AD welcomes House vote before referendum
Alternattiva Demokratika said today that it welcomes the proposal, made in a resolution yesterday, for parliamentarians to vote in the House on divorce legislation.
"Elected representatives should stop being ambiguous and come out with a clear position on the issue," AD said.
PN General Secretary Paul Borg Olivier has moved a motion for the PN to take a position against divorce and for MPs to vote on the issue in Parliament. A vote for the introduction of divorce would have to be confirmed in a referendum.
Michael Briguglio, AD chairman, said: "The PN motion that states that Parliament should, as soon as possible, discuss the Bill for the introduction of divorce legislation is finally a step in the right direction. The calling of a referendum on such an issue, without a vote in parliament, was an abdication of the functions of the political parties and of the parliamentarians elected by the people. Parliamentarians have a duty to take an open stand on such an issue, a stand that can be clearly seen by the electorate. As things stand now, with all the political contortions by certain parliamentarians, a clear majority for divorce legislation is not assured. People are now realising that their vote in elections really has an effect on the positions taken by parliament. It is now more than ever crystal clear that it is only the presence of AD in parliament that could guarantee a
yes vote for divorce legislation".
Yvonne Arqueros Ebejer, AD spokesman on civil rights, added: "While the PN motion states that "that no political party in Malta has the electoral mandate to propose legislation for the introduction of divorce", AD has been the only consistent party with a proposal for divorce legislation in its electoral manifesto for the past 19 years. AD respects people as adults who are able to make their own decisions affecting their lifes. I appeal to all parliamentarians to vote in favour of the introduction of divorce legislation, as this can give a second chance to those persons who are enduring emotional and/or physical suffering, including children, who are the major victims of existing marriage breakdowns".
Prof. Arnold Cassola, AD spokesman on EU and International Affairs, added that it was now time for all MPs to live up to their responsibilities and take a clear position on divorce legislation, according to their conscience, without resorting to political calculations - as some had already done.
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alan smith
Feb 10th 2011, 22:08
So the party which is in favour of divorce is actually happy that the vote will be taken in parliament and the result will definitely be a no. Way to go ,,,, Way to go
Alfred Gatt
Feb 10th 2011, 17:26
I wonder when it comes to voting in Parliament, whether the voting should be an open one and not a secret vote? Should all the parliamentarians show their views openly? Would this create embarrassment for them whichever view they take or should they show their stand openly? Some have already shown their views openly for either measure.
This is a very important issue which will affect the whole nation whichever way it goes and my questions are related to this importance.
victor caruana
Feb 10th 2011, 17:20
AD is naive. The choice have to be taken by the people and not conditioned by 65 persons who cannot be said to be the most knowledged on the matter.
The PN position is contradictory and funny. They do not beleive in divorce but on the other hand give their members a free vote i.e. they are not convinced themselves.
John Lane
Feb 10th 2011, 16:52
There is a surprising amount of confusion about how a referendum can come about in Malta.
The Referenda Act requires that any proposals for a referendum must be "set out in a resolution passed for that purpose by the House". Thus, whether or not to have a parliamentary vote before a referendum is not a choice; it is a legal requirement. The law does not provide for a referendum without prior legisative action. With all the lawyers in Malta it is strange that this has not become known already.
Joe Zammit
Feb 10th 2011, 16:28
PN is right in declaring itself against divorce. Divorce is evil and to the detriment of all people.
No referendum without Parliament approval, except in abrogative referendum. AD is brain-drained and seems to be ignorant of our laws and our legal systems.
Even if Parliament passes the law on divorce, the people of Malta and Gozo have the right to call an abrogative referendum to repeal that law. So what's the use of a vote in Parliament to legislate on divorce before the referendum? Just waste of time.
AD wants a seat, probably an arm-chair, in Parliament: nini nini!!
C A Camilleri
Feb 10th 2011, 16:52
Keep your hair on Mr Zammit!
Joe Zammit
Feb 10th 2011, 16:22
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.
Marriage + Divorce = Cohabitation
Joe Zammit
Feb 10th 2011, 16:21
Legislating in favour of divorce is grave sin that separates the offender from God and puts him or her on the path to hell.
Legislating in favour of divorce is legislating in favour of evil, condemned by God.
Legislating in favour of divorce is betraying God who tells us that what he has joined together let no man put asunder!
Legislating in favour of divorce is a diabolical step that pleases only the devil.
Legislating in favour of divorce makes you responsible before God for the grave sins others will commit on account of your sinful and evil legislation.
Join in the battle between God and the devil! Fight the good fight! The victory is ours, it’s already guaranteed!
Gerard Cassar
Feb 10th 2011, 20:22
It is not known whether this Joe Zammit is married or single. In case he is married I will ask him what will he do if his wife betrays him. A clear reply is due. In case of marriage no one can put the couple asunder not even themselves. If the wife is beaten then she could not put her marriage asunder., even if she is betrayed.