The House of Representatives yesterday approved the motion moved by the opposition for the holding of a consultative referendum on the introduction of divorce, and including the referendum question.

The referendum will be held on Saturday, May 28. All Labour MPs voted in favour of the motion, along with Nationalist MPs Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando and Jesmond Mugliett. All other Nationalist MPs voted against the motion.

MPs were granted a free vote at the end of a debate held over 10 sittings. The Prime Minister spoke against the motion on Tuesday, objecting to the referendum question, while Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat backed it yesterday afternoon.

The approved referendum question reads: “Do you agree with having the option of having divorce for married couples who have been separated for four years when there is no reasonable hope for reconciliation and when adequate maintenance is guaranteed and the children are cared for.”

Before the vote was taken, Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando thanked the Prime Minister for granting a free vote. He said he regretted he would have to vote for the opposition motion, but he would remain loyal to the electoral mandate granted to him and would remain active within the Nationalist Parliamentary group.

The outcome of the vote was greeted with applause.