The date of May 28 is fast approaching and, slowly but surely, the divorce debate is gearing up. So far, this debate has largely been conducted in a calm and rational manner, with legitimate comments and points of view being put forward by both sides of the equation. Unfortunately, though, there have been the odd exceptions. Certain comments made defy logic. Others are truly hurtful and incomprehensible.

I, for one, fail to understand why the Maltese Catholic Church – whose position against divorce is absolutely legitimate and comprehensible – is once again adopting an insensitive attitude towards the real pain and suffering of those whose marriage has irretrievably failed. Is it possible that the Maltese Catholic Church has not yet come to terms with the fact that God is not the privilege of the few and that He, as an all-loving being, considers us all as His children?

Why are certain factions within the Church once again being allowed to abuse of God and religion to meddle in politics?

Is it possible the Church has failed to learn the lessons of history?

Is it not ironic that, just when we have been marking the 50th anniversary of the imposition of mortal sin on the Labour Party, there are some within the Church who seem intent to repeat history?

As Labourites we still look back at the 1960s as a decade of pain and humiliation. For those of my parents’ generation who have lived through those years, some of the wounds have not yet healed. Some will never do!

So I ask: Why are there those who are closing their eye to the present state of affairs? Why are there those in primis making statements that cause confusion in an already difficult situation? How can we confuse totally separate issues? Above all, why are there those in the upper echelons allowing the Church to once again be sucked up in an issue of political controversy? For me, the way things developed during the Our Lady of Sorrows processions is nothing short of scandalous.

I acknowledge that the Church has a right to put forward its views on such an important decision. What it does not have, however, is a right to twist facts and make misleading arguments for the sake of political gain.

The issue before the Maltese public come May 28 goes beyond the question whether to legislate in favour of divorce or not. This referendum will well and truly serve as a decisive moment in which the Maltese people are being called to decide once and for all whether they want to live in a western liberal society or whether they want to remain as the only country in the western hemisphere that does not in effect differentiate between the civil and religious spheres.

I, for one profess, to be a believer, who holds dear the teachings of Christ. However, I am neither blind nor insensitive to the pain and sufferings of those around me. Because I know that such pain and suffering will not be eliminated through dogma, I choose to be proactive and act. On May 28, I will be choosing to give those whose marriages have irretrievably failed a second chance in life.

That is why I will be voting yes.