whoever they may be, the World over) that they are in some way superior to those they represent. That the electorate don’t have the ability or intellectual capability to make personal decisions for themselves.

Losing votes seems more important than representing constituents when in effect if you are doing a good job of running the Country, the economy the needs of the people the votes will come thick and fast, but at no time was a Government elected to tell law abiding people how to live, as in personal choices, as in Divorce.

I suspect the fear of Divorce has very little to do with religious beliefs for many. Not all but many. I suspect many of those against Divorce perhaps use that fact to their advantage.

You are not going against your religious beliefs as long as YOU, YOURSELF, do not Divorce. There is no need for a referendum, or debates between parties because at the end of the day Divorce is a "choice" made between two ADULTS who know it's over.

Lino Apap

Jan 29th 2011, 07:15

@ Dr. Francis Saliba - Sorry but you are not calling a spade a spade. First of all, it's taken us some 30 years and 2 bills (with 14 years between them) to even discuss the introduction of divorce. Should divorce be introduced I can imagine how long it would take us to even think of discussing the reduction of the separation period. Ireland has had divorce legislation for the past 16 years but the separation period is still 4 years. How slowly slowly does one have to go to catchee monkey? The fact is that regrettably Dr. Fenech Adami used a cheap political trick by referring to the divorce legislation as "quick-fix" when it is anything but - and you are doing the same.
Once again - I respect your religious beliefs and understand that they preclude you from being in favour of the introduction of a divorce law - Please respect the beliefs and needs of your fellow countrymen and women by simply ignoring the referendum and don't vote. Nobody will ever force you or anyone else to resort to divorce - likewise you and other fervent Catholics should not deny others having access to it.

Joseph Vassallo

Jan 29th 2011, 00:34

@ E.FORMOSA: Kull ma' nista' nghidlek sur Formosa hu li min jahseb li ghandu xi fast-track ghall-Genna jista' jkun qed iqarraq bieh innifsu. Jekk int minghalik li ghidt xi haga siewja, jaqbillek terga tahseb ftit qabel ma' tiddeciedi li xi hadd hu anti-Kristjan. L-arroganza ma' tawgurax tajjeb ghal min jippretendi postu fis-sema, fil-waqt li min ihoss ghal haddiehor.....

Min jiggudika' jista' jlesti ruhu biex ikun iggudikat.

Propjament, x'dejqek l-izjed, il fatt li ndirizzajt lil-Dr Fenech Adami, il-fatt innegabbli li Malta mimlijja promiskwita', jew ugwalment innegabbli li min irid jitlaq min daru qed jiltaq xorta, avolja m'hawnx divorzju?

Minflok li tikteb fil-vojt, ipprova ohrog b'xi argument li fih xi tikka sens komun minflok emozzjoni zbaljata biss.

Dr. Geoffrey Schembri Adami Med. Vet

Jan 28th 2011, 23:45

Part 8.

........who claim themselves to be Catholics. What they say, do and promote in society must be in conformity with their faith in the Teachings of Christ, and in accordance with God’s Commandments. If they do not do so, then they are leading a double life. They cannot preach in one way, and then live or do the opposite way. As Catholics, we have to practise, or at least try to practise the values we preach. But if we do not do so, then we are only being a serious cause of scandal to others.”

Thank God our country is blessed with politicians like President Emeritus Fenech Adami who put these pearls of wisdom spoken by a saint into practise. May those politicians who call themselves Catholics also put these words into practise in their daily public life. For if they do not do so, they are not worthy to consider themselves as loyal disciples of Christ, who said: “Not whoever says: ‘Lord! Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but whoever follows My Word and does the Will of My Father in Heaven”, and also: “Those who do not follow My Teachings do not love Me.”

Dr. Geoffrey Schembri Adami Med. Vet

Jan 28th 2011, 23:44

Part 7.

...........when it is put in service of the truth which redeems, when it is spent seeking God’s infinite Love which liberates us from all forms of slavery. For even when God’s will seems painful and its demands wounding, it coincides perfectly with our freedom, which is only to be found in God and His plans. We must defend always the truth, without any sort of compromise, because the truth makes us free, while going against God’s will and infringing His Commandments enslaves.
I want to warn all Catholics of the temptation,so common in our times, to lead a kind of double life: on the one hand an inner life, a life related to God, and on the other, as something separate and distinct, their professional, social and family lives, made up of earthly realities. No! We cannot lead a double life! We cannot be like schizophrenics, if we want to be true Christians. There is only just one life, made of flesh and spirit. And it is this life which has to become, in both soul and body, holy and filled with God. This applies to all who wish to follow Christ, but especially to those politicians........

Continues.

Dr. Geoffrey Schembri Adami Med. Vet

Jan 28th 2011, 23:43

Part 6.

........ and accepting His teachings, and tell Him: 'We do not want You to rule over us'. Many people will not accept that Christ should reign over them in their life. They oppose Him in thousands of ways: in their attitude toward their circumstances, in their approach to human society, in morality, in science and the arts. They reject Christ because that would involve accepting His law. And law they will not accept, not even the wonderful precept of charity, for they do not want to reach out to God's love. Their ambition is to serve their own selfishness and self-pride. And therefore they will neither accept Christ nor His Holy Church. So they expect the state to legalize what infringes God’s Commandments and greatly displeases Him, claiming that the state refuses them the civil right to do so, when the state does not have any right to try to make itself above God and His Commandments. Reject the deception of those who appease themselves with the pathetic cry of ‘Freedom! Freedom!’ Their cry often masks a tragic enslavement, because choices that prefer error and displease God immensely do not liberate. Freedom finds its true meaning.......

Continues.

Dr. Geoffrey Schembri Adami Med. Vet

Jan 28th 2011, 23:42

Part 5.

..... is to automatically separate oneself from Christ, to lose one’s communion with Him,and to violate, nullify and loose one’s Catholic identity. Whoever is in this situation cannot call himself a Catholic, nor consider himself as a disciple of Christ. Those who dissent from the teachings of Christ and of His Church on such fundamental issues, are choosing to serve their own pride, their own selfishness, their own lust, their own comfort, instead of loving and serving God by following His Commandments. These people think that they know as much as God, or even more than Him, so they do not need to follow the Divine Word of His Son and the teachings of His Church. That same self-pride that led to the fall of Adam and Eve, who wanted to become like God’!
I readily understand those words of Saint Augustine: 'God, who created you without you, will not save you without you'. Every single one of us, you and I as well, always has the possibility, the unfortunate possibility of rising up against Jesus, who redeemed each and every one of us with His most Precious Blood, of rejecting Him, by not following the Commandments.........

Continues.

Dr. Geoffrey Schembri Adami Med. Vet

Jan 28th 2011, 23:41

Part 4.

.......those Catholics involved in public life and in politics. Even though many may expect them to put aside their beliefs and convictions in their public life, with the excuse that they should not impose these beliefs and convictions on everyone else, Catholic politicians have to keep in mind their vocation to become another Christ, Christ Himself, and therefore in every decision that has to be taken, they have to ask themselves: “If Christ was in my place, what would He do? What would be His position on this issue?” If their stand is not in line with the teachings of Christ and that of His Church, then surely Christ would not share their position, nor would He approve it.
I want to draw your attention, especially those of you in public life the following words of the Curé of Ars, Saint John Mary Vianney: ‘To dissent from the teachings of Christ and of His Church in any important matter of faith or morals, especially those related to God’s Commandments, such as with regards to the sanctity and indissolubility of marriage, as God wills it and has established right from the very beginning of creation,.........

Continues.

Dr. Geoffrey Schembri Adami Med. Vet

Jan 28th 2011, 23:40

Part 3.

......He has entrusted His Commandments to us so that we may exercise them appropriately! So any law approved by the state that is against God’s Commandment, even if the majority in a country are in favour of that law, remains immoral and wrong, and will certainly have its severe repercussions on society.
There is no reason why the Church and State should clash on laws concerning life, marriage, the family, Christian education in schools, or any other issue of faith and morals when the two with the lawful exercise of their respective authorities, in fulfilment of the mission God has entrusted to them and in line with God’s Commandments. Those who affirm the contrary are liars, yes, liars! They are the same people who honour a false liberty, and ask us Catholics to do them the favour of going back to the catacombs.
We Catholics have been called, as Saint Paul reminds us, ‘to become another Christ, Christ Himself’. So, if you want to become like Christ, you must see things as He sees them, so that your thoughts, your views, your words become like those of Christ Himself. This applies to all Catholics without exception, especially........

Continues.

Dr. Geoffrey Schembri Adami Med. Vet

Jan 28th 2011, 23:38

Part 2.

......... with other contours. But in matters of faith and morals is only one indisputable truth, that of Christ and of the Church which He founded and which He gave authority to teach His Word. In these areas God's sons have to stand firm and defend God’s Commandments, for the sake of all mankind. To give way in matters of faith and morals would be a false, diabolical, deceitful charity. This is not fanaticism, but quite simply the practice of our faith. This is not imposing our beliefs on others, but defending the truth. We can give way in all temporal matters, but in matters of faith and morals we cannot give way. We cannot compromise in any way God’s own Commandments, nor accept anything that goes against these Commandments. We cannot change anything of the teachings of Christ in order to accommodate ourselves. These are not our rights; they are God's rights! Remember what Our Lord said: ‘Render to God what belongs to God, and to Caesar what belongs to Caesar!’ God’s Commandments are His, and nobody, not even the state, has any right to modify, play around, compromise or infringe His Commandments!......

Continues.

Dr. Geoffrey Schembri Adami Med. Vet

Jan 28th 2011, 23:35

Part 1.

May we all, especially our politicians, reflect on these words of Saint Josemaría Escrivá(1902-75):

“If God greatly respects our personal freedom, how could we fail to respect the freedom of others, particularly in those very wide areas which admit of a pluralism of opinion and action? There are no dogmas in temporal affairs, related to human matters. To try and set up absolute rules in matters where the individual has to try to see things from his own point of view, in terms of his own interest, his cultural preference and his own experience, this insults the dignity of man. Any attempt to lay down dogmas in the temporal sphere leads inevitably to coercing the conscience of others, to a failure to respect one’s neighbour. As Christians, you enjoy the fullest freedom, with the consequent personal responsibility, to take part as you see fit in political, social or cultural affairs, with no restrictions other than those set by the teachings of Christ and the Magisterium of the Church.
In human affairs other people may also be right: they see the same question as you, but from a different point of view, under another light, with other shades.......

Continues.

gguccione

Jan 28th 2011, 23:20

seems like everyone who is anti-divorce seems to forget the phrase "live and let live"... I wonder what is their business to impose their decisions on others... i will never understand!

jcamilleri

Jan 28th 2011, 22:13

I heard the programme and Dr Fenech Adami stated that divorce is no civil right legally, rather, it is the violation of the right of marriage. I fully agree.

F. Callus

Jan 28th 2011, 21:13

Malta sa ftit zmien ilu kellha idendita cara. Parti minn din lidendita kienet li hi kattolika!! L-istat hu maqghud u jipprova jimxi id fid ma lKnijsa. Fiz zjara tieghu Missier il Knisja (li m'hix cajta ta...rraprezentant ta Kristu) heggeg l Malta biex izzomm dawn il valuri li JIDDISTINGWUNA!!! Issa ladarba lpartit DEMOKRISTJAN mhuwiex kapaci lanqas izomm mal-valuri u lprincipji li minn dejjem haddan...nittamaw li lpoplu Malti jikkonferma din l-idendita! Min ihobb u minhu kburi lejn pajjizu ghandu jhares bmod pozittiv lejn dan il fatt ta ghaqda. Ma ninsewx li bid divorzju...iz zwieg nisrani ser jitlef hafna mis sens tieghu. Ma nistax nemmen kif il Maltin lesti jarmu lpassat twil taghna fejn dejjem iddifendejna rreligjon taghna!

M. Grech

Jan 28th 2011, 20:20

From where does Dr Fenech Adami get this "quick fix" feeling when what is being proposed is at least a 4 year trauma before even applying for divorce. In my case I have been legally separated for 7 years, have not spoken to my ex since even before that, have no children, yet to the state I am considered as married! Only in Malta. If this is not absurd I don't know what is, but those against divorce continue to maintain that I should live in solitude for the rest of my life ( I don't even have children). This is so uncharitable, besides it also shows total lack of compassion on the part of the catholic anti divorce lobby. 2000 years ago Jesus used to call them "oqbra imbajda" and the passage of all this time has not changed anything. True catholics should not fear divorce since they will never travel down that road. There is a dire need to separate the state from religion without further delay, but we have weak politicians whose intyerest appears to be to get all the trappings of power.

alfred curmi

Jan 28th 2011, 20:08

Dr. Fenech Adami said "he did not need an impact assessment to tell him divorce was bad because his religious beliefs already told him so". !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a thoroughly pathetic statement!

jcamilleri

Jan 28th 2011, 19:58

X"injoranza grassa, aqqas jitwemmnu li ghad hawn min jibqa jibla dak kollu li jghid haddiehor. Possibli ma' tistghux tifmuha li hemm min hu zvinturat hemm barra waqt li intom qed tgawdu xi tip ta' rispett minghand zwiegkom. Minjaf kemm hawn dal-hin u dan il-mument tfal u nies abbuzati minn kull tip ta' mohqrijja u tibqghu temmnu li ma' jghoddx id-divorzju. Tifmuha biss meta tolqot lilkom u lill familtkom.

J. Xuereb

Jan 28th 2011, 19:41

Unfortunately not everyone shares your religious beliefs Dr. Fenech Adami. We keep forgetting that over here we're talking about civil rights and not religion!

simon galea

Jan 28th 2011, 19:37

Intolerance and egoisim at its best.

C. Borg

Jan 28th 2011, 19:11

And Jesus said '' "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality,and marries another woman commits adultery..." So Jesus was not against divorce 100%. Or are there exceptions. If my wife leaves me for another can I get a divorce. So those who are completely against divorce even in these circumstances are they going against Jesus' teachings?

martin saliba

Jan 28th 2011, 18:06

Many didnt agree with the presidential pardons especially to queroz but they were given as you dont believe in divorce which the maltese will have.

J Farrugia

Jan 28th 2011, 17:49

Had we wanted to be governed by the church then there is no use for any political party. So I think that it is time for the people in power to pull up their socks and do what they were elected to do. You were not elected to give us lessons on religion.Politicians were elected to provide for the nation whatever the the population need, no matter how small or big the portion is. We dont forget about the needs for the elderly or for the young, neither do we forget the disabled persons no matter how small a percentage they can be. Stop beating around the bush. We are not concerned about your religious beliefs and no one has asked you to be a judge upon anyone who does not conform exactly to yours. We are in the situation certainly not out of choice. As leaders of the state and not any religious movement you are obliged to make sure that all your population are given fair and equal rights from which we can choose or not choose. Our right to start a new life yes with equal rights as all. Our right our choice.

censu attard

Jan 28th 2011, 17:49

" Dr Fenech Adami insisted during a debate on RTK radio he did not need an impact assessment to tell him divorce was bad because his religious beliefs already told him so." Did his religious beliefs also told him how to lie to most of the Maltese and Gozitan people especially the hunters and trappers to vote yes in the EU referendum. http://kaccaturi.com/eddie.html

l.zammit

Jan 28th 2011, 17:28

another approach to divorce, annulment, whatever . . etc... may the state carries out a scientific study to identify the root cause problems that at the end leads to divorce or annulment? il-malti jghid, biex tnehhi l-ghanqbuta, oqtol il-brimba.

Charmaine Marmara'

Jan 28th 2011, 17:26

dear dr fenech adami ...if we are in this state now in malta its coz of you and your viva l ewropa li mort iffirmajt ....gonzi kompla fuq il passi tieghek u tghallem sew inghid ghax kompla qeridna u ghamel ghar minnek, issa jekk joghgbok tidholx f din tad divorzju manniex bzonn l opinjoni tieghek bir rispett kollu inti issa kbir u antik, u ghext hajtek kif ridt mela nies hallijom jiddeciedu huma , min ma jridx id divorzju ma juzahx imma tkunux egoisti ghax hawn min ghandu bzonnu !!!

D Vella

Jan 28th 2011, 17:06

When politicans retire,it does not mean that the rest of the population retires with them. It does seem retired politicans can't keep a dignified silence and remain out of the limelight. Dignity alone requires at least that, especially from those who have held the highest office of State. Since they cannot refrain from making comments,it is only right for us,the people to criticise them where necessary.Dr Fenech Adami is clever enough to know that Malta cannot carry on and move forward while tying it's people to the shackles of the Church,the time has been long in coming and now is thetime to completely separate Church from State. The very least benefit the population could expect , is the freedom to decide how they wish to live their lives. Time when a politican can call use the Church to gain votes would be rightly over.Let those against divorce and who have a bad marriage live their own private hell but let those of us who are not particularly religious have equal right to live our lives as we want , harming no one in the process.Yes to divorce, to equal rights, to a democratic secular State.

edwin formosa

Jan 28th 2011, 17:04

Reading some of the posts of those who objected so vehemently to Fenech Adami’s position regarding divorce , make me think that respect and decency can be discarded so long as you're bashing Christianity. A small but vocal segment of our country will stop at nothing to cut down the role of religion in our public life. But there are many decent and God-fearing Maltese who do not agree with this attempt of mainstreaming of paganism into our culture. There are many more moral and decent people in Malta than we realize. . It's just that the good ones are busy about raising families and keeping the basic fabric of our society intact. They were able to understand the plain evident truth that the success of a solid marriage is only achieved with the help of God. They are not the hedonists and manipulators that strive obsessively to control public discourse and institutions. They are there in the background and form the true foundation of our Maltes heritage which is now being threatened. Rightly Fenech Adami encouraged the Maltese society to be true to its roots and believe in strong families.

Joseph Vassallo

Jan 28th 2011, 16:49

@ Dr Fenech Adami: If “Jesus Christ, who is not any other philosopher but the Son of God, said divorce was bad for society" it was in the circumstances prevailing 2000 years ago, when women were subordinate to men, which you seem to want to perpetuate by this expressed philosophy.

“A divorce law would simply make the state an accomplice to a person’s decision to walk away from a marriage and move into a new relationship”. It is not apparent to me that the absence of divorce in our statute is causing people to persevere and suffer in hidden painful shame. The ones doing so are those who are either blinkered or brainwashed by a church that is destroying itself by forcing its dogma on those who think that obeying these 2000 year-old rules will buy them a front-row seat in Paradise. Well! Many pretend to obey but then resort to seeking absolution for their illicit and promiscuous behaviour that is so rife in this, so proclaimed, God-fearing society that is Malta.

I can live without divorce, but why should I impose that on 400,000 others too?

Mental and physical cruelty are amply-good reason for divorce.

DGalea

Jan 28th 2011, 16:35

What has Dr Eddie Fenech Adami and all other mps done to help reduce the financial burdens crippling those who enter into marriage bond?

Nothing but dish out like confetti as vote catching schemes , social services that end up being subsidized by the same muggins whose marriage has now collaped thanks to the greedy grasping demands of Caeser who cant sustain his vote catching nanny state.

Laqwa li min hu favur u min hu kontra id-divorzju jgholli sebajh,halli nghidulu prosit ta, u kompli kif int sejjer.

Lino Apap

Jan 28th 2011, 16:35

@ Dr. Francis Saliba -Of course nobody is “roping in practicing Catholics against their will”. What practicing Catholics should do is to ignore the referndum and simply not vote. The introduction of divorce will not affect practicing Catholics anyway because they will not make use of the divorce legislation as their faith precludes them from doing so. By not voting, practicing Catholics will be true to their faith by caring about their neighbour who, on the other hand, might not have the same faith or not be as fervent as they are and need to apply for divorce to get closure on their failed marriage and perhaps regularise a new relationship.

One final note – please do not use the term “quick-fix” divorce as incorrectly as Dr. Fenech Adami did yesterday. Quick-fix divorces are those obtained in countries like Haiti, Mexico, The Dominican Republic and Guam as well as the State of Nevada where a divorce can be obtained over a weekend more or less – that is a quick-fix divorce. Contrary to what Dr. Fenech Adami stated yesterday, waiting 4 years for a divorce is certainly no quick fix as anyone with an unbased view will tell you

J Fava

Jan 28th 2011, 16:06

These fundamentalist arguments against divorce are simply 'vomiting' and downright selfish. And please leave the "Church/Religion" out of it!

Joe Zammit

Jan 28th 2011, 16:03

Divorce is an illusion.

Divorce and remarriage is a greater illusion.

Divorce and remarriage ad infinitum is the greatest illusion.

There is absolutely no reason for the introduction of divorce. Divorce is evil and to the detriment of all people. Any reasoning given in favour of divorce is flawed, groundless and unconvincing.

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

Joe Zammit

Jan 28th 2011, 15:58

Marriage is for ever. Dissolving a validly contracted marriage by a human authority is always a grave sin. No man has the right or the power to dissolve a validly contracted marriage.

Appealing to God's mercy to introduce divorce is diabolical in its very essence. The 'second chance' proposition is a devilish deceit. Christ commands us never to resort to divorce because "what God has joined together let no man put asunder!"

God will award the good and punish those who choose evil, like divorce, and this punishment will be in hell for ever if they don't repent before.

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

Margaret Bianchi

Jan 28th 2011, 15:20

I doubt that any of these arguments have managed to change minds to think differently. I admire Eddie Fenech Adami, Austin Gatt and Lawrence Gonzi who had the courage to stand up and be counted, knowing that they would be attacked and discredited as intellectuals because of their Catholic beliefs. These are all men of character, true leaders and the backbone of our society.

A society without backbone cannot stand; it crumbles.

Evarist Saliba

Jan 28th 2011, 15:14

I note that former President and Prime Minister Dr Edward Fenech Adami has been advised that "he should not try to influence the choices that the country is poised to make for itself". Has he lost the right to do so because he is now an ordinary citizen, or is it because he is not a former minister like the honourable person giving this wise advice?

Joe Bartolo

Jan 28th 2011, 15:05

Can someone who REALLY knows the answer to this question please reply?

If someone manages to get a divorce by residing abroad etc. and then comes back to Malta (where the divorce is then officially recognised), can that person then marry again EVEN IN CHURCH? or would he/she only be allowed to have a civil wedding?

Andrew Pisani

Jan 28th 2011, 14:54

I have a few questions I would like to be answered and since there seem to be quite a few anti divorce lobbyists then I am confident I will get an answer...maybe from EFA himself.

So: One argument is; Man doesn't untie what God puts together. Makes perfect sense.
Jesus said "Give to God what belongs to God and to Ceasar what belongs to Ceasar."
Considering the two statements I would say that marriage within the church belongs to God and state marriage belongs to the state. Therefore we can never dissolve the union that took place in church but we can dissolve state marriage. If the state recognises a couple as being divorced that is enough for them. Nobody is asking to remarry within the church.

Secondly; please don't use children to win an argument. Children from separated parents suffer exactly the same. No more no less. Children still see their parents with antother partner whether separated or divorced. They still spend limited time with one of the parents.

However children whose parents are happy together but cannot marry because one of them was previously married suffer more without divorce.

patrick zammit

Jan 28th 2011, 14:32

It is sickening to see these so called religious persons cherry picking what god and christ said in the bible to justify that divorce is bad and ignore completely what the same god and christ also said in the bible like killing a new bride if she is found not to be a virgin on her wedding night, keeping female slaves and marrying them if you fancy them, curing those suffering from epilepsy with the help of a pig etc. God also told us not to lie but if lying about Dr Sant would help us in a coming election, who cares.

Joseph Zammit

Jan 28th 2011, 14:31

In the issue of the abuse of power between state and the family, please get to read Stephen Baskerville PhD's regarding his struggle with the law courts, in his country, when afer six years of marriage his wife decided to end their love life. His book comes by the name Taken into custody-The war against Fathers, Marriage and the Family.

Each knife has two edges to its blade, so is the power of law, when misused. Waw the family ending up as being one big pudding out of which living people are torn apart, by just any party.

Raymond Bezzina

Jan 28th 2011, 14:25

@ Dr. Schembri

You said that, quote " We are in favour of divorce because we favour marriage." unquote.

A person can never be in favour of divorce and in favour of marriage because by divorce
there is no real commitment, there is no bond, whilst in marriage there is a life long
commitment, a life long bond.

Divorce is like cohabitation, and they both go against the marriage institution.

Therefore, it is contradictory for anyone to say that s/he is in favour of divorce because s/he
is in favour of marriage.

C.Abela

Jan 28th 2011, 14:17

@J.Farrugia

Do spare a moment of your busy time, for me, Mr. Farrugia and draw me a list of whom I should vehemently hate and whom I shall spare words of compassion to ? In the mean time I will humbly stay put in the back pews and try earnestly to re-read the Gospels. I must have had it all wrong, now thanks to your inspiration, I realize there is time to hate and time to commiserate. But I am not at all convinced, you know

Dr Francis Saliba

Jan 28th 2011, 13:50

@Wally vella zarb

I did not make any reference to any entrenched clauses in the Constitution. I insist that the Catholic religion is the official religion of the republic. It will remain so as long as that article of the constitution is not amended or revoked according to law. There is no inkling of that attempt as yet except in the wish-list of anti-Catholics. Take off your blinkers and acknowledge the indisputable fact that today the Roman Catholic Apostolic religion is incontestably the religion of the republic of Malta even though that fact sticks in the throat of some rabid anti-Catholics. Q.E.D.

As regards Malta’s status, whether it is a theocracy or a democracy, you suggest, wrongly in my view, that in Malta things are being conducted as if we are a theocracy. but Immediately you admit that, thankfully, that we are not a theocracy. The inconsistency is yours and yours alone. Another Q.E.D.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Jan 28th 2011, 13:31

Dr Fenech Adami challenged the notion a second marriage was better than cohabitation. “It is only better for the individuals because it gives them a higher social standing in a society that still values marriage,” he said.

So Fenech Adami sincerely believes that cohabiting couples should have a lower social standing...this from the main who claimed to believe in unity.....Shame on him!!!!!!!!!! Very Catholic might i add!

Chris Mifsud

Jan 28th 2011, 13:31

Keep religion out of this... This isnt about religion, its not about values and its NOT about the people who are against it. It is about the people who want / need it.

There should not even be a referendum about this. It should just be legalized, because who is against it has no right to try and stop it because its none of their business.

What are these people afraid of ? That if divorce is legalized their wives or husbands will divorce them ?

This country cannot be run by peoples individual Catholic beliefs and religious convictions, that would be immature.

C Muscat

Jan 28th 2011, 13:28

This issue is affecting everyone especially Christians. Divorce is clearly antichristian.
It is also anticivilsociety because wherever it was introduced the afteraffect was against perception. At this point many argue that divorce eliminates cohabitation. This is not the result wherever divorce was introduced. The divorcists say that divorce in Malta is going to be responsible. What is responsible divorce if it is already leaving out the children of the separated couples? Mentioning the children one has to note that in today’s standard of living when it is already difficult to keep one family how it is going to solve maintenance of two or more families.
Today we have a solution for any query on paper but if God forbids this infamous law is introduced than the results will be like all the other countries without any chance of reverting back to what we are now.
Let us whether no or yes concentrate on a better and healthier family that gives society better citizens.

Msciberras

Jan 28th 2011, 13:17

I am glad for EFA that he is so convinced of what the Son of God says, but maybe my views would differ, or maybe I do not believe in a Son of a God. I hope that does not make me a lesser citizen in his view. If not, then how can even the most erudite of convinced anti-divorce Christians seem unable to get around the anomaly of defending their position while also - hopefully - believing in personal freedoms of conscience, faith, religion........How can they reconcile the idea of an indissoluble contract regardless of reason or cause for marraige (except by recourse to an non-civil ie Church court for annulment) while no such contract in no other area of human activity would be allowed to stand unchallenged? And last but not least - I would just love to see the manner in which the local Church Tribunals that rule on annulment operate 'exposed' by an intelligent investigative journalist. Many, especially women, who have endured the misfortune of being grilled by the men who sit on them end up traumatised. This is the same local Church that has been unable to prosecute alleged child molestors in its midst.

Joe Zammit

Jan 28th 2011, 12:48

Divorce is first and foremost a moral and religious issue. The basic evil of divorce lies exactly in purporting to do what it cannot do. In marriage, it is God and only God who is binding two persons together and Christ ordered (not advised) us not to put asunder what God has joined together!

The State has NO SAY in the celebration of marriage! So, it has no say in dissolving marriage. Pretending to rescind marriage is only an ABUSE of power by the State.

Divorce is grave sin. It is thus the moral issue of divorce. Whoever in any way promotes divorce is sinning seriously. Divorce is not a joke. Through divorce the sinner is separating themselves from God and placing themselves on the path to hell.

Divorce is primarily a moral and religious issue. Those who love God cannot be in favour of divorce. Voting for divorce, whether in Parliament or in a referendum, is a grave sin.

Dr Francis Saliba

Jan 28th 2011, 12:46

Who is roping in practicing Catholics against their will??? Nobody is.(C. Borg)

You would be able to answer your own question differently if you scrolled through the pro-divorce comments. Practicing Catholics are being continually pressured to connive at the introduction of quick-fix divorce legislation against the tenets of their religion otherwise they would be uncharitable, unchristian(!), selfish, uncaring of the wishes of divorce seekers, intolerant, not turning the other cheek etc.

Mario Buttigieg

Jan 28th 2011, 12:33

To add some more colour to the debate, if we are to mention bible references, one should also include Matthew 19:4-8 in which Jesus appears to explicitly accept divorce in unfaithful circumstances:

'Why then,' they asked, 'did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?' Jesus replied, 'Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.'" Matthew 19:4-8.

This confirms that Moses had already accepted divorce.

I am neither pro nor anti-divorce.

Martin Bonnici

Jan 28th 2011, 12:20

My comment is simple either we do accept the divorce in Malta or there should be no annulments, seperations, divorces achieved abroad that are accepted and no co-abitations.......lets all leave hypocracy behind us for just once and think for the best of all especially the children.

We have to choose either all or not cause either case families are still getting hurt or destroyed. This is not a religious or political issue but a concencus of understanding those who are in pain which unfortunately we have alot unseen or ignored.

C.N.AQUILINA

Jan 28th 2011, 12:12

@Warren Muscat, Jien mhux ser nieħu għaliha ħabib għax għedli li mesni kont Inkwiżitur.
Jekk dik il-verita li jien għedlek dwar l-Kristjaneżmu li jiena nemmen u nipprattika offenditek mhix ħtija tiegħi.Imma dak huwa t-twemmin tiegħi u tal-maġġioranza tal-Maltim. li id-divorzju huwa ħaġa ħażina, u dak il- kattoliku miżżewweġ li jieħu d-divorżju quddiem Alla
xorta għadu u jibqa r-raġel ta' dik il-mara li iddevorzja minnha.Ħabieb.
GĦALHEKK ID- DIVORZJU HUWA ĦAŻIN GĦALINA, GĦAL ULIEDNA U GĦALL-PAJJIZNA ĦABIEB TAGĦNA.

Dennis Agius

Jan 28th 2011, 12:10

Jien Naqbel mad DIVORZJU.
Issa dawk li ma jaqblux, jista xi hadd johrog b'idea x'ser isir minn dawkli diga kellhom ir relazzjoni taghhom spiccat? jibqaw pogguti jekk huma, jew jibqaw ghal eternum wehidhom ikkundannati minn dawk kollha li jhabbtu fuq sidirhom nhar ta Hadd!
dawk li ha jkollhom ir relazzjoni taghhom spiccuta minn hawn u ftit iehor kif ha ssolvulhom iz zwieg? hadd ghadu ma qal xejn fuq dan jista xi hadd jilluminani? ghax kullhadd qed jitkellem li ghandu jkun hemm soluzzjoni. X'hin hi s-soluzzjoni?
nahseb li dawn li ma jaqblux ma divorzju ser ibdew imorru jghixu mal familji li jkunu qed jitkissru specjalment minhabba il vjolenza domestika, li skond ghaqda partikolari qed tghid li il vjolenza domestika qed tikber biex meta ragel jew mara tkun ser jahbtu ghal parti l-ohra jzommulhom idehom u jghidluhom LE JAHASRA ALLA MA JRIDX HEKK.
EJJA NGHIXU IR REALTA.

J.Debono

Jan 28th 2011, 12:04

God bless Dr.Fenech Adami!

Joe Zammit

Jan 28th 2011, 12:02

Divorce is first and foremost a moral and religious issue. The basic evil of divorce lies exactly in purporting to do what it cannot do. In marriage, it is God and only God who is binding two persons together and Christ ordered (not advised) us not to put asunder what God has joined together!

The State has NO SAY in the celebration of marriage! So, it has no say in dissolving marriage. Pretending to rescind marriage is only an ABUSE of power by the State.

Divorce is grave sin. It is thus the moral issue of divorce. Whoever in any way promotes divorce is sinning seriously. Divorce is not a joke. Through divorce the sinner is separating themselves from God and placing themselves on the path to hell.

Divorce is primarily a moral and religious issue. Those who love God cannot be in favour of divorce. Voting for divorce, whether in Parliament or in a referendum, is a grave sin.

Vicki Soler

Jan 28th 2011, 11:56

The permanent bond of marriage would be diluted even with an annulment. So why not divorce !!!!!

Joseph Zammit

Jan 28th 2011, 11:56

We need therefore to quickly and definitavely resolve the problem of week relationships by resorting to the education of our society, young and not so young need to sensible to the good that befits them and others. Divorce should be a redundant law not a scare then.

Joseph Zammit

Jan 28th 2011, 11:55

We need therefore to quickly and definitavely resolve the problem of week relationships by resorting to the education of our society, young and not so young need to sensible to the good that befits them and others. Divorce should be a redundant law not a scare then.

Joseph Zammit

Jan 28th 2011, 11:53

We need therefore to quickly and definitavely resolve the problem of week relationships by resorting to the education of our society, young and not so young need to sensible to the good that befits them and others. Divorce should be a redundant law not a scare.

J.A.PORTELLI

Jan 28th 2011, 11:50

ALL THESE PEOPLE WHO CLAIM TO BE SUPER RELIGOUS , THEY USE GOD AS AN EXCUSE TO HATE AND CONDEMM OTHERS.IT GOES AGAINST WHAT JESUS STOOD FOR AND DIED FOR .HE STOOD AND DIED FOR WHAT HE PREACHED.HE PREACHED LOVE.CHARITY AND FORGIVENSS,COMPASSION AND ABOVE ALL EQUALITY.NICE VALUES BUT SADLY WE HAVE THE LOST THE MEANINGS.WE HATE ALL THOSE WHO GO AGAINST WHAT WE BELIEVE IN.WE WANT GAYS TO LIVE LIKE US,WE DO NOT WANT PEOPLE TO GO LAPDANCING.WE DO NOT WANT THIS AND THAT,AS LONG AS THEY LIVE LIKE THE SELF ELECTED MORALS WE HAVE TURNED OURSELVES IN.WE ARE TURNING IN A SELF RIGHTRIGHTEOUS EGOIST NATION.GOD HELP US.

ROGER ATTARD

Jan 28th 2011, 11:44

Sur C.Camilleri,d-differenza bejn Annulament u Divorzju hu: ANNULAMENT huwa żwieġ li qatt ma sar għax kien hemm xi qerq li ma ntqalx qabel sar iż-żwieġ, allura jiġi NULL.
Filwaqt li SEPARAZZJONI, kien hemm żmien li koppja iżżewġu biex jibnu familja kif suppost u wara jinqalu problemi li ma jkunux jistaw JISSOLVEW, u l-koppja tissepara w jmorru għar-rashom. MALTA ma għandniex Divorzju w lanqas il-KNISJA MA TAGĦRFU.

John Borg Vella

Jan 28th 2011, 11:39

Are we Secular or not?
The church impact assessment probably was on how much it is going to lose out on the exaggerated fees attributed to annulment cases

Joseph H Borg

Jan 28th 2011, 11:36

When I was younger, I used to read the MAD magazine. It used to contain stupid quotes which made loads of sense, yet intended to make you laugh. Reading these comments below and what EFA said in this debate, one quote came to mind which really sums up what some bigots are all about:
PEOPLE ARE SO NARROW MINDED; THEY CAN SEE THROUGH A KEY HOLE WITH BOTH EYES.
Some may laugh, but in truth it makes me cry and want my children to leave this taliban rock we call Malta.

joe galea

Jan 28th 2011, 11:36

Is Sur Andre Camilleri jaf bizzejjed li id dinja kollha ghanda id divorzju barra aghna il Maltin!!
ghax aghna biss bravi.......u hallina!!!!!!!! pajjiz tal BANNANA......... MOHH TAL LI STONE AGE!!!

Joseph Zammit

Jan 28th 2011, 11:34

Was out of space, please bear with me.

Honest people contract a permanent bed relationship. Then what do you do when all one's honest honesty meats anothers' unhonest motives.

Traditionally we have believed in the gradual coming towards each other of the two spouces. Marring into families of known honesty. For some time people no longer take the chance of knowing into what contract of a weding one is entering into. Knowing the partner's character, background, family history anything that goes towards the quasicertain choice of partner.

Dedicating one's future, one's body, one's goods, ones's ofspring, all such stuff goes into the debate marriage. Our kids have full right to enjoing a solid partnership between their parents. Only a marriage able to heal itself through reconciliation of errors, being grave or little is worthy in transmitting the meaning of true love.

We need to garantee a conviviality of people that starts from the heart. A heart that does not exclude truth. Truth about said people is the sole context for love. When we have done away with being informed, we now have this situation arising where people are used or thrown out of our lives.

paul ciantar

Jan 28th 2011, 11:27

prosit karl Gouder for supporting the pro divorce lobby.... who is next MP in the PN side better noot name any one but sure there are 4 others who have this stand as in labour there are 4 others who will vote against divorce. so please do not politisize this issue too.
I have admired Dr Fenech Adami many times for his beliefs but this time I have to refrain and take an opposite view from his

Matthew Grima

Jan 28th 2011, 11:26

I would like to ask this hypothetical question.

If lets say in a few years time most of the Maltese citizens and MPs were non believers, would Christians accept a law that Christmas and Good Friday activities are no longer allowed?

Michele La Ferla

Jan 28th 2011, 11:21

This is the real spirit which the nationalist party, as a Christian-Democratic Party should adopt! One which speaks for the rights of those people who deep inside hold their Christian values at stake when such a decision needs to be taken. For me, it is a scandal how Dr. Pullicino Orlando, who although coming from the nationalist party, would speak in favour of such a divorce bill.

Hans-Jorgen Gotsche

Jan 28th 2011, 11:18

In the long line of comments these two quotes cover the topic perfectly:

P. Mifsud: “The religious side of marriage has long been extrapolated from marriage with the onset of civil marriages, even in Malta. Anything done/instituted by man can be (or should be possible to be) undone/uninstituted. We are here speaking of civil rights, not a religious ones.”

Paul Caruana: “.....for better or worse, Maltese civil society is changing rapidly, and frankly having people liquidate reasonable solutions to irrevocibly broken marriages on the basis that "his religious beliefs told him so" shows just by how much these people are out of touch with the realities of modern life.”

Raymond Bezzina

Jan 28th 2011, 11:10

The divorce lobby, by their so called 'serious type of divorce', they are saying that
a person has to be separated for at least 4 years before applying for divorce.

In reality, by this proposal, people would start to cohabit for four years before actually
applying for the divorce. This is one reason why cohabitation and divorce are the same
thing - in both of them there is no bond - no real commitment.

Therefore, there is no such thing as a 'serious type of divorce'.

Divorce is evil condemned by God Himself, and evil can never be regarded as a right thing to do.

joseph stafrace

Jan 28th 2011, 11:03

I stand to be corrected but isn't the title Emeritus a reflection of the status Dr. Fenech Adami once occupied? I was under the impression that past presidents would refrain from entering into controversial issues. A case in point was the late Dr. Gwido Demarco; who diplomatically skirted away from very sensitive issues be they political or otherwise.

C. Camilleri

Jan 28th 2011, 11:01

X'inhi id-differenza bejn; Annulament u Divorzju?

C.Abela

Jan 28th 2011, 11:00

What brings cold shivers to me, when anti-Divorce lobbyists, express their views is the palpable absence of humanity and compassion in their talk. But is this really difficult ?

Edric Micallef Figallo

Jan 28th 2011, 10:58

This is selective reporting, Fenech Adami made numerous points. Perhaps the most important was omitted by this and other news media who are obvious in their liberal inclination. Fenech Adami termed Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando's doing "żlealtà politika". Something like that should have clearly been reported, but journalism seems to have its limits. Its agenda.

Joseph Cauchi

Jan 28th 2011, 10:57

Quick-Fix-Divorce is the norm in most Western world countries, although the original intention was the opposite; however this is a state of fact!

There is no guarantee that this could not happen to Malta; and divorces would become a dime-a-dozen affair!

Just imagine the (negative) impact this would have on our “miniscule” island!

JC.

Karl Abela

Jan 28th 2011, 10:53

I vividly recall the Malta Labour Party opposing Malta's introduction into the European Union because we would be exposed to unwanted values coming in from Europe.....

Where is labour now?

A.Gauci Cunningham

Jan 28th 2011, 10:51

Clearly the anti-divorce argument is fast shifting to a religious one, one that threatens and frightens people with eternal damnation and uses the bible as the main source of proof. First of all divorce , if introduced, will only apply for those who are in a Civil Marriage, so those married in the Church need not worry. Their marriage will always be valid just as their faith demands. Secondly JPO and Evarist have proposed divorce legislation similar to other Catholic countries where divorce is filed only after 4 years (debatable) after their legal separation and after all attempts have proved futile. That is, in my opinion, a good balance between keeping the institution as healthy as possible and giving another chance to those responsible enough to start another family. What are the anti-divorce ppl offering those whose marriage has been irremediably shattered? What? A load of quotes? Pulpit politics? I simply can't believe the selfishness reigning galore, the attitude of "I'm Ok...eff you jack" and I can't believe why all former political leaders in this country, like magic candles, never cease to burn.

Giga Borg

Jan 28th 2011, 10:45

For all those against divorce,"When you fall in a river, you're no longer a fisherman; you're a swimmer."

Joseph Zammit

Jan 28th 2011, 10:45

Different realities, be they marriage, and 'marriage'. Most of us maltese citizens, after entering a relationship with all the right intentions, sometime find themselves within the where they are unfaithful because of work, chat, weaknesses of the flesh.

From this stand point one might justify the situation where the remaining spouce is revolted to say the least. When honest good faith accompanies the marital relationship, literally anything can be put back together. We know of so many honest people, who though weak in all the ramification that may entail, have happily reconciled.

The question to divorce arises, when people seaze to sincearly reconcile. Annulments in civil tribunals are said to be easier obtained for varied propositions. In local tribunals belonging to the Roman Catholic Church, the research is made to obtain the truth about the official concent, at said weeding ceremony.

The painful question arises when the issue between the wed parties is that of an infamous deceptive kind, of issues difficult to discover, far removed from the knowledge of one contracting party, especially when the deception has preceeded the said weding.

John J. Galea Axiak

Jan 28th 2011, 10:38

Jien Kattoliku prattikanti li ma nemminx fid-divorzju. Ma nemminx fih per principju socjali u imbghad anke per principju Kattoliku. PERO': Inhoss li kif qal Gesu' "Aghtu lil Alla dak li hu ta' Alla u lil Cesari dak li hu ta' Cesari." Ghandna naghmlu differenza netta bejn Alla u l-istat! Ghalija, jidhol u ma jidholx id-divorzju fejn inkun se nibqa ghaliex ghalija bhala Nisrani u izjed u izjed bhala Kattoliku ma japplikax. Mill-banda l-ohra, kif anke Alla jhalli l-bniedem liberu li anke jirrifjutah ghandna nhallu lil xulxin liberi. Fi zmien Gesu' it-taghlim tieghu ukoll gie rifjutat minn hafna, ahseb u ara illum. B'dan kollu rrid infisser li kif qal Gesu' ukoll: "il-qamh u s-sikrana flimkien jikbru!" Ejjew ma nghixux religjon tal-massa imma nibdew minn konverzjoni personali. Ghal min hu Kattoliku ta' veru, jigifieri mhux bil-paroli biss, ikun hemm u ma jkunx hemm il-legalita' tad-divorzju m'ghandiex tghamillu differenza ghax ghalih/a ma japplikax! Alla halla l-bniedem liberu ejjew nhallu lil xulxin liberi fl-ghazliet individwali. Dawk il-Kattolici li jirragunaw li jistghu jghidu iva ghad-divorzju ghandhom jiftakru li il-Kattolicezmu mhux Menu' li taghzel minnu li jaqbillek!

Raphael Vassallo

Jan 28th 2011, 10:36

Everything you need to know about the anti-divorce argument in one sentence:

"Dr Fenech Adami insisted during a debate on RTK radio he did not need an impact assessment to tell him divorce was bad because his religious beliefs already told him so."

Malcolm Bonnici

Jan 28th 2011, 10:36

Dr Fenech Adami said that if two people promise each other to stay together "until death do us part", that contract has to be honoured. The logic might make sense if we are debating if we should have separation. However I'm sure Dr Fenech Adami is not against separation and thus he agrees that the "until death do us part" promise has already been breached. That argument holds water only when discussing separation. A divorce does not constitute separation. When a divorce is granted, the couple has already been separated and rightly so a divorce should only be granted if a couple is already separated.

Also, claiming that the proposed divorce bill is a quick fix divorce is the worst kind of misinformation. How is the condition that for a couple to obtain a divorce they have to be separated for 4 years a "quick fix"? Dr Fenech Adami, please have a look at "Introduction to Logic". At least if you want to bring about arguments against divorce, it might help your case to use some sound logical arguments.

warren muscat

Jan 28th 2011, 10:33

@ C N Aquilina- You would have been an inquisitor in a past life.

Alf. Galea

Jan 28th 2011, 10:23

You know what, the Divorce referendum wont pass. Why? I am happy with my marriage, thank God, but three friends of ours are living separated from their husbands, and the women, they all said they are against divorce 100%.

Reason......well with divorce their husband can marry another women, which will become officially his wife. That something they will never allow....matarx erhieh jindanna........

Malta kattolika............unika fid-dinja

Paul Caruana

Jan 28th 2011, 10:22

This is getting ridiculous.....for better or worse, Maltese civil society is changing rapidly, and frankly having people liquidate reasonable solutions to irrevocibly broken marriages on the basis that "his religious beliefs told him so" shows just by how much these people are out of touch with the realities of modern life.

EDWIN DE MARCO

Jan 28th 2011, 10:20

All is not lost. One can always apply for annulment & marry again. 40 or more years back annulments were only given once in a blue moon but with 2,000 on the waiting list it seems they're selling like hotcakes. For the rich people, no problem, they can take up residence abroad ANYWHERE in the world for half a year or so (except the Philippines, which is a long way off, anyway) & obtain divorce from there. Then they can have a Catholic wedding in Malta. As for those who don't have that kind of money I would suggest that a Movement be formed & people who are happily married with no chance of getting divorced - would donate money to help these people who cannot afford, etc. With a people as generous & altruistic as the Maltese, donating even for stray animals, the problem would be solved. No moral hang-ups anymore! Of course, the very rich people could actually stay abroad & enjoy their life without having to bear stigmas because they are separated, living together, etc. Viva l-ugwaljanza!

C.N.Aquilina

Jan 28th 2011, 10:15

@Waren Muscat, JIENA NEMMEN FIL-KELMA TA' ĠESU KRISTU, L-IBEN T' ALLA MAGĦMUL BNIEDEM LI ĠIE FID-DINJA BIEX JIFDINA.
U ŻGUR LI DIN ID-DEĊIŻJONI TRID TITTIEĦED MINN ASPET TAL-VALUR TAT-TAGĦLIM KRISTJAN U L-KELMA TA' ALLA, DAK LI ĦALAQNA U QED IŻOMNA QAWWIJIEN U SĦAĦ,
DAK IL-MULEJ LI FL-AĦĦAR MILL-AĦĦAR QUDDIEMU IRRIEDU IMMORRU, IRRIDU MA IRRIDUX, ĦABIEB!

j gatt

Jan 28th 2011, 10:11

A policy of Money No Problem, has broken many a stable familly`s back, so as to speak/write.
This policy (still in effect) with the resultant Tax Burden on all, but especially so for families, is creating a severe negative effect on our society.

For those who get 500 Euro/week increase and no limit to their pensions ie full pensions plus perks, this policy has no adverse effect.

Talk is cheap

l-evans

Jan 28th 2011, 10:07

all it boils down to is heaven or hell. heaven will be reserved exclusively for the maltese and filippino people (sinCe i believe we are the only two couintries where divorce ain't permitted). as for the rest....they can go to hell!! U HALLUNA!!

David Caruana

Jan 28th 2011, 10:02

“Jesus Christ, who is not any other philosopher but the Son of God, said divorce was bad for society. This is the truth and it is what I believe in. I will not budge from this position,” he (Fenech Adami) said.

What a sad day. I used to respect the man so much.

mmallia

Jan 28th 2011, 09:54

all those against divorce are selfish people, either rooting for their religious insecurities or afraid the bubble they live in will explode. Selfishness is the root of all evil.U min ghandu naqa melh f'mohhu jaf li whatever these public and political figures say is backed by an agenda.

warren muscat

Jan 28th 2011, 09:50

@C n Aquilina-FYI i dont follow any man made belief,i have an open mind unlike some.I have a brain to believe in what i want and not what i was brought up to believe,how do you know the word of God?did he come and whisper it in your ear?I know what is right and wrong and don't need to follow man made imaginations.

T Mifsud

Jan 28th 2011, 09:49

If there was any other proof that divorce should not be introduced just look at the pro divorce slogan of 'Iva ghad-divorzju Iva ghaz-zwieg'. It's like saying "in favour of destruction in favour of construction" ... which will lead to the next phase of possible destruction for another construction.

The two nouns are directly and diametrically opposite! No it is not a civil issue. It is a sign of principle values. Marriage is (supposedly) an educated choice. The way how society should approach marriage should change not the offer of amputation to a family structure.

Marriage is not a piece of software you can choose to uninstall. It is a full commitment. With divorce on the offer we will have marriages like demos and trial periods (try for 5 years and uninstall if you dont like it). This will lead to a destroyed society with the only victims being the children and bad signal we give future generations of how to fix problems (not)!

No to Divorce!
It is against civil society and against our fundamental values of a strong society.

Joe Grima

Jan 28th 2011, 09:47

Although I respect Dr Fenech Adami's moral values he should now understand that this country has had enough of his moral impositions on society and now that he is out of office he shoudl not try to influence the choices the country is poised to make for itself. Twentyy years of his personal moral diktats are more than enough. Like every other Leader anywhere, Dr Fenech Adami leaves behind a legacy of good decisions and others that were not so good. His morality ,imposed on the whole nation, was among the attitudes that many of us wish to forget and he shoudl refrain from refreshing our past disappointments and reopening old wounds with his new forays into old controversies. Many of us would be willing to remember his good political decisions but not his moral personal intrusions in our lives. Enough is simply just enough. .

Ramon Casha

Jan 28th 2011, 09:45

It's good of Fenech Adami to point out that his objection to divorce stems from his religious beliefs and nothing else. So, Fenech Adami and others who share his views would refrain from resorting to divorce even when it is introduced.

In the meantime, those who do not share his religion or else do not share his interpretation of scripture, would be free to follow their own consciences.

The proposed divorce bill would only allow divorce after at least four years of separation, which is not a "quick fix" by any definition.

As everybody already knows, the marriage vows are not permanent. They last only as long as the couple choose to make them last, and if they don't, then divorce or no divorce, the marriage is over. There are thousands of couples in this situation in Malta. Many of them have moved in with a new partner and formed a family, yet the state sticks its head in the sand by pretending everything's fine and peachy.

R Borg

Jan 28th 2011, 09:44

soon Malta will be called, the Vatican state of Malta :)

C. Borg

Jan 28th 2011, 09:37

Xi hadd qal ''Jekk mintomx kapaci tizzewgu tizzewgux'' ''Tajba din, proset, ghallura kulhadd ipoggi biex jekk jista ikun hemm xi problema, kull ma tajd 'itlaq, itlaq, itlaq' ghall tlett darbiet bhal musulmani.

Irhas ukoll ghax mhemmx bzonn ta tieg. Hafna flus w rigali tal-qamel.

Imma umbad jekk jigu it-tfal, xnaghmlu? U minn sejjer immantmighom??

P Mifsud

Jan 28th 2011, 09:30

What some people seem to ignore (maybe conveniently) is the fact that marriage is not some God-given supernatural institution but a man-made one, albeit with, originally, religious underlying circumstances.

The religious side of marriage has long been extrapolated from marriage with the onset of civil marriages, even in Malta. Anything done/instituted by man can be (or should be possible to be) undone/uninstituted. We are here speaking of civil rights, not a religious ones.

Victor Vella

Jan 28th 2011, 09:27

EFA is the least person that can speak about the divorce issue. Everybody knows that God does not want married couples to divorce. The Maltese church or the church in general, including the government are doing nothing to try to take the bull by its horns to answer the question Why our marriages are getting on the rocks. We don`t want any movements to solve the divorce issue. We are talking too much without tackling the cause of the problem. If the way of life that young couples who want to live together do not change they don`t meditate any more marriage , but only to live together and when they are fed up they leave without any strings attached. This is my vision of the "virtual" marriages that will be taking place in the future. One of the causes is that the church uses two ways two measures to the issue of those who want annulments. Those who have enough means and power in this l-art helwa can take whatever they want, others remain with the sin haunting them throughout their lives. Otherwise-Parole, Parole, parole and more parole

Giovanni Attard

Jan 28th 2011, 09:25

Hallini fil-paci Dr. Fenech Adami!! Mhux bizzejjed farrakt pajjiz bil-politika skaduta tieghek? Issa trid tibqa' tindahal lill-poplu Malti x'ghandu jaghmel fil-kwistjoni tad-divorzju? Il-poplu huwa maghqud wara Dr. Joseph Muscat li jesprimi qbil dwar l-introduzzjoni tad-divorzju bhala DRITT LILL-POPLU MALTI U GHAWDXI KOLLU u nemmen li dan ser ikun espress fir-referendum ta' din is-sena.

Dr Francis Saliba

Jan 28th 2011, 09:21

In a predominantly Catholic country, citizens adhering to the official religion of the republic, should not be bullied, intimidated or misled into suppressing their own conscience so as to support in any way the introduction of divorce laws that go against the clear teaching of Christ about the indissolubility of marriage.

Informed practicing Catholics know that the morality preached by Christ is binding on all humanity, not just Christians. It would be morally indefensible for them to connive in any way whatsoever in the introduction of laws that go against that moral law. This is not a question of Catholics not tolerating the practice of the religions or the atheism of others. It is a question of practicing Catholics refusing to be roped in as accomplices in the introduction of laws that flout the teaching of Christ.

J.Camilleri

Jan 28th 2011, 09:01

Whoever is against divorce just keep on thanking god that your partners didn't cheat or abuse on you or your own kids. This is the reality. Only speak highly of divorce when it hits your loved ones, family or anyone you know who is really suffering because of their spouses wrong doings. Hobb lill ghajrek bhalek innifsek jghid il-malti. Nobody is going to dictate to anyone what to do or not to do, this is not the 60's interdett era, we are in a supposed democratic country and should understand everyone's values. People can be filthy rich or people a really poor, people are living in wonderland with their spouses whilst others are living like slaves or see their own children being abused by their own father or mother. Is there a way how they can be helped?

C.N.AQUILINA

Jan 28th 2011, 08:58

@Waren Muscat, MIN HU VERAMENT KRISTJAN JEMMEN LI Ż-ŻWIEĠ ĦALQU ALLA,U JAGĦMEL ĦAŻIN DAK IL-BNIEDEM LI JIPPROVA JKISSER IL-PJAN U L-KELMA TA' ALLA.
TGĦID META IL-MULEJ ISEJĦILNA U JGĦIDILNA LI Ż-ŻWIEĠ GĦAMLU HU, U LI MHUX SEWWA LI DAĦĦALNA D-DIVORŻJU F'MALTA U F'GĦAWDEX U KSIRNA L-KELMA TIEGĦU, X'SER NIRRISPONDUĦ, ĦABIEB TIEGĦI?

Kenneth Cassar

Jan 28th 2011, 08:53

@ Dr Fenech Adami:

What is your opinion about quick-fix annulments - for instance 3 annulments in one family?

Joe Cassar

Jan 28th 2011, 08:37

So much for their promise not to debate the issue on relgious grounds. That particular mask was soon whipped away.

Kenneth Cassar

Jan 28th 2011, 08:36

Isn't it a bit late for your to try to convert Malta into a theocracy, dear Dr Fenech Adami?

Pierre Borg

Jan 28th 2011, 08:29

Societies aim should only be to strenghten the family bond and family values. To be honest today many who don't beleive and do not practice their faith when they come to marry go to church and because their marraige fails they expect the church to dissolve their marraige.
These many family breakdowns is very saddening. The problem is that we are loosing our values and we are replacing God with other values. We want to be Gods. I do not argue that there is alot of suffering but do not blame the church or God but only ourselves who have created this havoc.
I suggest the church that as it hold prayer meetings for the holiness of priests just as well should hold prayer meetings for the holiness and strengthing of the family. We Catholics our strong tool is PRAYER. PRAY that we shall not be lost.

Alfred Gatt

Jan 28th 2011, 08:20

I am in total agreement with what Dr Fenech Adami and Dr Andre Camilleri are saying. Divorce will cause great harm to our society and divorce is not a human right. Only marriage is a fundamental, although not an absolute, human right. If people choose to vote in divorce, this means that they would be giving the newly weds the option to remain or divorce at the very outset of their commitment. A lot of reflection is needed to see the consequences of divorce and the harm it will do to our society.

Stephen Mangion

Jan 28th 2011, 08:20

Id divorzju ma jsolvi xejn. Le ghad divorzju f'Malta

warren muscat

Jan 28th 2011, 08:16

@ C.N Aquilna-Your God made this world without any of the things in it,he didn't invent marriage,so are you saying that we shouldn't have marriage?or cars?or entertainment systems?....
Also a referendum on divorce?Just another way not to lose any votes,we should have had a referendum on the MP's pay rise and on a whole lot of other things...what is this country coming to?

paul ciantar

Jan 28th 2011, 08:14

Does Dr Fenech Adami has anything to say about quick fix annulments !!!!

Charles J. Buttigieg

Jan 28th 2011, 08:06

Dr Fenech Adami insisted he did not need an impact assessment to tell him divorce was bad because his religious beliefs already told him so. Good point, perhaps Dr. Fenech Adami can also tell us what his religious beliefs are on ‘ingarzament’, fornication, adultery and homosexuality. Dr. Fenech Adami will do well to drive home the message to people who share his Christian beliefs, that divorce is immoral and that desperate wives and husbands should keep united till death, however, he should also allow the others the freedom of choice. Our House of Representatives represents a people that have diverse beliefs, does it not?

warren muscat

Jan 28th 2011, 08:03

The same way as it is a human right to get married,divorce is also a human right.If you don't agree to divorce then good for you,but let the people that have had miserable marriages get on with their lives and get a divorce.The church is just another group in our society that should butt out of public affairs and mind their own business.

C.N.AQUILINA

Jan 28th 2011, 08:03

ALLA ĦALAQ ID-DINJA U L-BNIEDEM MINGĦAJR ID-DIVORZJIU, U BL-AĦJAR AFFARIJIET LI JAGĦMLULU KULL ĠID..
KIEKU Il-MODA TAD-DIVORZJU KIENET ĦAĠA TAJBA GĦALL BNIEDEM, MA NAĦSIBX LI ALLA MA KIENX IPOĠĠI D-DIVORZJU FIL-PJAN TIEGĦU.
GĦALHEKK JIEN NEMMEN LI d-DIVORZJU HUWA TA' ĦSARA GĦALINA, GĦAL-ULIEDNA U GĦAL-PAJJIŻNA!

M. Cassar

Jan 28th 2011, 08:02

I would say that it is totally out of place for anyone who has a certain amount of financial assets or anyone with strong ties to the Church to comment whether allowing people to get a divorce in Malta should be allowed. This for the fact that, if they get a divorce overseas or they get an annulment locally, thier new status is recognized in Malta so these people will not be affected simply by the non-availability of divorce here. Do we recognize a second marriage here after divorce if this occured overseas? If a second marriage is allowed for those married in church and given an annulment (and the state does allow this) are we saying that we are punishing those in civil marriage becuase the Church cannot grant THEM an annulment. If the Law in Malta allows one to not be Christian than what Christians should do is to urge everyone for better preparation before entering marriage and urge practicing Christians not to revert to divorce, just like Christians are urged to adhere to all other Church teachings.

paul ciantar

Jan 28th 2011, 07:49

as a catholic I refer Dr Fenech Adami to two major points in the new testament. One relates to Matthew in which Christ says that it is a sin that a married man lives with another woman exept if she has not been having a relationship (in simple words\) and in Mark 1 st Chapter St Joseph was considering of leaving St mary by giving her a writing in front of two witnesses before an angel appeared to him and told him that Jesus is the fruit of the Holy Spirit.... in this case was it a sin too. Then as catholics and Christians we also have doubts about these?

Ganni Sciberras

Jan 28th 2011, 07:41

No Divorce to Malta

M.Curmi

Jan 28th 2011, 07:38

"We are in favour of divorce because we favour marriage"..can something be more illogical?! it's the same as saying "we are in favour of capital punishment because we favour life!" or "we in favour of the legalisation of drugs because we favour the elimination of drug abuse"...

We've lost our values & we've become highly selfish!.....Religious beliefs or not, Divorce is still the worst attack on the family!

Ganni Sciberras

Jan 28th 2011, 07:38

Jekk mintomx kapaci tizzewgu tizzewgux!!!! mhux tizzewgu u tharbtu familja.

A. Mizzi

Jan 28th 2011, 07:31

What has he to say about quicki fix annulments?

What has he to say on equal rights to citizens and members of E.U. member Countiries