Carmel Camilleri, Kerċem
Conscience rules in absence of mandate (2)
Now that these islands are heading for a consultative referendum on divorce, our Parliament will still have no mandate to introduce the measure in the event of a yes vote. The way things turned out, the people feel they have been betrayed. We were taken for a ride by the MPs who introduced this Private Members’ Bill, as they did not have the backing of their party’s electoral programme. Those candidates who said they would push for divorce were not elected. One of them was Georg Sapiano. I remember hearing him talk about divorce on a TV programme. We well know what happened; he never made it. So there you had a district referendum with a no vote result.
Divorce would shake the fundamental Christian values of our country. Since this referendum is only consultative and not mandatory, the Prime Minister would then need to call it a day, dissolve Parliament and go for an election. That is what we had before joining the European Union; it was a national issue that had to be endorsed in an election. Indeed, the issue of divorce is much more serious as it goes contrary to this country’s Christian beliefs, which are supposed to be protected by our Constitution.
I maintain that this legislation will have no mandate if the vote is yes and it has to be endorsed by a general election. Other than that, it is a betrayal of the Maltese nation.
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Louis Fenech
Mar 29th 2011, 22:13
When civil marriage was introduced, there was no referendum. Which means that the almost everyone was happy with this kind of matrimony. Bit it left one very important follow up, in case the marriage broke down, and that was - divorce.
What has been joined in God's name, let no man put asunder. Therefore why does the church annul a marriage or declare that a husband and wife should be separated? Isn't that a kind of divorce with the blessing of the church?
Again, if the state recognises a divorce which had been given in another country, why is parliament making such a fuss, and not legislate without going for a referendum? No body will be pushing anyone to go for a divorce. If there happen to be a theatre showing pornographic films, no body will be pushing you to enter and have an hour watching such filth. It will be your decision to do so. And so is with divorce.
Guido Farrugia
Mar 29th 2011, 13:18
With all due respect, i do not feel betrayed at all. Regarding the people, i form part of the people of this island and have every right to decide for myself, without, as always, involving and imposing your christian beliefs on others. I may be in a minority but keep it in mind that my rights are parallel to the majority, being a Maltese citizen. Yes, i will vote for divorce
Ramon Casha
Mar 29th 2011, 11:21
"Now that these islands are heading for a consultative referendum on divorce, our Parliament will still have no mandate to introduce the measure in the event of a yes vote."
They never needed a mandate, but yes, they will have it with the referendum.
"The way things turned out, the people feel they have been betrayed."
Betrayed is a strong word, but I felt disappointed that parliament lacked the courage to introduce this basic right and instead hid behind a referendum.
"Divorce would shake the fundamental Christian values of our country."
Countries do not have values or beliefs, people do. Forcibly making people abide by a religious belief belongs in the dark, evil past and is certainly not a Maltese value.
""That is what we had before joining the European Union"
Wrong. The time had more or less come for an election anyway, and GonziPN took advantage of Sant's faux pas to get themselves elected again. Once Sant declared that he would not respect people's wishes, MLP lost the election before it had begun and PN knew it. This time the situation is reversed.
Joe Zammit
Mar 29th 2011, 10:52
Conscience is reasoning.
No conscience can contradict the express and clear words of Christ about the evil of divorce: What God has joined together let no man put asunder! No conscience can genuinely go against this clear commandment of Christ on the necessity of the indissolubility of marriage and the intrinsic evil of divorce.
A conscience that suggests divorce to anyone is diabolical. The devil is pleased with divorce. God does not want divorce. This is the clear teaching of Christ and the infallible teaching of the Catholic Church.
If your conscience tells you something against the infallible teaching of the one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, do not follow your conscience. Your conscience is not infallible. Your conscience is subject to the teaching of Christ and his Church.
If you follow your conscience in disagreement with the Church, you are grievously stubborn and proud. Your stubbornness and pride will lead you only to hell. All those in hell appeal to their conscience for being there ... for ever... without any hope of redemption... there for ever!
Conscience is reasoning!
B. Cachia
Mar 29th 2011, 10:49
A referendum clearly provides a mandate from the people. That is precisely why referenda are held in the first place.
David Buttigieg
Mar 29th 2011, 10:22
Mhux hekk!
M Vella***
Mar 29th 2011, 08:52
This referendum is not only about divorce, but also about our freedom,freedom from this religious oppression,Malta needs to be free, with free politicians and not dictated from any church ,christian,catholic,Muslims or Hindus.Viva l-Liberta...Iva ghad Divorzju.
MBorg
Mar 29th 2011, 18:06
Do you need any help ? Did you leave some out ? Willing to help Viva l-Liberta Iva ghad Divorzju. Iva to broken marriages. Iva to cohabitation . Iva to more single parents . Iva to more homeless children. Iva to poverty. Divorce brings all of these. Enough of Iva time to use No, NO to divorce.
M Vella
Mar 29th 2011, 19:13
@M Borg,I'm not just in favour of divorce. But also to drive a wedge between Church and State ! secularism is on it's way to prevail in this country, whether you like it or not. .Viva l-Liberta...Iva ghad Divorzju