Big majority adopts PN motion against divorce

S. Cachia

Feb 13th 2011, 20:59

Mela, milli nista' nifhem minn uhud mill-kummenti li issa ilhom jidhru fuq il-kwistjoni tad-divorzju f'Malta, : Li thaddan il-fidi Kattolika u l-valuri taghha f'Malta = 'antikwat' li thaddan il-verita ta' zwieg indissolubbli = 'ghadek lura' li temmen fil-familja maghquda = 'rigress' li tipprova tfittex modi ohra ta' kif tghin familja fi krizi = 'aghlaq halqek' li tghid pubblikament li int kontra d-divorzju = 'ma tifhimx' li temmen fil-Hallieq u fid-dinjita' tal-bniedem mahlux Xbieha Tieghu = 'dark ages' li Malta ma taqax fl-izball ta' hafna pajjizi ohra li dahhlu d-divorzju = 'bla sinsla' li tipprova tirraguna u tfittex il-verita bla ma tinheba wara s-sentimentalizmu = 'mhux modern' li tfittex x'inhu l-ahjar ghall-familja Maltija = 'tad-dahk' li tkun sacerdot tal-Knisja = 'tindahalax ghax ma tifhimx ghax int ma zzewwigtx' Ghandna ghal xiex nirriflettu fuq din il-mentalita'... imma ninsab ottimist li mhix il-mentalita' tal-maggoranza tal-Maltin.

Joe Zammit

Feb 13th 2011, 19:41

BORG IN-NADUR: 17 ta' Novembru, 2010:

Uliedi, illejla tajtkom prova ċara. Iva wliedi, għalhekk Ibni Ġesù qed jibgħatni hawn, fuq dil-gżira. Għalhekk għażilt dil-familja kważi ħames snin ilu. Għalhekk ridt lil Angelik u lil Catherine. Iva wliedi, Ibni Ġesù ma riedx jara żwieġ imfarrak. Għalhekk ħames snin ilu bagħatni hawnhekk, nerġa’ ngħidilkom. Ġejt inħabbrilkom minn qabel x’se jseħħ fuq dil-gżira. Kien hawn min fehemni u oħrajn lanqas biss taw widen.

Ftit taż-żmien ieħor se jkollkom għażla f’idejkom intom stess. Oqogħdu attenti x’tagħżlu wliedi. Iġġibux il-gwaj fuqkom.

Fejnhom fil-familji l-imħabba, l-għaqda, il-maħfra, is-sinċerità u t-talb flimkien? Fejnhom? Għalhekk illum kulħadd qed ifarfar minn fuq spallejh mal-ewwel intopp li jinqala’.

Iva wliedi, il-qalb tiegħi u l-qalb ta’ Ibni Ġesù muġugħin minħabba fikom. Jiena muġugħa għax jiena omm li nħoss għalikom.

Akkost ta’ kollox uliedi, jiġri x’jiġri, ibqgħu għidu: “LE GHAD-DIVORZJU, LE GHAD-DIVORZJU!"

U għidu r-rużarju u ġiegħlu lil ħaddieħor jgħid ir-rużarju.

Grazzi talli smajtu s-sejħa tiegħi.

R.Borg

Feb 13th 2011, 17:30

That political party that is promoting divorce and remarriage will not get one vote from me and from my family and other families who have at heart the common good of society.
So beware.

Michael Grech

Feb 13th 2011, 16:42

I will be interesting to see how the Bondis, Daphnes, Wains, Mulejijiet, Peppis, and other liberal-sounding individuals who orbit/used to orbit the PN's galaxy will react to this. They always seemed to implicitly/not so implicitly suggest that if we want to live in a modern, liberal, society, the PN is our best bet . It will be interesting to see how (IF???) they react to this stand.

Mark MAmo

Feb 13th 2011, 14:01

Malta is supposed to be a secular state, what a lough! Really can´t understand what´s all the fuzz about this subject! just legalize divorce, means also who is against it should just not divorce! I think also its very unfair towards all those children being born in families were parents cannot get married due to lack of divorce! Mela halluhom bghula lil dawk it- tfal, ghax hekk iridu ta kontra d- divorzju!

simon galea

Feb 13th 2011, 13:57

First and foremost divorce is a civil right and should be available for all those who need it. Our MPs have the responsability to legislate in favour of such and not come up with the excuse of not having a mandate to do so since no position was declared in any of their electoral manifestos (contrary to AD who always declared its position in favour of this civil right in ALL of its elecoral manifestos). Following such reasoning, Dr.Lawrence Gonzi promised a referendum in order to exert his democratic credentials and let the people decide. Now this same person is declaring that he will vote against a bill intended to make way for same referendum. I consider this attitude more as dictatorial than democratic! When will our politicians truly respect the people's rights? Shame on you both PN and PL.

Joe Zammit

Feb 13th 2011, 12:34

As far as I know all people die but not all marriages fail! According to the last statistic published by the government only 7% of our marriages are considered to have failed.

Divorce is the dissolution of a validly contracted marriage by a human person. After divorce, the divorcee acts the farce of entering into another fake marriage. Before God and the Catholic Church no divorce will dissolve marriage for the simple reason that no human person has the power to dissolve a valid marriage.

In marriage the spouses solemnly vow to remain married together for ever, also if their love, honour and respect wither. Otherwise it will be an invalid marriage right at the start.

Divorce will render marriage cohabitation. When the spouses want, they divorce and remarry. As simple (or rather as stupid!) as this!

Marriage + Divorce = Cohabitation

Steve Borg

Feb 13th 2011, 11:51

And there I was thinking I supported a secular party. The PN's decision to kill off a basic human right, when the rest of the world is discussing more progressive policies is akin to Labour's no to EU membership in 2003. Shame it's gone down the same path.

Daniel Schembri

Feb 13th 2011, 11:20

Back to the dark ages. God is only an old idea. And so is the devil. Religion, amongst several good deeds, tries to explain the manifested version of the old ideas.

Religion in Malta does more. It corrupts the minds and political thought. It is used to attract votes. The religious passion stains clear thinking. It tramples on our rights and freedom of choice. It is disgusting to see people interpreting this divorce issue as a battle between god and the devil. To me, this is manifested Ignorance. It is like living, 500 years ago. It is like, denying the present. It is like denying our own human nature.

Chris Reiff

Feb 13th 2011, 11:06

To all pro-divorce people. Give it up. We have no chance. These people do not listen to reason. This country is going to the dogs. Malta is a pitiful excuse for a country.

victor pulis

Feb 13th 2011, 11:05

Now that the introduction of divorce seems to have been undermined by the government, Will the protectors of the family provide a solution to all those who are passing through hell because of broken marriages? Not just theories,sympathy and crocodile tears please. Concrete solutions. And will the anti divorcists come out fighting against the introduction of legalised cohabitation now?

Christopher Vella

Feb 13th 2011, 10:56

Pity that the PN took such a stand. Since I believe that divorce is a civil right, which has nothing to do with religion, I do not feel part of the PN any more, as I feel that my beliefs and those of the party I grew up with and always believed in are no longer the same. The PN should have not politicised this issue. Divorce is a part of life in the whole world, and there is no reason why Malta should be an exception.

CA Miller

Feb 13th 2011, 02:06

If the world were coming to an end, I would run to Malta ..... because the world would end 10 years later there. Good luck with all this debating but some things are inevitable. Now it's just a question of who the clowns are......

Mary Ann Borg

Feb 13th 2011, 00:33

1. Il-Partit Nazzjonalista gheleb kull ostaklu li kellu quddiemu u JPO u Mugliette mhux se jbezzghu partit bi storja l-ghira ta' kullhadd.
2. Il-PN qatt ma beza' minn referenda. Meta deherlu li kien hemm bzonn referendum weghdu minn qabel l-elezzjoni, dahal ghalih u rebhu.
3. Issa jekk il-PL ta' Joseph hu kollu favur id-divorzju, mella allura nassumi li r-referendum se jsir ghax JPO, Mugliette u xi iehor jew tnejn jivvutaw favur id-divorzju fil-parlament.
4. Issa jekk ma jghaddix il-vot fil parlament ikun ifisser li jkun hemm tal PL li se jivvutaw, anke huma, kontra d-divorzju.
5. Il PN u l-kap, flimkien mal ezekuttiv, imxew b'ghaqal u galbu ezemplari. Rega wera, dal Partit, li qatt ma jibza jiehu decizjoni, anke meta jigi mghieghel jiehu decizjoni fi zmien qasir.
La l-PN u lanqas l-MLP ma semmew id-divorzju qabel l-elezzjoni u wisq inqas weghdu xi referendum. Billi jigi wiehed bi private members' bill (filwaqt li ghandu dritt) ma jfissirx li kullhadd ghandu jbaxxi rasu ghalih u nisfnu lkoll dak li jrid hu.
6. Diga' esprimejt ruhi favur id-divorzju, u nistenna li l-ewwel il-PL ikollu l-kuragg jiehu stand (ikun x'ikun) fuq din il-materja, umbghad iz-zewg partiti jweghdu referendum jitla' min jitla' minnhom fli jmiss.

Dan Gordon

Feb 13th 2011, 00:18

Judging by the amount of comments this issue incurrs, I would say that its is imperative that this is sent to referendum by the citizens of Malta.

It is simply too important a subject to be left for a decision by those who think they are in charge of the countries daily runnings.

If the Government does not issue this up for referendum, I would suggest walking like Egyptians.

Ganni Ellul

Feb 12th 2011, 23:16

Dr Pullicino Orlando was among those who argued that the party would suffer politically if the referendum was not held. Dr Pulicino Orlando, the party is suffering from people like you, who are making a capital from the fact that the PN has a majority of 1 in the house.To mention but 1 other person Jesmond Mugliet,what is your agenda? who do you think you are? both of you are committing political suicide and trying to bring down the goverment, shame on you. PL would promise everyone everything at the moment.remeber JM is the bossom buddy of alfred sant

L.Cardona

Feb 12th 2011, 22:12

Unfortunately one only realizes the importance of divorce when the need arises.

c borg

Feb 12th 2011, 21:27

X ipokrazija jaqaw jafu il formula ta kif iggib l annulament? ghandi ragun tlift kull fiducja li kelli wara 35 sena membru

C.Grima

Feb 12th 2011, 20:51

Għażla ċara favur il-familja. Prosit PN.

JAMES FARRUGIA

Feb 12th 2011, 20:04

ILLUM INHOSSNI KBURI LI JIEN NAZZJONALIST...I-PARTIT HA STAND FAVUR IL-FAMILJA U LI JIRRIFLETTI L-VALURI U L-PRINCIPJI NSARA LI HUMA PARTI INTRINSIKA FL-IDEOLOGIJA TAL-PARTIT...PROSIT PN!!!!

Raymond Farrugia

Feb 12th 2011, 19:45

Following this debacle it is clear that the PN will be the end loser. Nationalist voters in this predicament will either abstain from voting for the PN or even vote against it in the next elections since they see no hope in sight for their situation. The PN must be pretty uncertain of the outcome of the referendum to have acted like this. Had it been so sure of the result it would have held the referendum without any problems.

The Labour Party should now pronounce itself and promise a referendum once elected.

John Wilman

Feb 12th 2011, 19:34

Let all sides put their arguments forward, then the PEOPLE must decide

Charles J. Buttigieg

Feb 12th 2011, 19:18

A couple spend half of their youthful years living together and bears offspring out of wedlock. Capriciously this same couple decide to call it a day with their ingarzament partners and take the easy way and get married in church to different partners. Ironically, this same couple want to deny a second union to other couples whose first union failed. I don’t know about you lot but I see this attitude as the worst form of hypocrisy and selfishness.

Joe Zammit

Feb 12th 2011, 19:17

The great majority of PN supporters are against divorce.

The great majority of PL supporters are against divorce.

The great majority of Maltese and Gozitans are against divorce.

All these majorities are positive people: in favour of the indissolubility of marriage.

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

f. borg

Feb 12th 2011, 19:16

Proset PN, Kburi li l_maggoranza tanl MP Nazzjonalisti ghadhom jozzu il-valuri Kattolici u l-ideologija nazzjonalista

C Galea

Feb 12th 2011, 19:13

X'antikwita'!

"No divorce" is for Catholics. Even if divorce were introduced, no one will be forcing Catholics to do anything - even if divorced they can remain celibate like God wanted.

Are all the people living in Malta Catholics? Why does the State have to legislate against people who are not Catholic and prevent them from doing what they'd do in other European states?

Wait a second... the Catholics can still endorse the co-habitation legislation proposed. Not one Catholic complained against cohabitation laws proposed in the PN electoral manifesto...... even though God forbids cohabitation.

Weird, huh?

Victor Farrugia

Feb 12th 2011, 18:49

Prosit!! Pass għaqli ħafna.

Partit li jaf fejn huma l-għeruq tiegħu u fuq liema valuri mibni, fosthom il-valur tal-Familja!!! Mhux jara l-interessi tiegħu jew is-sitwazzjoni personali tiegħu!! Imma jara x'inhu l-ġid komuni, li nieħdu ħsieb u nsaħħu l-Familja Maltija. Għaliex Familja b'saħħitha, Soċjeta b'Saħħitha!!!

C.Busuttil

Feb 12th 2011, 18:03

@V.Cauchi

You can't be a liberal and a nationalist at the same time. We nationalists do not need liberals as they poison our beliefs and try to distort the principles on which the party was founded just to accommodate 4%,
Liberals should join labour although they will find there the likes of farrugia-borg LOL LOL

C A Camilleri

Feb 12th 2011, 17:27

The story of Malta could be seen in this movie except for the ending -

Coming-of-age story set in a small New England village whose peaceful facade hides love and passion, scandal and hypocrisy. Allison, a beautiful high school student and aspiring writer, struggles to grow up under the thumb of her emotionally crippled single mother. The mother, Constance MacKenzie, a woman with a hidden past, is now aroused by the temptations of the new high school principal. On the other side of town, Allison's best friend Selena lives in a shack with an abusive stepfather. As the seasons change, so do Allison and her friends, as they struggle to mature in the stifling small town. Finally, Allison leaves Peyton Place, but she returns to help Selena, now accused of murdering her stepfather. The trial will expose the town's bankrupt moral standards and finally bring its citizens together.

The movie? Peyton Place. Realease date? 1957!!!

Philip Hili

Feb 12th 2011, 17:13

PROSIT lil dawk il-membri tal-esekuttiv tal-PN li kellhom il-kuragg jaffrontaw din is-sitwazzjoni u zammew l-isem tal-Partit Nazzjonalista fejn hallewh ta' qabilna.
Issa t-tieni pass hu li TQALFTU lil dawn l-imbecilli mill-Partit. Mhux ghax taparsi moderni ha jaqilbu l-Partit ta' taht fuq.
Zmien il-kontijiet jasal. Sa issa ZGUR u fil-berah, tlileta :- JPO, KARL GOUDER U JESMOND MULIGIETT.
Fl-opinjoni tieghi, il-kanditatura ta' dawn it-tlieta ma ghandiex tigi accettata fl-elezzjoni li jmiss.

john borg

Feb 12th 2011, 17:07

What's wrong with a party taking a stand on the divorce issue? A party is there to lead. It is only a hotch potch party that does not take stands, like that being led by Joseph Muscat. Partit tal-kawlata. Kollox jghaddi. If there are nationalist party supporters who believe in divorce,m they can lobby their party. The roots of the PN are Christian Democrat, Labour has no roots. it just sways with the flow. if people start speaking up for abortion, or in favour of capital punishment, should we just say yes because some are saying so?

R. Caruana

Feb 12th 2011, 16:54

Most of what I've read below is absolute rubbish, from both camps.

Referenda in Malta are either consultative or abrogative. If a referendum is held before the law is enacted in Parliament and the majority are in favour of divorce it can only be considered consultative, and therefore it does not mean that Parliament is bound to enact a law in favour.

If a law is passed in Parliament in favour of divorce and then there is a referendum, it can become abrogative in the sense that if the majority is against, the law does not pass, if the majority approve, it passes.

So, a referendum has the best possibility of confirming or otherwise what is enacted in Parliament after a debate in the House. A 'Yes' vote in a referendum before the law is discussed will not mean an automatic approval of the motion that is now in front of the House. It could still be defeated by MPs.

And remember, please, that the are 'liberal' MPs from both main parties openly opposing or approving the introduction of divorce. So let's leave politics out of it and give debate a fair chance.

M. Grech

Feb 12th 2011, 16:48

Politicians makes me sick. They are elected members of parliament to look after the wellfare of ALL the population and not play about according to thier concience. If ithey can't stand the heat they should get out of the kitchen. Izda l-kilba tal-poter, li hija dnub ukoll, tisboq kollox..... All I wanted was proper closure through divorce so that i can move forward, remarriage or no remarriage. My decision to separate from a childless marriage was painfully taken, not taken frivolously but after long years trying to salve a lifeless and abusive marriage. All I ask for is proper closure. Yet the PN has already closed the door before the debate even started. Hoping the PL won't do the same and looking forward for the next election.

Stephen Borg

Feb 12th 2011, 16:48

xi hadd qal prosit, ta x'hiex prosit tal-konferma li ahan stat taliban, li ahna stat li l-knisja tigi fuq l-istat u fuq ic-cittadin?? ta dan prosit, prosit talli wara li vvutajna favur l-EU illum nghidu li ahna kontra principju li l-EU huwa wiehed mill-pilastri taghha, dik tad-driitijiet tal-bniedem , xi hadd iehor bravu hafna dan ,qal li d-divorzju huwa kontra Alla, taf siehbi li anki s-serq huwa kontra Alla, allura ghax ma titkellimx kontra s-serq, serq jista jkun forom differenti bhal nghidu ahna ikollok haddiem mieghek , itik 8 sieghat xoghol u thallsu ta 4 , ma hawnx min dawn f'Malta qaddisa, kattolika, u li nahseb li hawn niexs li jahsbu li huma biss elegibli ghal-genna, Tafu li divorzju hawn ghal min ghandhu l-flus, x'ha taghmlu x'hin tghaddi id-direttiva tal-cross border divorce ?? ha tohduha kontra l-EU???

David Azzopardi

Feb 12th 2011, 16:45

Well there you have it people in favour of divorce,the reason to why Gonzi P.N. are against the divorce bill and made this recent tactical move is because he is scared of loosing the clergy votes in the coming election by saying yes to divorce , this way he gets to keep the nuns, preists , monks and all the the other religios institutions votes which the P.N. always had to his advantage.
X' IPPOKRESIJA.

Michel Bencini

Feb 12th 2011, 16:30

History has always proven that when a party in power does not want the people to decide it always so happens that the people will eventually decide which party is elected to give them the power to decide. Where ever one stands on the issue of divorce, it is up to the people, in a democracy to decide the course of action and to live with its consequences. One cannot postpone the inevitable, I'm afraid. Losing face or credibility in the process does not serve the party in power in the least. In the end, it is always the people who have to pick up the pieces. Look what just happened in Egypt. The water finally boiled and spilled over the top of the pot.

Joe Zammit

Feb 12th 2011, 16:26

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!

patrick zammit

Feb 12th 2011, 16:20

Cofirmed!
Divorce is only available for the rich who can afford one from abroad.
This is the same situation (until corrected by Mintoff) we had when only the kids of the rich and the elite could be educated at our University funded by all the taxpayers.
Oh, I forgot, you can also get a church sanctioned divorce, even 3 in the same family!

Joe Zammit

Feb 12th 2011, 16:15

Divorce cannot be accepted nor voted for because divorce is evil, condemned by Christ and Christ condemned it because it is to the detriment of all people, also for those whose marriage has broken down. Christ knows more than all of us what is good for us.

Besides, the end never justifies the means. What God has joined together let no man put asunder. This applies even if divorce were beneficial to the whole society.

What God has joined together let no man put asunder. This must be the primary reason for refusing the legislation of divorce.

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

victor caruana

Feb 12th 2011, 16:06

The PL now is in a win win situation. It should hope that the drive for divorce fails. Then it should, in its electoral programme, promise to hold a referendum for the people to decide on the issue. Any candidate who opposes this stand (to ask he people) should not contest the election with the PL.

The PN could not take on such a promise because by then its credibility on the issue would be zero.

Marco Cemona

Feb 12th 2011, 16:00

If nothing else this divorce issue has clearly shown that the PN (and the PL) have consistently failed to discuss important social issues like the failure of marriages internally, and have been caught with their pants down when this divorce issue came out of the blue.

Makes me wonder whether the political parties actually have a discussion about anything of substance; do they only discuss political strategies of how to win the next elections? Is that where the buck stops? Were they hoping that this divorce issue (and other similar matters like cohabitation, gay rights, hunting, a property tax, etc.) will never rear their ugly heads?

Re. divorce. Ok, the PN is against divorce. What are they proposing to curtail the steady breaking of marriages? It's not OK to oppose but not propose. The country awaits and demands answers and solutons.

m. borg (slm)

Feb 12th 2011, 15:53

One notices from the posters here that that the majority of anti-divorce writers are male and i wouldn't be surprised as most male prefer the status quo and for obvious reasons.

A.gauci Cunninham

Feb 12th 2011, 15:51

So it official now !! The PN wants Malta to emulate the Phillipines, the only country in the whole world which together with Malta refuses to give the right to divorce to people whose marriage has irremediably broken down. What's worse is that in agreeing to this sham the PN exec. members have agreed that the people's voice is ONLY important IF Parliament votes YES, therefore putting 2 hurdles for a YES vote as opposed to 1 if its a NO vote in parliament. Having said that, I still fail to see why some are surprised. Gonzi did go on record saying that divorce will NOT be introduced "on my watch" so its pretty useless trying to extract water from this particular stone. Gonzi is a conservative, leading a conservative party with an overwhelming majority of people who are conservative. This might not be music to some ears but that is the PN and today is a living proof of that. If you don't like it.....easy....LEAVE!!!

ASpiteri

Feb 12th 2011, 15:46

they are condemning the party to a natural death!

as micheal falzon said last sunday...PN will now lose its liberal base that helped the party become so successful in the polls these last 30 years!

saviour falzon

Feb 12th 2011, 15:39

Life still goes on , with or without your laws>
But my Tessera of the PN is allready in the dustbin, also I said NO allready just a few weeks ago to renew it!!

Andrew Borg-Cardona

Feb 12th 2011, 15:20

OK, now can you put divorce to one side and concentrate on the important issues? At the end of the day, all you've done is annoy people who believe they should be allowed to regulate their civil relationships according to their own consciences, meaning that broken marriages and subsequent loving relationships will continue to result in cohabitation. If that makes you feel righteous, so be it. You still have other responsibilities to the country, get back to fulfilling them.

Wilfred Camilleri

Feb 12th 2011, 15:18

Good for the PN. JPO's bluff has been called. His only option now is to resign from the PN and join the AD. JPO siad that the party would suffer politically if the referendum was not held. JPO does not care about the party. If he did he would have brought this issue up at the time of an election.

A Falzon

Feb 12th 2011, 15:11

We have the partit nazzjionalista that has decided for us against divorce, If labour decide the same there is Alternativa who always was for the right of divorce. Now is the time to change things. The old war lords of the 70/80's are back and personally I dont want to go back to those times. This goverment is getting old and is getting used to power. Ghamlu lil kull had tapit.......... fejn iridu. Dejjem listes nies jiklu etc. Alternativa now is your chance

a.micallef

Feb 12th 2011, 15:09

SHAME ON YOU !! Eskludejtu faxxa ta socjeta ta nies li ghandhom il-problemi. Sfortunatament
iz-zwieg li ma jirnexxiex huwa parti mill hajja. Din ma tista tindbidel qatt, ghaliex hekkl
mghamul il-bniedem. Illum il-PN juri li huwa partit marbut mal-knisja, gvern theocratiku
u ma jafx jissepera l-istat mil-knisja, forsi ghaliex hekk jaqbel ghal-voti. Ma zmien ZGUR
U BIL-FORS Malta ser ikollha ligi ta-divorzju, u l-istorja turi kemm il-PN dejjem kien zbaljat
fuq ligijiet progressivi. Il-PN ghandhu jinzamm responsbbli talli ghal-darba ohra ghamel alleanza
mal-knisja sabiex jimponi ingustizzji fuq il-Maltin. Dan kollu sabiex jakwista l-voti. Hekk ghamel
fis 60 u hekk qieghed jghamel issa.

Joseph Attard

Feb 12th 2011, 15:07

Legislation in respect of divorce should be entrenched . An individual has a right according to our Constitution. Why referendums, why all this hassle? A Government, be it PN or PL is duty bound to be able to provide human beings with their freedom of choice.
They should stop looking at votes lost or votes gained! thisis a pitiful state going to ridicule. The who,le world laughs and human being are going through hell ! Let s be human. And whoever thinks that in troduction to Divorce law will bring about more divorce or else is right down stupid !
Every one gets married for good or for bad.........but let s face it.......thereare good enough reasons many a time where for good or for bad is thrown about left right and centre. Let s grow up. Provide the legislation. leave decisions to the individual. The rest will take itsnormal toll!

S Zammit

Feb 12th 2011, 15:04

Why would i agree with you to convert my marriage agreement into one you're comfortable with and i'm not? I'm comfortable with the agreement that i have; that i cannot marry again even if my marriage fails and the state will guarantee that for both of us. What is wrong with that? Why change my marriage agreement and the marriage agreement of those of us who are happy with it as it is? Can you change your agreement or do whatever you like but leave mine as is please?

saviour falzon

Feb 12th 2011, 15:03

Judging by readers’ comments in the papers some Maltese are now openly questioning Church influence in society. Even the Constitution has recently come under fire:

For as long as Article 2 of the Constitution stands, the Catholic Church can tell the PM, his ministers, and the Commissioner of Police to back off; or at least try to. The clergy have a protective wall around them that has to be removed.

Down with the Church having a Constitutional right to tell us what’s right and what’s wrong. We now know what they are capable of doing. [4]

http://www.concordatwatch.eu/showtopic.php?org_id=13541&kb_header_id=41281

Paul Galea

Feb 12th 2011, 15:00

At present I am not sure how I would like to vote in a referendum on divorce.
But, as a (hopefully) intelligent human being, I would appreciate being given the right to do so?

Why must I be granted a favour from Members of parliment to vote in favour of this bill for me to express my vote.

I would like my right even if the Majority of Parliment votes No.

What rules have decided that a No vote in parliment would not need a referendum to confirm it?

What makes a No vote in parliment more sound than a yes vote?

My worry is that this attitude reflects the Modus Operandi of the powers that be.

It seems the Pigs have learnt to walk on 2 legs (quoting George Orwell).

joseph camilleri

Feb 12th 2011, 14:59

I would like to know how many happily married couples are going to leave their spouse if there is a divorce law? Can someone tell me how would somebody be happy with his/her spouse to be with him/her just because there is no divorce law?

V.Cauchi

Feb 12th 2011, 14:54

Liberals have no place in the PN and they can find enough excuses to fill a scrap book fact will remain that tody the door was closed for those in the PN who aspire to live ina progressive country.

M Camilleri

Feb 12th 2011, 14:50

Konferma li gonzipn ghadu skajv ta dwardu fenech adami. qazziztuna

GiovDeMartino

Feb 12th 2011, 14:50

PROSIT PN.

Sandrp Agius

Feb 12th 2011, 14:47

Ghazla tajba favur il-gid tal-familja. Nghid prosit lil dawk kollha li ma bezghux ikunu xhieda ta dak li jemmnu fil-hidma politika taghhom. It-twemmin ta' persuna mhux riservata ghad-dar imma f'kull sfera tal-hajja.

Prosit anke lil dawk li fil-PL kienu huma fuq quddiem biex jaraw il-gid tal-familja taghna ma jkunx mhedded b'ligi li ma ssewwiex il-problemi imma zzidhom.

Il-Gvern, mill-att civili u l-Knisja jridu jaraw li min jersaq ghaz-zwieg, civili jew religjuz...jaraw li jkunu preparati ahjar, u li dawk il-familji li jkunu ghaddejjin min problemi nghinuhom mill-ewwel u mhux inhallu l-froga ssir imbaghad ma jkunx hemm soluzzjoni ohra hlief li jinfirdu,

Is-soluzzjoni ma nafx x'inhi imma cert li d-divorzju m'hijiex soluzzjoni.

Mario Muscat

Feb 12th 2011, 14:45

For me the PN already destroyed the divorce debate. The way they treated this important issue as " MY WAY OR NO WAY "

E. Azzopardi

Feb 12th 2011, 14:43

X"tahwid !!!!

Henrik Piski

Feb 12th 2011, 14:42

Divorce already exist in Maltese law for the couples who can afford it and file it abroad while taking residency. The whole issue is just pathetic and the parliament only need to make divorce available for everyone, and not only for a few.

philip pace

Feb 12th 2011, 14:38

Relgio et Patria sempris.

Joe Xuereb

Feb 12th 2011, 14:38

2) THE MANIPULATION OF MINDS MUST STOP.

saviour falzon

Feb 12th 2011, 14:36

The state also enforces Church policies on marriage: in Malta divorce is not allowed.

Separation breaks the marriage. Marriage can be created again through divorce. In Malta this is not allowed. [...] It is a baffling and hypocritical situation, which is forcing people to live together without marrying. [...] If your marriage does not work the first time, you are relegated to second-class citizen status where you can never marry again [...] Now, if the Church does not want to allow divorce, that is its right. But why is the government mirroring the Church?

d. borg

Feb 12th 2011, 14:35

Dr Gonzi must know that the PN is not made up only of himself and the executive, but also of the members and the people who support it. By declaring that the PN is against divorce, the party is not reflecting the voice of its supporters and the consequence of this arrogance will be reflected in the next election.

Joe Xuereb

Feb 12th 2011, 14:34

1)PRO-DIVORCE MALTESE ARE PRO-MARRIAGE AND AGAINST 'VIOLENCE' IN MARRIAGE, ESPECIALLY - I WISH EVEN BIGGER CAPITAL LETTERS WHERE POSSIBLE - THE CHILDREN IN SUCH VIOLENT MARRIAGES ARE BEING TERRORISED IN THINKING THAT VIOLENT MARRIAGES ARE THE NORM AND SO, DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILES ARE THE FUTURE, A VISCIOUS CIRCLE INDEED. BREAK THE CYCLE. ALLOW A SOLUTION TO 'VIOLENT' MARRIAGES. GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY NEED AND DESERVE. AND THE ANTI-DIVORCISTS CAN GO STEW.
Yes I am angry.
At a meeting reported on this newspaper yesterday - http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110211/local/marie-louise-coleiro-carmelo-abela-want-referendum-before-house-debate - people from the floor (they didn't have chairs to sit on?) suggested children over 16 should vote in a referendum (no doubt to boost the anti-divorce votes) and an anti-divorce panellist (Abela) agreed, as he would. I commented (but the Moderator has, of now, ignored my comment) that children under 16 from violent families should vote too. I didn't mean this literally. It was just to highlight the plight of children in dysfunctional families which needs to be heard. I say this because I am sick of reading that divorce ruins (valid, good marriages). Divorce ends valid marriages gone terribly wrong. IFf it's possible to understand that bit of, to too many, imponderable(?) truism./continued

vince cachia

Feb 12th 2011, 14:34

In this world I say everything is essential, Divorce, Abortion,Drugs,Euthanasia and especially capital punishment!! It is the misuse of these essentials that ruins the whole need for these essentials!!

Joseph Borg

Feb 12th 2011, 14:23

Tista ssir petizzjoni ghal firem biex ikun jista jsir referendum fuq din l-issue? U kemm hemm bzonn firem?

saviour falzon

Feb 12th 2011, 14:23

The first article of Malta’s constitution proclaims “respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual”. The second makes Roman Catholicism the state religion....

This microstate off the coast of Sicily may well have more concordats per head than any other country in the world. During the pontificate of John Paul II alone, it acquired 8 more. Its history explains this close connection with the Catholic Church.
Even today, church and state are intertwined: Catholicism is the state religion (as it is in three other tiny European states: Lichtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Malta’s Constitution enshrines this in Article 2:

1.The religion of Malta is the Roman Catholic Apostolic Religion.
2.The authorities of the Roman Catholic Apostolic Church have the duty and the right to teach which principles are right and which are wrong.
3.Religious teaching of the Roman Catholic Apostolic Faith shall be provided in all State schools as part of compulsory education
Separation breaks the marriage. Marriage can be created again through divorce. In Malta this is not allowed. [...] It is a baffling and hypocritical situation, which is forcing people to live together without marrying. [...]
http://www.concordatwatch.eu/showtopic.php?org_id=13541&kb_header_id=41281

Tony Mizzi

Feb 12th 2011, 14:16

Today I'm proud that the Nationalist Party, once again showed why it is in power. A party who is always ready to shoulder responsibilities!!!!

Emanuel Farrugia

Feb 12th 2011, 14:15

Il-politici qieghed jidher car kemm qeghdin jghaddu zmien bic-cittadini li jmorru jivvutawlhom. Halluna. Il-verita twegga cittadini.


Emanuel Farrugia former Executive Secretary Mtarfa Local Council

Charles J. Buttigieg

Feb 12th 2011, 14:14

Gonzi_declared_that_he_is_against divorce and at any rate he has no mandate to do anything about it.
He then criticized Joseph Muscat’s promise for a free vote in parliament.
He changes his confused mind and promises a referendum.
He assembles his war room to convince his opposing lieutenants that a referendum would be the best way to get out of their predicament.
He failed to convince his sad lot and promised his MPs a free vote in parliament.
More talks, more hat tricks yet no definite conclusions.


Now, JBO, cames out with an earth breaking motion to convince his colleagues that the PN should take a position against the introduction of divorce; Nationalist MPs should have a free vote in parliament; and should parliament approve a Bill for the introduction of divorce, it will only come into force if it is confirmed by referendum.

The updated situation is now one that when the war-room approves the motion the JPO \ Evarist Bartolo’s private member’s bill will be presented in parliament. It is very unlikely that the bill would pass and the whole issue would therefore stop there and the promised referendum would not be held.

saviour falzon

Feb 12th 2011, 14:01

Dr.Lawrence gonzi , At this time the power is in your hands!
But remember that power is not yours forever!
The real power is in the electorate , we shall see the results of the next general election, as well as those MPs who said that they are against The divorce law. from both political parties !
that is an individual right.
Time passes dr.Lawrence Gonzi .........Nothing is Forever.. and Tim eWill Change Everything...

simon galea

Feb 12th 2011, 13:51

A civil right regarding personal issues and not effecting other individuals will be decided upon through a referendum! Other people decide the way I lead my personal life. Disguisting.

On the other hand, hunting which DOES concern third parties (e.g. impeding other people's right to enjoy birds flying in their natural habitat) was declared as a' right 'by our Prime Minister.
So hunting is a civil right and choosing to live my private life in the manner which suits best is not!
I believe hunting should be decided through a referendum and not divorce. Our MPs have to shoulder their responsability and grant this civil right as soon as possible. They are abducting from their responsabilities while at the same instance presenting themselves for hefty wage increases. They do not even deserve their present wage let alone an increase.

To add insult to injury, none of the saintly, holy anti divorce personalities are campaigning against a ban on divorce for ALL but a ban on divorce for the paupers. If they truly believe that divorce is wrong than campaign ALSO against the recognition of divorce obtained from abroad by those who can afford it financially. Two weights, two measures!.

michael seychell

Feb 12th 2011, 13:44

According to parliamentary rules if a bill - in this case a joint private members bill - is not approved by the Members of Parliament in any one of the four stages it has to go through - that bill stops there.

If Jeffrey Pulicino Orlando or any other MP from any side of the House want the people to have a say on this Bill,. all he/they have to do is to submit another members Bill requesting a Referendum on the bill which was rejected by Parliament.

It is useless stating that Gonzi proposed a Referendum and now he is refusing to hold it, because Gonzi had always been absolutely clear on the divorce issue, by repeating ad nausam that a Divorce Law has to be approved by the people and not only by the Partliament Members .

On realising that there is a great possibility that his joint bill with Evarist will not be approved by a majority of MPs from both Parties, Jeffry is now is stamping his feet to get what he wants, thus once more damaging the image of the Party his constituates voted for.

Michael Seychell
Tal-Pieta

Mary Ann Borg

Feb 12th 2011, 13:36

JPO u Mugliette imisshom ikunu rgiel u jirrizenjaw mill partit jekk il-Prim Ministru Gonzi ma jinzillhomx. La l-MLP u lanqas il-PN m'ghamlu id-divorzju fil-lista tal promessi elettorali u n-nies ivvutaw lil PN jew Labour minghajr ma kien hemm id-divorzju bhala suggett. Jien naqbel mad-divorzju imma din li jigi JPO l-ewwel inewwah fuq il-Mistra, umbghad ghax qal li l-back-benchers ma jinghatawx bizzejjed attenzjoni u issa jaqla din tad-divorzju hi biss ezempju klassiku ta' wiehed li jrid kontinwament ikun protagonist. Il-fatt li Mugliette qed jissekondah mhix xi sorpriza. Ftit nies baqa li ma jafux li dan tal-ahhar ghadu ma rkuprax mill fatt li m'ghadux ministru u issa qed ikun il-hin kollu fil-kumpannija tal-ginger li johrog zewg gazzetti fil-gimgha. Sadattant, il-PM ikompli jmexxi pajjizna l'quddiem waqt li joqghod jitlef il-hin ma dawn it-tentufiet. Sadattant, wiehed jiskanta kif il-PN qed jaghti free vote (u l-istess 4 minn nies jattakkaw lil 'GonziPN') u il-PL ta' Joseph qed jaghmel precizament l-istess u ma ssibx kelma wahda biex Joseph igieghel lill membri tieghu jivvutaw favur id-divorzju. Ghax bhas soltu lanqas jaf minn fejn se jibda. Forsi ghalhekk gie sfurzat idur ghal katavri ta kwart ta' seklu ilu.

M. Saliba

Feb 12th 2011, 13:35

Why are the parliamentarians in favour of divorce facing all this pressure. Annulment of marriage and divorce are matters that regard individuals, and political parties should refrain from directing their members on how to vote on such matters. Parliamentarians should set an example and speak freely and objectively on this subject so as to induce a free discussion among the public. Time should be given for the discussion to mature and the public should be well informed . The final decision should be taken after a referendum.

jane camilleri haber

Feb 12th 2011, 13:35

3 tikkontempla li z zwieg jista jibqa' ghal dejjem! hekk nixtiequ li ngeghluhom jahsbu lill uliedna u l uliedhom?? zwieg b sahtu pajjiz f sahhtu. jien kburija li malta hija l unika post fid dinja tal punent li il-poplu taghna ghadu jemmen fiz zwieg ghal dejjem u hekk nixtieq li nibqghu. min jghid li ahna ta wara l muntanji ghax l unika pajjiz fid dinja li m ghandniex divorzju ghadu ma tghallimx l istorja tan naghag ta bendu!!. ma tregix li wiehed jghid li la kulhadd dahhlu mela ahna ghandna ndahhluh! dawn x ragunamenti huma! ahna hemm bzonn li nistudjaw is sorsi ta studju kollha li ghandna ghad-dispozizzjoni taghna fuq il pajjizi kollha li dahhluh u naraw jekk verament issahhitx il familja jew le. u dan ma jfissirx zdiedux il percentagg ta' mizzewga fuq l unjonijiet ta ko abitazzjoni biss, imma wkoll x' tipi ta familja qed jirrizultaw, is sahha all round taghha, il kapacita li jghixu f armonija u jiehdu ir responsabbiltajiet kollha taghhom lejn xulxin u lejn it tfal kollha taz-zwigijiet kollha li jkunu dahlu fihom qabel! imbghad naraw ahna jekk irridux naraw dik ix xena f pajjizna..... u nivvotaw

J.Mallia

Feb 12th 2011, 13:28

Jeffrey jaghraf bizsejjed liema partit ghandi jassocja ruhu mieghu m'ghandux ghalfejn jiehu pariri mil-lqburisti ta' fejn jixtiquh ikun bhal issa. ajjeb infakkru li l-istess nies li qed jghidu lil jeffrey sabiex jaqleb ma' l-mlp huma l-istess nies li sa ftit taz-zmien ilu kienu hagru li JPO fil-kaz tal-konfront tal-mistra. Tidhak meta tara dawn l-affairjiet ghaliex verament inkomplu nikkonfermaw kemm il-politika tal-mlp hija politika ibbazata fuq l-opportunizmu politiku. mela nsew dawn in-nie kemm ghajru lil jeffrey korrott u ma nakx kemm il-aggettiv tawh u issa qed juzawh ghall-iskopijiet taghhom. Sewwa jghidu li aktar ma' l-affarijiet jidhru li qed jinbidlu aktar jibqghu l-istess fl-mlp.

jane camilleri haber

Feb 12th 2011, 13:27

2. fil fatt il knisja qeghda kwazi b halqha maghluq u l-isqof qed izomm aktar milli hu mistenni minnu mid demokrazija, ghax lanqas qed jaghmel ebda public statements. dak li jsir fil knejjes ma hi bicca ta hadd ghax min qed imur biex jifforma l kuxjenza tieghu fuq it taghlim ta Kristu qed jaghmel hekk minn rajh u mhux qed jigi sfurzat minn hadd. tinkwitani wkoll din li qed naghmlu din l issue ballun politiku. malti ghandu jivvota favur jew kontra id-divorzju mhux ghaliex il partit li jxaqleb lejh huwa favur jew kontra, imma ghaliex wara li jkun studja is sorsi kollha accessibbli ghalieh jiddeciedi b'mod liberu x'jaqbel lis-socjeta li jaghmel u ghal l ebda raguni ohra, lanqas jekk ikun minn ghalih qieghed jitlef l opportunita li jinqala' mill- infern hu stess. mitt sena ohra hadd minna m hu se jkun hawn. il poplu malti ta' mitt sena ohra, x ikun jaqbillu li nkunu ghamilna ahna l antenati taghhom li nsahhu jew li nhottu il pedament tas-socjeta taghhom? fuq din il mistoqsija ghandna nahsbu u niddeciedu u mhux dak li nahsbu li jaqblilna ahna personali. fejn dahal id divorzju ma hemmx cans johrog, ghax in nies lanqas ghadha tista'

Wenzu Vella

Feb 12th 2011, 13:25

I am not against marriage because I have been married for nearly 50 years, but I am in favour of divorce too.
I feel very sorry for the likes of T.Borg because one can rest assured that a referendum on divorce in Malta would be a result for the status quo. The Prime Minister chose a referendum because it is an easy way out. One cannot expect a political party in Malta to go against the wishes of the Catholic Church because it would be political suicide.

Joe Zammit

Feb 12th 2011, 13:21

The Catholic Church is duty bound to teach the people of Malta and Gozo what Christ has taught her. Christ spoke clearly about divorce. Divorce is evil and we must never resort to divorce. The Catholic Church prohibits divorce because divorce is a grave sin against God.

Besides, the Catholic Church has the right to use all moral means to spread her teaching among us. Billboards are no exception. Teaching the Word of God can take diverse forms from the internet to newspapers, from television to the public square.

Christ commanded his Catholic Church to go and preach to all nations by word and example, for the salvation of souls. The Church will continue to echo far and wide Christ teaching and will continue to preach in favour of the indissolubility of marriage and against the evil and injustice of divorce.

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

J. Schembri

Feb 12th 2011, 13:08

It is becoming clearly obvious that certain MP’s have an axe to grind against Dr Gonzi . One presents hot potatoes to the party in the middle of a financial crisis and the other who was not re-appointed minister supports anything which goes against Dr Gonzi’s opinion. Genuine MP’s like Dr Jean Pierre Farrugia refrain from putting the PM in a tight corner.
As far as I can recall , JPO wanted his first Divorce Bill to be passed by a simple majority in parliament. He has to keep in mind that he is part of a group , his dilemma is that he’s torn between two groups; namely his and Evarist’s IVA group and the PN on who’s ticket he won the parliamentary seat.
After all this divorce boat rocking he will undoubtedly start another boat rock on some other environmental issue; say Wind Turbines or the Malta Gozo link. He already succeeded in shooting down the St John’s Cathedral Museum.
Perhaps it would have been better if he was granted permission for his Mistra disco.

J Farrugia

Feb 12th 2011, 12:51

And the PN has no authority to introduce divorce or any referendum. Shoudl divorce be on the agenda then yes we will have a referendum but not at gunpoint like JPO did. JPO does not lead any party and the PM willnot kowtoe to any rebel within the PN.

m.farrugia

Feb 12th 2011, 12:47

Dawn iż-żewg deputati qed jaghmlu hekk ghax qataw qalbhom li fl-elezzjoni li gejja jekk il-partit jaċċetthom bhala kandidati li jitilaw mill-kostitwenza taghhom.

wayne criggs

Feb 12th 2011, 12:45

Dear separated couples, ex-husbands, ex-wifes,
please notice which who is taking a stand in favour of you and those who don't care about you. Please notice who are those in the PN who care about your every day life problems, which you will keep on facing for the rest of your lives, and who doesn't.

It is about time that Mr L. Gonzi and Mr A. Gatt give way to other more energetic, more progressive politicians, who care about the well-being of the people. The PN has a number of very good MPs... but not a good leadership.

What a pity that such a successful party that the Nationalist Party was, had to end up giving its back to suffering people, and just trying to take political advantage on the PL, instead of caring for the people who are really in need.

PN - please show us you still care and that you are in still in touch with people.
Mr Gonzi, you're still in time.

JOSEPH ZAMMIT

Feb 12th 2011, 12:23

May we all note that prime Minister Gonzi's decision and actions regarding divorce reflect only what the Maltese church authority wants. Citizens and cabinet come second.

May we also note that where the people are united they always win. There are countries who terrify people with torture; prison or material bullying, while other countries infatuated with religion terrify the people with sin and eternal hell fire. The latter are more dangerous as they kill man's soul and spirit.
So, Mr prime Minister, STOP DANCING TO THE TUNE OF THE CHURCH AND LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE--THE PEOPLE OF MALTA.

Joe Zammit

Feb 12th 2011, 12:16

The great majority of PN supporters are against divorce.

The great majority of PL supporters are against divorce.

The great majority of Maltese and Gozitans are against divorce.

All these majorities are positive people: in favour of the indissolubility of marriage.

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

Lorna Mizzi

Feb 12th 2011, 12:10

Prosit Jeffrey u Jesmond. Il-maggoranza tal-Maltin jahsbuha bhalkhom. Imma jekk tridu veru taghmlu hoss u tghaddi taghkom u tal-poplu Malti, ma tistghux tibqghu timmitigaw f'partit tal-oqbra mbajda, Itilqu mill-partit ghax qatt ma se ggibuha zewg mall-hafna ipokriti l-ohra!

A. E. Abela

Feb 12th 2011, 12:03

Discussions, referendums, committees, etc. these are all stlling tactics used arrogantly by the powerful to prevent the actual implementation or outcome. There is nothing new in such a tactic and another thing that is not new is how people remain naïve. If you want to achieve something in life one has to be assertive. The pro divorce people need a leadership that has no political ties who will than call on the supporters to protest until to law is passed. Apparently it is the only language the people can use to get their message across. It worked in Tunisia and Egypt.

J Brincat

Feb 12th 2011, 12:00

Unfortunately divorce will not get through. We are stlli very much conservative and have a Middle Ages mentality.

A. Vella

Feb 12th 2011, 11:47

What a mess!! We are not yet mature enough as a nation to discuss divorce, it is becoming far too obvious every day.

Let's adjourn, educate and re-discuss later on, when most of the population understands that this is a civil matter and a minority right!!

M.Brincat

Feb 12th 2011, 11:43

Am I the only one thinking JPO is in the wrong party?

Ian Galea

Feb 12th 2011, 11:35

Dear Jeffrey, if our beloved party decides for the suggest Paul Borg Olivier is suggesting, then the only solution for us Pro Divorce people is that you take a stance in parlament, and send Dr. Gonzi and his party home. I never thought that my party, had such selfish beliefs. The more time pass, the more the party is pushing me away from it. I am starting to believe Dr. Muscat, and me as a known nationalist, I be the first to vote for labour, ghax issa very gbajt. Jekk il-partit ha jivonta kontra ir referendum din jiena nohodha bhal vendikazjoni personali lejn nies li ghal hafna zmien ilhom jixtiequ jergaw jizewgu mal-partner gdid taghhom li ilhom mijaw snin twal. Kompli fit-triq li qbat ghaziz partit nazzjonalista halli tkompli tgerrex in-nies tieghek stess.

I hope this won't happen and hope that comin sense will prevail.

I hope JPO will have enough courage and if today the party decides against, next week he gets up from his seat and walk to the other side of the parlament. Enough is Enough.

Joe Zammit

Feb 12th 2011, 11:32

The teaching of the Catholic Church on marriage excluding divorce is based on the infallible words of Christ. Christ knows more than all of us what is good and bad for us. He told us clearly not to resort to divorce and spoke limpidly as well when he said that those who divorce and enter a second marriage are adulterers and adulteresses. Divorce, voting for divorce and adultery are grave sins that separate the sinner from God and put them on the path to hell.

To speak in favour of divorce is irresponsible and sinful.

No MP can vote for divorce without sinning grievously. Christ forbids us to resort to divorce because what God has united let no man, no State put asunder! The great majority of Maltese and Gozitans who form the Maltese State are against divorce!

Joe Zammit

Feb 12th 2011, 11:30

The Catholic Church is duty bound to teach the people of Malta and Gozo what Christ has taught her. Christ spoke clearly about divorce. Divorce is evil and we must never resort to divorce. The Catholic Church prohibits divorce because divorce is a grave sin against God.

Besides, the Catholic Church has the right to use all moral means to spread her teaching among us. Billboards are no exception. Teaching the Word of God can take diverse forms from the internet to newspapers, from television to the public square.

Christ commanded his Catholic Church to go and preach to all nations by word and example, for the salvation of souls. The Church will continue to echo far and wide Christ teaching and will continue to preach in favour of the indissolubility of marriage and against the evil and injustice of divorce.

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

john vella

Feb 12th 2011, 11:27

JFO come election I dare you find another district. We will not forget what you became champion of!

Patrick Sacco

Feb 12th 2011, 10:50

The referendum is only a waste of hard-earned taxpayer money.

I will NOT vote.

Period.

Manuel Micallef

Feb 12th 2011, 10:45

GonziPN has made a calculation that in a vote in Parliament, the NO Divorce side would win. they also know that if a referendum is held probably people will vote in favour of divorce. SO they will take JPO for a ride by stopping the whole affait in parliament.

t. borg

Feb 12th 2011, 10:39

assullatament ma naqbilx ma' referendu. din hajti u ghandi dritt ninfired u nerga mizzewweg u hadd, nirrepeti, hadd m'ghandu dritt jindahal x'naghmel b'hajti. dan dritt michud lili. min ihabbat fuq sidru li huwa qaddis u min jghid li huwa max-xitan affari taghhom. jekk jien ili mifrud 20 sena kif trid timponili, ghax int qieghed tajjeb, li jien ma nizzewwigx mara li ili daqshekk maghha poggut u ghandi t-tfal bewla taghha? fuq din l-issue l-pn jew pl se jitlef l-elezzjoni li gejja. ghal pn jaqbel li jsir referendu ghax il-poplu malti egoist. u jivvota kontra. jpo biss jista' jkun is-salvatur tal-pn.

Paul Barrett

Feb 12th 2011, 10:34

MPs will have a free vote - as long as they vote against divorce legislation. Hoping to kill a possible referendum at source and at least delay the introduction of divorce legislation is the safest way to go.

A referendum could produce some very interesting results. Agreed that the institution of marriage in Malta is strong but even using the outdated statistics of the quoted some 11000 legally separated individuals spreads to 44000 parents with legally separated children. Add in a few thousand relatives and a few more thousand friends plus the new partners of the original 11000 legally separated with their parents and friends together with the people who although they do not themselves want divorce but see that others may wish to re-marry (and have no personal, religious, selfish or other axe to grind to prevent others from finding happiness in a civil marriage) and you have a significant number of people who could support divorce legislation.

Darren Casar

Feb 12th 2011, 09:50

What a disastrous government !!!

Mary Attard

Feb 12th 2011, 09:48

Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee Maltese People wake up. Politics is keeping this country from progressing. Enough is enough we need this Promised Referendum. What every other politicians says. The Maltese people should decide what’s good for them. Not the politicians who have their beds done and have nothing to worry. Politicians are there only to ruin our lives; because what ever they do we have to pay for it.

joseph mifsud

Feb 12th 2011, 09:42

kull mghandek xtamel jpo li titlaq lil dan il partit.

tony fava

Feb 12th 2011, 09:42

Ghaziz JPO. Nithassrek jahasra. Mhux ahjar iddabbar rasek. Iva ma tridtx tkun xi gharef izda Gonzipn tieghek xeba jwieghed dik u l'ohra u m'ghamel xejn jew bil-maqlub. Ara sabiex hadu iz-zieda rekord ta' 500/600 euro fuil-gimgha, ghal daqshekk holl xaharek u gib iz-zejt. Ibqa zgur li ghalkemm Gonzipn wieghed li se jaghmel referendum dan sforz ta' U-turn ohra ma jaghmlux. Tinsiex hemm il-habiba kbira taghkom il-KNISJA li tikkmanda kollox. Ovvjament x'jaqa u jqum minnek u mill-Moviment ghad-divorzu, l-aqwa haga hi li il-voti tal-Knisja jkunu garantiti.

saviour falzon

Feb 12th 2011, 09:38

sewwa! U dan ir-referedum ser jivotaw in-nies kollha ovvja! sewwa!
1. kemm huma nfurmati n-nies xi tfisser ligi tad-divorzju?
2. l-aktar dawk ta certu eta' nfurmati u jafu xi tfisser il-kelma divorzju?
3. kemm tqassmu karti f'kull dar?kemm hemm lesti e-news biex jintbatu lil-kulmin japplika ghal e-news, bhal ma kien hemm dhul Malta fl-Unjoni Ewropea?
4. x'informazzjoni hawn ghal dawk li hlief jisimaw lil dak u lil iehor m'hawnx , kemm huma nfurmati uhud min-nies?
nahseb li kollox ghal qabel l-elezzjoni jien -hemm mexjin-
poplu Malti , nahseb ser ikollok tistenna jien kif jghidulek l-MPs ,l' hemm qedha triq.
ftakru li l-vera sahha qedha f'idejkom Poplu Malti!
sakemm ma jkunx hemm xi sorpriza fil-parlament- it-triq qedha li ser jhallu kollox ghal-qabel l-elezzjoni-
Kollox ghal poter, voti voti voti
Possible li l-maggoranza tal-poplu Malti ser tibqa "Yes Sir"!

Saviour falzon min-Hal Qormi.

Arnold Farrugia

Feb 12th 2011, 09:33

Jahasra Jeffrey... ghadek ma drajtux lil GonziPN. Iwieghed u ma jwettaqx.

Dr.Emmanuel BEZZINA,MA,LL.D.

Feb 12th 2011, 09:17

This country has made a farce of itself and its decent people - basically.The most prominent are a number of Members of Parliament who for reasons well known would attempt to make us believe that theirs is a conscientious objection.Representatives of the People are there to represent and implement the people`s wishes and to provide remedies for individual necessities.DIVORCE accepted throughout the World even in staunch Catholic countries cannot remain anathema in my country simply because a few manipulative idiots say so:the people must raise their voice and declare publicly as I have done for well over thirty years that WE WILL RESPECT THE LAW BUT NOT SUFFER AND ENDURE AN INJUSTICE simply because officially it does not suit the agendas of corrupt institutions who appear to strongly assert that in point of fact these govern our democratic country as opposed to their autocratic manner of running situations.

A prominent member of such Institution recently remarked with a sarcastical smile that a referendum would never make it in my country because of the manipulated majority who do not distinguish the wood from the trees:MALTA WAKE UP & BE DOWNTRODDEN NO MORE!DIVORCE IS YOUR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT.

JOSEPH ZAMMIT

Feb 12th 2011, 09:10

It should be clear to Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando that if the members of the executive committee of the Nationalist Party today votes in favour that a referendum will only be held if Parliament approves a Bill for the introduction of divorce, the only way for him is to divorce from the NP. I say this because it is a ridiculous move and moreover, it will bias the people and so is undemocratic.

jsammut

Feb 12th 2011, 08:37

Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando ,we are with you .divorce referendum must be held as promised