Just three districts voted 'no'
Just three of the 13 electoral districts returned a 'no' vote in yesterday's divorce referendum.
Early analysis of unofficial results, half- way through the vote sorting process, show that only the eighth district (Birkirkara), the eleventh and 13th (Gozo) voted against the introduction of divorce, with the majority being strongest in Gozo.
In Gozo, almost 70% of voters expressed themselves against divorce. In the eighth district, 52% were against divorce while in the eleventh, the majority against divorce was almost 55%.
The predominantly Labour districts returned a strong 'yes' vote. The majorities in favour of divorce were just over 60% in the second, third, fourth and fifth districts.
There was a majority of up to 52% in favour of divorce in the first, sixth, seventh, ninth and 12th districts.
The margin was narrowest in the 10th district (Sliema) with those in favour of divorce just ahead.
The final outcome is expected to be a 'yes' majority of 54%.
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Bud Moureaux - Flanders (BE) & Xemxija, SPB (MT)
May 30th 2011, 21:50
To all Maltese citizens!
"A new Malta has been born."
"This is the beginning of a more secular society!"
Having witnessed the charade by the Church, the conclusion is obvious. We should now strive for two things within the shortest possible time,
- first, the separation of State and Church, i.e. abolish Article 2 of the Constitution and
- secondly, the correct delineation between Church and State, excluding any interference whatsoever by the Church in State affairs.
Therefore, to this effect, let's start
(1) A FaceBook group.
(2) Set up a Movement with an appropriate name, e.g. No more State within the State; Malta-Secular YES, Malta-Church NO, ...
(3) Organize the necessary lobbying work for putting all this into laws to that effect.
In the past weeks leading up to Saturday's referendum, the Maltese voters have learnt how the Church has been scaremongering and lying to their flock and they have witnessed the utter hypocrisy the Church has shown by their belated apology. The voters are now much better armed to resist the Church's dirty tricks in the next campaign.
The correction of the relationship between the State and the Church in Malta is already 50 years overdue. An untenable situation will then finally cease to persist. In this way, Malta will become a real secular society where Maltese citizens will effectively be able to decide for themselves without fearing to be bullied by Mgr. XYZ and consorts. The Church in Malta should restrict its role to its teaching and advice to its own flock, i.e. Catholics, but refrain by all means from scaremongering and dictating what others should or shouldn't do.
Maltese voters are mature, conscientious people. They have shown it last Saturday, the D-Day for Divorce legislation. So, let's go for it, under the motto 'YES, we can do it!'
Bud Moureaux, partially residing in Flanders, BE and in Xemxija, SPB, MT.
Mr Joe Xuereb
May 30th 2011, 16:18
D.Galea. Alton Costa. You'll probably choose not to read this comment. That is fine by me. But thanks for giving me the opportunity to say what I had to say just the same.
@Alton Costa. Why did you bother to reply which only served to confirm what I said about the ultra religious. Alton, there are many Catholics, good people, who live an ordinary life. They transgress and go to confession and also to Mass. The majority of believers are like this. Then one gets the ultras. A breed apart who quote the scriptures at the drop of a bible. They don't so much need confession. The police themselves something rigid and if they as much as suspect that they've transgressed, they go into uncontrollable spasms of guilt and reach out for the flagellum but grap the book instead to save their skin.
Alton, this is my opinion. It is my felt belief. We all have a right to have our felt belief. Of course some are more felt than others.
@ Ms, D.Galea. The 'majority' as it was until 48hours ago was just an illusion, an arrogance, a wishful-thinking. And an absurdity. But as we say, right is might even though not by a huge margin. The No voters are now THE minority and it's not an illusion. It's a reality. Of course I respect - and always did - this minority. I hope their marriages will last and they won't have to swallow their 'No'. Divorce won't affect them. Anġelik can retire from public life. And the 'no' voter who was resentful because he did not want his tax to go towards maintaining the children of divorced parents.... How very Christian! He'd rather his tax-money went towards the building of White Elephants and unhappy children in failed families - to put it mildly - let them be damned!
With mindsets like these, is it any wonder that the 'no' contingent lost their credibility above all else.
Ms D Galea
May 31st 2011, 10:19
Dear Mr Xuereb , you are to busy answering posts that you do not seem to have time to read and understand.
I suggest you re-read my one liner and then try again and this time with less venom. Gratuitous insults from your part are , as far as I am concerned, water down a duck's back.
Thank you.
Mr F J Brincat
May 30th 2011, 15:59
Ms Galea - the minority that don't need to use divorce then don't use it. As far as I can read you people were saying that for the minority that wanted divorce that they should either stay as they are or else go and obtain the divorcre from abroad.
Now, brazen faced, you come here about respecting minority? So, the referendum was just wasted time and effort? Go figure.
Ms D Galea
May 30th 2011, 14:15
JUST 3 districts? Well, how about respecting the wishes of the MINORITY for a change?
Mr Matthew Grima
May 30th 2011, 14:30
So now we care about the minority? And you get offended when someone calls you and your lot ypocrites?
Mr Alex Buds
May 31st 2011, 06:01
Ms D Galea: you are not worth replying to.
Ginevra Alvarado
May 31st 2011, 07:28
Your joking right?
Ms D Galea
May 31st 2011, 10:23
@Mr Matthew, who said I get offended about anything? And pay , who are MY lot?
I got worse insults thrown gratuitously at me and by better men then you . You know the saying about sticks and stones may break one's bones but words will never hurt one?
The IVA win does not seem to have done much to improve your temper , or your wit.
Cheers and have a nice day.
Ms D Galea
May 31st 2011, 10:54
@Mr Buds......you just have.
:):):):):)
Mr Matthew Grima
May 31st 2011, 12:55
Yes Ms Galea I know the saying, I also know the one that says "People who live in glass houses, should not throw stones". Well, seems like you'll be buying new windows.
Ms pat muscat
May 30th 2011, 08:30
Its time for the Church-our Church-to embrace again the Vatican II Council teachings. The separation of the Maltese State/Church is now a fact; there is no turning back. Our Church needs a new generation of spiritual leaders, young- not only at age,- but in outlook as well.
Victor Rodenas
May 30th 2011, 17:13
I am not sure Pat,but I think that a Bishop has to be of a certain age,they have their hands tied on that.
Mr Joseph Cassar
May 30th 2011, 08:29
Now that it is confirmed that the Catholics in Malta are a minority, I hope that this year I will not see all the usual crowds celebrating our patron saints during our festas, and next year there will not be all those crowds during Our Lady of Sorrows processions around Malta. This referendun has purified our Church, we now know who are the real Catholics and who is double face.
Mr M Borg
May 30th 2011, 17:02
I also hope that some will now think that it is OK not to have their children baptised, not to have church weddings , not to have church burials.
Or is it going to be the usual. Harm the church, be anti - clerical, be anti-religious, but turn to the church when needed
In other words be, and behave like hypocrites !
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
May 30th 2011, 07:57
The PM certainly has his pulse on the nation!
David Cassar
May 30th 2011, 07:47
There are now approximately 120,000 sinners in Malta according to the Gozo Bishop. I am one of them. !!
Alfred Falzon
May 30th 2011, 19:47
@David Cassar
You should have added that there are 107,971 no-votes and a total of 92,466 voters who abstained, bringing the grand total to 200,437 between no and abstentionist votes as compared to your 120,000 "so-called" sinners!
Playing the victim does not impress the least, for by the same yardstick we could call this great majority "terrorists"! That's what they were labelled by some pro-divorce protagonists!
Come on, in the heat of the debate we need to make some elbow room for the so-called "lapsus" even though we might both not agree!
Mr Joe Xuereb
May 30th 2011, 02:07
@Victor Pulis, Joe Zammit may be out of a job. Or maybe not. (This may come as a surprise to some but I actually feel for the man).
I remember way back when his whipping boy - is there a pun there? - was homosexuality when his description of the phenomenon went way way beyond normal criticism or even mere dislike. Then came divorce and 'mar ifaqqas il-bajd f'gallinar ieħor fejn fi ħmieġ it-tiġieġ kien jara rivelazzjonijiet u xjaten oħra li kellhom x'jaqsmu mad-divorzju. Issa t-tiġieġ inqerdu bil-passa, id-divorzju daħal u ma baqalniex ħlief li nistennew l-ewwel applikazzjoni ta' 'Li Tkisser Sewwi' bid-divorzju. Dan fejn ser iħalli lis-sur Ġuze'? Tgħid jerġa jaqbad mall-gays? U le Żużu Ż.! dik acqua passata ħanini. Niġġieldu gwerer oħra, b'aktar sugu.
Joseph Laus
May 30th 2011, 00:17
No surprise that Gozo voted NO in their majority....what one expects from a district with PN majority and the way of life of the people living there,The other 30% are open minded,
Joseph Laus
May 30th 2011, 00:17
No surprise that Gozo voted NO in their majority....what one expects from a district with PN majority and the way of life of the people living there,The other 30% are open minded,
Ray Briffa
May 29th 2011, 23:18
I salute Malta and the Maltese people for thier liberalism and open mindedness. Gozo......wake up to the real world.......
Mr James Cauchi
May 29th 2011, 22:38
It is perhaps late in the day but I would like to echo sentiments that it is essential that commentators of the 'Yes' opinion not see this referendum result as being reason to gloat upon those of the opposing opinion.
Yes the recent weeks have been trying and the campaigning got dirty at times, but at the end of the day it needs to be recognized that each and every one of us who voted has a Maltese connection - and while we may not see eye to eye on this issue and may hold a spectrum of views that expands far beyond the referendum question - we ultimately remain peers likely connected by no more than three degrees of separation.
Now is the time to take a deep breath and clear the head from the murky mist present throughout the process leading up to the referendum - both the Yes and No camp still have a role to play in ensuring that interests are upheld - the former in terms of ensuring the fleshing out of the civil aspect while the later focuses on preserving the right of the Catholic faith to choose not to recognize divorce (for the purpose of the faith), with the Church itself also conducting substantial damage-control operations.
It is hoped that this damage-control shall include a campaign allaying fears that clearly still pervades a substantial portion of the 'No' camp regarding the outcome of the referendum. It would be unfair to let such individuals (especially the vulnerable or elderly) remain traumatized. It would be proper for the appropriate parties responsible for this situation to work upon sorting it out as it is those who live their lives in fear who are the true victims of this referendum.
- - -
@ Matthew Grima - yes the picture is indeed pleasant and perhaps politics as conducted nationally shall mature from this otherwise inappropriately-held referendum.
Mr Alex Ciantar
May 29th 2011, 22:27
I wonder where the Taliban army is today? .........probably sobbing in a corner I suppose!!!
Claire Busuttil
May 29th 2011, 22:21
sabih tara ritratt ma mp laburista u iehor nazzjonalista(ghalkemm qal li il futur politiku tieghu huwa incert) jifirhu flimkien, hekk ghandu ikun.
u mhux nibqu naraw l affarijiet biss b lenti hamra jew blu....
Schembri Ray
May 29th 2011, 21:49
Let's hope that few people use the Divorce.
David De Cesare
May 29th 2011, 21:35
I don't know what the fuss is about it was about time we joined the rest of the world . I just hope people will be mature enough to exept it
Mr Matthew Grima
May 29th 2011, 21:23
The picture says a thousand words I'd like to say about how I'd like to see politics in Malta. I didn't agree with the referendum because it was a waste of time and money, and divorce was going to be legalised sooner or later, the issue could have never gone to bed once raised. What I love about this picture is the fact that people from opposite sides of the room joined together, leaving politics behind.
I cannot stand the fact that we still have people who vote according to how they always vote, how their parents, and grand parents voted and not according to what they see in front of them today, what they believe they'll see in front of them tomorrow depending on their vote.
Here I am hoping that this referendum taught us something, and that by the next election, the number of default votes going to PN and PL would reduce, and people voted with reason and not with love for a particular party.
Mr Mario Mifsud
May 29th 2011, 21:09
The people have spoken and they have been heard loud and clear.
Respecting the views of the minority who hold that marriage vows are indissoluble and thus furnishing suitable protection to the offspring where such is the case, Parliament should heed the will of the majority and discard the dogma of the past by affirming that marriage is primarily the means to the happiness of the spouses and thus open the way to the dissolution of failed marriages.
By so doing Malta would join the community of civilised nations.
Undoubtedly a good day for Malta.
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
May 30th 2011, 00:49
Take an aspro and have a good rest. You need it.
Mr Joe Xuereb
May 29th 2011, 20:14
To the ultra-religious - please look away now.
The people are indoctrinated and infantilised. And many often have unkind things to say about bishops and prelates. In fact unkind things are said about the whole church hierarchy from the top down. However, we must not forget that that which they use to dupe us is the exact self-same thing that they dupe themselves with. They are victims too (and often cannot take the heat - hence, the many cases of abuse within the Church). The problem is that once a Belief System was set up all those hundreds of yers ago, how in god's name can one extricate oneself from this setup. If a child is brought up with earth-bound values, it will survive and succeed. A child who is imbued with the same values but within a 'heavenly' context, and therefore largely intractable by definition because NOT earth-bound, not graspable, that child's fate is confused and insecure at best, and held over the proverbial barrel at worst.
Mr Alton Costa
May 30th 2011, 06:10
Mr Xuereb,
I do not describe myself as Ultra religious but I follow a Saviour. All I know is before I used to live (exist) day by day and since I accepted Jesus in my life, I now live a life with an eternal purpose. I would not describe that as confused and insecure but my security stands in the one who can do all things.
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 1:18
Victor Pulis
May 29th 2011, 19:57
For all those who are waiting for Joe(victory guaranteed) Zammit to answer. He never answered before the voting do you expect him to answer now?!
Mr M Borg
May 29th 2011, 21:41
Wellcome to divorce. You wanted and you voted for it, well done.
Now let us wait for the results. Let us see how many men on minimum pay will be able to keep two or three families on their pay.. The IVA told us that it is no problem, let us wiat for the outcome.
I only hope that it will not be " us " instead of these men , who will have to take care of their families.
Time will tell us !. We do not have to wait long, after two or three years will start enjoying the benfits of divorce.
Steve Pace
May 30th 2011, 14:49
@Borg - The calamity and disaster if divorce comes in campain is over Mr.Borg. Your predictions are sensless since they are based on nothing but parrot like repetition of the LE movement and have no basis what so ever. There is the law which protects people and no one is above the law. Those who fail to pay will end in trouble as it already happened. Besides this , if you heard today on Parliament Dr.Tonio Borg speaking, he was remarking on the need to end the sedond class children situation . He recalled the " Figli del primo letto e del secondo letto " He was remarking about how the word illegitamate was removed from birth certificates. He said that all this came from Napoleon short rule on Malta . You should seriously consider moving just about a hundred or so years in advance to arrive to a more modern day reality.
Allan Gatt
May 29th 2011, 19:56
Dan ir-referendum ma kienx dwar id-divorzju. Kien dwar l-indhil tal-knisja fil-hajja tal-Malti. Qed niehu PJACIR li rebah l-IVA. Pjacir kbir. Ghall-darba f'mitt qamar inhossni kburi li jien Malti.
M Muscat
May 29th 2011, 19:18
IS-SEWWA JIRBAH ZGUR...........
IVA…………
U HEKK GARA!!!!!!!!!
Mr Kevin Tanti
May 29th 2011, 18:31
Xi hadd kien jghidilna li l-maggoranza ta' Pn , Pl u l-Maltin huma kontra d-divorzju responsabbli. Ghadu jahseb l-istess?
Prosit lil poplu Malti li ma hasibx biss fihh innifsu.
Prosit lil Dr Schembri, Dr Pullicino Orlando, Evarist Bartolo, Michael Falzon u lil kull min ta sehemu biex inkiseb dan id-dritt
Paul Giordimaina
May 30th 2011, 04:15
Thats a sensible talk Mr Bald This is what truely happened and that the end of it.
D Bald
May 29th 2011, 18:31
Will you please stop saying X won or Y lost!!?!?!?!?! no-one won or lost anything for crying out loud this aint a bloody competition. its precisely these misleading headings that continue to raise antagonism between the two ideologies... the majority of voters would like to see it introduced. end of story. now we will see what happens. only time will tell the effects of this outcome
Andre Cilia
May 29th 2011, 18:49
Cannot have said anything better....
Melvin Tonna
May 29th 2011, 19:34
@ D Bald
Bravu. Well said 100%.
Mr Alex Buds
May 29th 2011, 20:09
Erm... the pro-divorce side did WIN the referendum!
Mr Joseph Calleja
May 29th 2011, 20:22
Mr Bald like I said before, the only winners in this referendum are the citizens that live overseas and got a chance to buy a round trip fare for 35euros. What a deal that was and you know what, it was all done in the name of politics at the expense of the almost bankrupt Air Malta. Somehow, there is always a winner and a loser, in this case the winner is the overseas citizen, the loser is Air Malta.
John Camilleri
May 30th 2011, 07:15
IVA rebhu big time - iva rbahna - j camilleri
Allan Gatt
May 29th 2011, 18:28
Wow, what a shame to be from Birkirkara today.
Mr Denis Pace
May 29th 2011, 20:56
Mario
You haven't understood a thing.
I thought this was progressive....RESPECT for minority rights.
People have a right to vote as they please. It is their conscience...not yours.
I was afraid a YES vote would lead to such arrogance
Mr Matthew Grima
May 29th 2011, 21:15
You're right Mr Pace, we should respect voters. BUT, arrogance has been on this island for ages, it's nice to see it come from the other side of the spectrum now.
Allan Gatt
May 30th 2011, 02:11
Wrong post, buddy. Try harder next time.
Mario Grima
May 29th 2011, 18:23
Divorce - Yes
Austin Gatt - No
So I guess you will keep your word and resign?
Simon Cutajar
May 29th 2011, 18:21
Jiena ivvuttajt IVA ghar- referendum u mughiex jidispjacini li ghamilt hekk u kont kattoliku , ghadni u nibqa . Kristu lest li jahfer lil kulhadd u ma hemmx pregudizju ! JIen inhobb lil partner tieghi u ghanda familja u inhobbu lil xulxin daqs li konna mizzewgin . lit- tfal intuwahom kollox u naghmlu maghhom dak kollu li hemm bzonn . Hemm bzonn nighnu lil dawk li qedin ibatu !
Grazzi lil dawk kolla li ghenu biex dan issir . GRAZZI
Mr R Galea
May 29th 2011, 18:21
re photo of JPO & Varist... very nice picture indeed! well done... that s called politics :)
Mr Joseph E Briffa
May 29th 2011, 18:14
I am sorry to have to state that alot of those who are happy that the YES won the consultative referendum - which incidentally is not binding - are just betraying their naivety. They seem to be under the impression that divorce is a panacea. One has to keep in mind here that the requirement of a four-year separation means that the separated parties have to be living in different homes, meaning a change of address and a change of their ID card. Now let's say one of the parties is not in a position to change his or her abode such as not being able to afford the rent of another premises, or doesn't have siblings able to accommodate them for four years. That would mean that these people are not eligible for divorce. So again it always revolves around the financial situation one is in. The better-off are in a better-off position, while those who lack the financial means are worse-off. So again divorce is not available to people who lack the financial means to meet this requirement plus the fees of lawyers, court fees etc. So again divorce favours people with financial means
Mr Chris Gatt
May 29th 2011, 21:07
So I take it Mr Briffa, that you will be the first to ensure that the divorce legislation is equitable. Incidentally you are making quite an assumption in stating "separation means that the separated parties have to be living in different homes, meaning a change of address and a change of their ID card". Frankly that is not true. Even now there are separate couples who, because of exactly the financial constraints you mention or even out of choice are officially separated. Not every separation/divorce ends acrimoniously, and with a bit of imagination areas can be re-designated to belong to an individual.
Ms Amy Zahra
May 29th 2011, 21:15
That is what I have been saying all along Mr Briffa. I totally agree. It is still going to be a right for those that can afford it.
Ramon Casha
May 30th 2011, 05:15
"Now let's say one of the parties is not in a position to change his or her abode such as not being able to afford the rent of another premises, or doesn't have siblings able to accommodate them for four years."
I'm no legaloid but they should be able to get a court separation instead. Besides, I know of many cases (before this referendum was even a dream) where one of the couple returns temporarily to their parents' house ("went to live with her mother"). That counts too.
John Camilleri
May 30th 2011, 07:14
Sur Briffa lanqas int mahruq - jekk ghandek l-inqas dubju jekk hux ha jghaddi mil-parlament tista tinsa - mil-Parlament jghaddi hands down ghax jekk le Caos jkun hawn fil-pajjiz - mil-Parlament jghaddi 100% u ibda minni Nazzjonalist min guf ommi, jekk ma jghaddiex labour nivvota ghax jien id-divorzju ghandi bzonnu u iriedu kif irieduh il-maggoranza tal-poplu - issa ohrog mil-kantunieri tal-passat u qum minn hemm hello 2011 ta qeghdin mhux fin 1900 u li qed tghid fuq tal-qaghda finanzjarja tal-bniendem kollu bla bla bla bla ghax din is-sitwazzjooni diga tezisti u hadt ma halla lil hadt imut bil guh - wakey wakey
Mr Matthew Grima
May 30th 2011, 11:41
A friend of mine's parents separated but lived together anyway, they separated because they fell out of love but still respected each other, they also wanted their son to grow older before forcing this change. They were legally separated but did not need to move, they can now divorce if they want to.
Mr JOSEPH ZAMMIT
May 29th 2011, 17:48
Austin Gatt----YES vote, NO party.
Mr Angelo Vassallo
May 29th 2011, 17:29
Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando's political future is very gloomy. No nationalist supporter will pity him as they did on the Mistra saga and his crying (tal-kukkudrilli) on television. Maybe he will now get his doivorce but perhaps remarry (politcally) again if he join s ranks with the PL for the 2013 election, perhaps (not likely) we will have two Pullicno Orlando's on the labour side in parliament.
Mark wright
May 29th 2011, 18:11
It would be a pity and a loss for any political party to lose people like JPO from amongst their ranks. Malta needs more people who speak their minds and act accordingly. I don't agree with the way JPO acted prior to the last election. At least he has made up for it on a different note
Mr James Tyrrell
May 29th 2011, 18:35
Angelo I would say that Jeffrey's political future is far from gloomy. It's very doubtful that he would be pushed out of the PN as Gonzi needs him to maintain a majority. As for joining up with the PL, he could certainly do a lot worse couldn't he. He would appear to have options regarding his future and be in control of those options and is therefore in a more powerful position now than he was before the vote.
Mr Matthew Grima
May 29th 2011, 21:28
Angelo, you probably sympathised with Jeffrey when he cried on tv, but once he goes against your views and party you choose to label him with sayings like 'biki tal-kukkudrilli'. Hypocrisy..
Ramon Casha
May 30th 2011, 05:16
I have my doubts. The vote was not strictly along party lines, and I'm sure there are many within PN who appreciate what he did and what he achieved.
Mr A Cardona
May 29th 2011, 17:22
Oh how sad.... no more party in Valletta now :'(
Gino Caruana
May 29th 2011, 17:10
Fejn huwa dak li ra id-dehriet u l iehor li kellu jaghmel carcade ??? jew ser jamluwom BEATI ISSA ?
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
May 29th 2011, 22:18
God hates your intollerance.
Ms Maria Vassallo
May 29th 2011, 17:02
God hates divorce.
Christ Jesus condemned adultery and divorce.
The Teaching of the Catholic Church was, is and will remain against divorce.
Divorce is the enemy of the family.
This is a black day for Malta.
Malta now deserves to deal with the effects of a divorce legislation and execution in the near future.
DAK LI TIZRA' TAHSAD.
Why did 28 per cent of the electorate stay away from the divorce referendum?
Was this a social referendum or a political (politicised) referendum?
Thank God for the result because this was an exercise in hypocrisy.
Where is the loyalty of the 54%? Is it in their political party or in the Catholic Faith they 'adhere (?) ' to?
"AND HE WILL COME IN GLORY TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD'.
Mr Michael Debono
May 29th 2011, 17:44
Ms M.Vassallo Your mentality lost the referendum for the Church.
Those who see evil in their neighbour cannot be trusted with a vote in favour.
Alfred Vassallo
May 29th 2011, 17:45
"AND HE WILL COME IN GLORY TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD'.
First and not least you....for your sincere christian values.
Mr JOSEPH ZAMMIT
May 29th 2011, 17:47
When all of Europe and the Americas and much of Asia have divorce and therefore are already bound to hell, I wonder who will make it at Judgement day?
I suggest you rather get your reasoning up-to-date!!
Mr Joseph Calleja
May 29th 2011, 17:54
Wake up Ms Vassallo the election is over and you lost. Stop threatening people. Who are you to judge others? Give it up and go home. Even the Curia acknowledges it's over and done with, why can't you?This isa different Malta and frankly it is saying YES MALTA CAN. Following what President Obama said in his campaign. Yes we can. By the way this was supposed to be a political referendum but the church and the holier than thou (?????) turned it into a religious referendum. Ignorance is bliss.
Mr James Tyrrell
May 29th 2011, 18:44
Maria this is not about winners and losers, it is about the people of Malta speaking up for what they believe in and getting what they wanted despite the wishes of the Government and the Church. The Government has did itself a lot of harm with the stance they took over this referendum and many PN voters will be voting PL in 2013 because of it. The Church as such will not suffer as the belief of the Maltese people will carry it through the storm which it has created, but I can't say the same for the Bishop's and I fail to see how they can carry on in their present positions.
All that has changed Maria is that people now have a choice which they didn't have before. The majority of Maltese marriages will be totally unaffected by this change and many of those people who find themselves in a loveless or violent marriage will decide because of their own beliefs not to make use of the new divorce law when it comes into being. But that is their choice and thank God in a democracy that people finally have the right to choose.
Ms mary tanti
May 29th 2011, 19:15
Please nobody is forcing you to do anything that you do not beleive in, so stop the preaching arrogance and accept that whilst you might have to deal with the fact that some Catholics voted for divorce, there are also many people in Malta who do not care about the Catholic religion. So live with it and move on.
Victor Pulis
May 29th 2011, 19:49
Ms. Vassallo give it a rest.
Mr Denis Pace
May 29th 2011, 20:58
I voted yes...but still respect M.Vassallo's views.
Stop this arrogance.
Everyone has a right to disagree
Mr Matthew Grima
May 29th 2011, 21:31
Everyone has a right to disagree, right Mr. Pace, but no one has the right to shove religion down your throat. That is what I call arrogance.
Mr Joe Gatt
May 30th 2011, 01:44
Ms Maria Vassallo
You may stop your scaremongering now, and prepare for the End is Near.
According to Joe Zammit we all shall perish. So I say to thee..... REPENT and thou shall be saved.
Regret, that this does not apply to those who voted `YES`, do not be so cocky, as you are all to perish soon.
Regards to all
Till we meet again, in Hell.
Ramon Casha
May 30th 2011, 05:17
Sit and wait. Sometimes that's all it takes for sour grapes to turn sweet.
John Camilleri
May 30th 2011, 07:07
Mrs Vassllo int minn int biex tiggudika lil haddiehor. il-poplu, ibda minnin, ivvota skond il-kuxjenza u l-wegghat tieghu issa nhallu r-riieda tal-poplu tissarraf f'ligi ghal introduzzjoni tad-divorzju biex nies bhali jistghu jergu jibdew hajja mil-gdid u jien cert lil Alla xorta jhobbna ghax All hu mhabba u ma jiggudiaks kif qed tghamel int - issa isma minni qum qajma mir-raqda li rieqda u tiggudika lil hadd ghax f'ghajnejn Alla kulhadd ndaqs u int ma int xejn izjed minn haddiehor. Risultat kbir meta tqis kemm kien hemm nies mil-kleru u l-istutzjonijet kbar kollha kontra - grazzi JPO, Dr Schembri, Evarist u kull minn kellu x'jaqsam fil-kampanja tal IVA
riccardo borg
May 29th 2011, 16:27
What one sows, one reaps. I won't live long, I pity my children and their children who will carry the burden of to-day's happy people. But then. the world's state being what it is. maybe they won't suffer for so very long.
Mr Chris Gatt
May 29th 2011, 21:14
Dear Mr Borg, do not worry too much. Divorce has been around for thousands of years, (Moses introduced it amongst the Israeli tribes, for one thing, and the Babylonians before him) I think the world will survive a few more millennia. I certainly don't think the world will collapse because Malta adds divorce to its statute book.
But I must say I do wonder at the mind set of a person who thinks his children and grandchildren haven't got much more to live because of this law. It is almost as though you relish the thought of seeing God smite the just and the unjust, a rather creepy thought if I may say so. Unless of course you are one of Harold Camping's followers :)
Ms Maria Busuttil
May 29th 2011, 22:27
yours is the most straight to the point comment! But it is only for those who can understand it.............I think that not even one in a thousand have the least hint of what you are refering to! They are too drunk in their happiness, they think that it is going to last a long time......all blind!
Mr James Cauchi
May 29th 2011, 16:15
I must admit that I had been expecting a less favourable outcome. This is not to say that I feel any differently about this question being put down to referendum.
I still consider it dastardly to throw the rights of a minority to the tender mercies of majority voting. I wouldn't wish it upon criminals, let alone those who just want to get a move on with life.
I also hope that this shall go down in history as the first and last time that a referendum of this nature is conducted. While I do believe in the theoretical merits of democracy, this referendum was not what I would call a responsible manifestation of such - due to its chancy nature.
Let us now hope that the content of the motions to be put forward regarding cohabitation and divorce do not sour this victory as the proverbial worm in the apple.
Ray Sultana
May 29th 2011, 18:13
I do not consider myself Catholic anymore and as my God is different than yours, I have no fear of judgement day. Eternal damnation is your problem so you deal with it.
Mr James Cauchi
May 29th 2011, 21:52
Oh-kay... not going to bother arguing with that. :c)
However I do wish you the best of fortune in exploring your faith - your past experience has surely taught you enough about life to grow more reliant upon your ability to observe and interprete the world around you, as well as to take with just a little bit of salt, absolutist views that you may come across.
charlene bugeja
May 29th 2011, 16:04
Shame on us. We say that we are catholic and believe in god. Divorce is not a solution and it's never gonna be. it's the beginning of a sinful life. those who have voted yes should be ashamed of going to church or even pray. unfortunately not all marriages work out, but if you build marriage on solid foundations and values, it will work out. remember, that what god has created can never ever be demolished by humans.
one day or another everyone is going to be judged by god.
Tim Gauci
May 29th 2011, 17:38
Nobody cares about your religious beliefs. live with the shock and keep it in your stomach.
Mr Michael Debono
May 29th 2011, 17:49
Ms Charlene Bugeja. It is you that caused the loss of the Referendum with your mentality that you are right he rest are wrong. Charity is first and perhaps only the first. Wihjout Charity you do not love God. If you hate your neighbour you hate God. God is Love.
Raymond Sacco
May 29th 2011, 18:52
@charlene bugeja:
"WE SAY THAT WE ARE CATHOLIC"?!?!?!?!?! and who on earth gave the right to speak on behalf of "WE"? you have the right to believe in what you want, but you need to come to your senses and stop believing that "WE" all believe what you believe. and the 27% who ignored the catholic church and did not vote + the 52% who voted yes should give you a clearer picture of your false impression!
Daniel Goggi
May 29th 2011, 18:54
It is people like you TIM GAUCI, who disgust me.... I do not live with the shock... I live with people like you.
Mr R.E. Saliba
May 29th 2011, 20:48
@Tim Gauci
You're dead wrong - I care and so do many others.
People like you voted 'yes' for the wrong reason.
Mr Carmelo Aquilina
May 29th 2011, 16:04
Mr Zammit - was there a money back guarantee on your guaranteed victory... ? Please let's hear you explain this one !
Mr charles azzopardi
May 29th 2011, 16:02
we need to celebrate the wastage of 4 million euro by the govt . We are in EU .. and divorce came in the the EU referendum . The main losers are the leaders of the Maltese Church ... they fought a battle with a known end .. how will they compensate Malta for the loss of the Integration and the subsequent useless issues . Many people did the same as the Church did in the EU referendum .. they took an observer status .
Ms C Galea
May 29th 2011, 15:52
Well done for the IVA campain organizers.
You managed to persuade all those voters with your honest contributions by informing us.
What about the LE movement they had all the backing of the church,government plus all the money needed to do all those billboards .
Can somebody from the LE movement tell us who was forking their campaign and also he amount of money that they have spent
Victor Pulis
May 29th 2011, 15:43
L- apologija mill isqfijiet ghalkemm ma kellhiex effett fuq ir rizultat minkejja li harget qabel l-10.00pm izjed ghamlet hsara lill knisja. L-istqarrija kienet ammissjoni li certi membri tal kleru qabzu l-limitu fi kliemhom. L-arcisqof hareg bhala mexxej dghajjef ghax ma kkonntrollahomx u hallihom jaghmlu l-hsara.
Jien mhux darba ktibt li l-akbar telliefa f'dan ir referendum se tkun il knisja u hekk gara.
Ivan Attard
May 29th 2011, 17:47
Prosit. Ezatt fuq ras il-musmar! Jien naf nies, inkluz jien, li ma kienux ser jivvutaw imma tant qalat hnizrijiet il-Knisja u ghediet lil min jivvota IVA li hargu jigru jivvotaw IVA fl-ahhar hinijiet!
Alla iva - Isqfijiet Inkwizituri (bhal Grech ta' Ghawdex) LE!
Mr Joseph Calleja
May 29th 2011, 15:29
First of all a big THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS to JPO, Everest Batolo, Dr Schembri and to all those who went out to vote. What started out to be a civil referendum the church and GonziPN found it necessary to turn it into a religious referendum, bad mistake. Politicians including the Prime Minister should have stuck to politics and leave religion up to the Bishops who made a mess of the whole thing especially the Bishop of Gozo. Bishop Mgr Mario Grech should have realized that he was not just talking to the young men at that confirmation ceremony when he said some awful powerful words and hurt a lot of people in general. Maybe those words worked well on some Gozitans but not all Gozitans. Then there were fanatic religious people that could not stay quiet, and condemned those that favoured divorce to eternal condemnation, this person was warned more than once that he is doing more bad than good. Of course then we have a Minister threatening the Maltese voter that if the divorce initiative goes through he will resign his post. Another Minister found it in his heart to tell us that the Virgin Lady was shedding tears because of the divorce referendum. Another Minister whose name escapes me (Not really) wanted the police to come into our bedroom and take a peek to see if we were doing something out of the ordinary. That is pure invasion of privacy and he uttered those suggestions at the wrong time and the wrong place. Maybe, and I say maybe, this vote sends a big message to the government to stay out of religion and stick to the business of politics. Do not mix Church with State. And don't use Air Malta as a political weapon. Of course the only winners in this whole referendum were the people living overseas that were lucky enough to be able to purchase round trip tickets for 35euros so they can come to Malta and vote( yeah right). This practice by the government must stop and start using the Embassy or better yet, learn how to use the internet for citizens to vote overseas. Maybe this practice calls for another referendum? By the way this does not justify the Freebee tickets (perks) that the government (Air Malta) allows politicians and their families. Or does it? Anyway glad it is all over so we can get back to normal and as they say, shake hands and let bygones be bygones. Hope we all learned a big lesson.
Ms Schembri I hope the Curia Ecumenical Tribunal re-instates your old job. This also proves me right when I said that annulment is the same as divorce, church style. No more explanations please
Mr Joe Micallef
May 29th 2011, 15:19
I am wondering about the mayhem the following article would have caused in the divorce referendum campaign, had it seen the light of day last week
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/women_shealth/8543857/Abortion-soars-among-women-in-40s.html
Elaine Compagno
May 29th 2011, 15:11
Joe Zammit, where are you????
Never count your chicks before they hatch!
Mr Victor Laiviera
May 29th 2011, 15:36
Joe Zammit was last seen knocking on the door of the Consumer Department and complaining about a "defective guarantee".
P. Ciantar
May 29th 2011, 15:43
He went to Gozo
Mr James Tyrrell
May 29th 2011, 16:26
I was wondering the same myself Elaine. What happened to "victory is ours, it's already guaranteed?"
Mr Michael Debono
May 29th 2011, 18:15
Joe Zammit erred because he stated that even if marriage were not a sacrament it still be for ever.
He just forgot that because it is a sacrament constituted by the Church after Jesus teaching that it is taken as for ever. Christ would not have mentioned it. The world population would only be like animals going for the first encounter. How he imagined that Christ would look at marriage through another eye. Joe Zammit just erred in his theology invented by himself.
Ad multos annos. I don't think we will read anything coming from him.
He must have been disturbed in his sleep following the referendum result. He might even be risking of losing his faith if he continues to believe in the Borg in Nadur. This is a warning as to what happens to people with his mentality. He will lose all faith in God, because he has been ignored.
Ms Xixi Caruana
May 29th 2011, 18:27
Ye ... same here, waiting for him to comment::)
Mr Kevin Sciberras
May 29th 2011, 15:05
So, when are the carcades going to start?
Mr Emmanuel Bonnici
May 29th 2011, 15:03
I too voted yes, though not without thinking more than once, as my upbringing, that of a loving family ambience, makes me believe against the divorced life. So why I voted yes?
I voted yes not for those broken families who brought their situation with their own hands - am not referring to the children as these find themselves in such situations against their will. I am referring to those couples who for some reasons break up, as I believe that it takes 2 to tango. I was not impressed by those posters of the 'black-eyed' lady put by the Iva for divorce, as I believe that most often than not, these situations start happening long before marriage. I don't believe that a married life is a 'kaxxa maghluqha', as one has enough time (if not in a rush) to get used with each other and discover the positive and negative sides of his/ her partner.
I voted yes for those few unfortunates who although they led an exemplary life, things turned sour during the course of their married life. Again, I believe that a beautiful rose comes with thorns, but when the only the spiny stalks remain, with the rose completely dead, there's nothing positive about them.
I voted yes as well not because i followed a political party. Personally I found this part of the campaign, pitiful and stupid. What annoys me about this politicised campaign, is the irony about it.
Why is it that those of Birkirkara and Gozo (the strongest PN strongholds) voted no, and the traditional PL districts voted strongly yes. As in the former, all houses are 'dar il-hena' whilst in the latter, hell reigns!
It is also a pity that the PN took such a stand - siding with the Church. When are we going to learn that the state and the church are 2 separate entities?
Mr Michael Debono
May 29th 2011, 17:17
Some marry though they may find fault in the other's character hoping that it might change. This is the main reason for Church annulments. Difficult to disagree with this reasoning.
What is difficult to disagree with is having three annulments one after the other.
P. Ciantar
May 29th 2011, 15:03
@ Joseph E Briffa....I always voted PN, I am for Christ and I voted yes. Not because it is trendy not because I am a british lackey or from the south.....kemm int klassist.......but because reason said so. Case closed......now brim and fire and all those ridiculous assertions from local charlatans please ive us christians a break
David Cilia
May 29th 2011, 14:56
Why is this turning out to be a political argument? Not even the Church should be mention let alone both political parties!
Mr Chris Gatt
May 29th 2011, 21:18
Erm.. how can we not talk about the church when the church, by apologising, admits it was a central part of the debate, and not a very nice part, I may add?
David Farrugia
May 29th 2011, 14:54
Divorce has now at least been accepted. To be changed to law is a different matter. The first divorce cases will be sentenced maybe by 2018 - it is still a long way. Those who are dancing and clapping, the road may not be easy as they assume. Some bloggers say, 'good always wins'. No Sir. Divorce is good? Far from it. The master of this world is the devil (if you do not believe in him it is your problem, but he exists whether you like it or not - all the evil in the world cannot be perpetrated by humans alone) and he was allowed by those to 'infect' their mind with the 'goodness' of divorce. Many have been tricked - that is Satan's job. At least by this referendum, the sheep and the goats have now been marked and separated. Now Malta has to prepare itself for abortion and euthanasia.
Mr Matthew Grima
May 29th 2011, 15:19
"f you do not believe in him it is your problem, but he exists whether you like it or not "
Oh yes, met him a week ago at the pub, had a little drink then he convinced me to vote yes. I wonder why the bible keeps mentioning "sheep" and "fidili".
Victor Pulis
May 29th 2011, 15:29
The Gozo bishop mentioned wolves in sheep clothing. Are you insinuating that those who appear sheep among us are really the devil in disguise? And who throughout history have been referred to as sheep?
regarding abortion and euthanasia, you were the only one to mention them. Are you thinking of bringing up the matter?
Mr Michael Debono
May 29th 2011, 17:34
Divorce legislation is not there to encourage people to apply for it. It almost the opposit. The referendum does not induce couples to divorce, hoever they may resort to it if they need it. Legislation does not induce people to have recourse to it just for the fan of it. People will think twice will think more than those who cohabit. It is serious and is not addressed to people who are in a haste to join their friend.
Adrian Cardona
May 29th 2011, 18:40
Oh No! More Joe Zammit clones!!
Reuben D. Spiteri
May 29th 2011, 14:50
I will only say one statement: You reap what you sow. The future will tell us how 'great' this victory really is.
I might have been inclined to vote yes if it were only for couples with no underage children in their care, but the way the question was was too vague. It means that anyone can ditch their spouse for four years (without any sort of separation contract) and then file in for a divorce.
Mr Michael Debono
May 29th 2011, 17:38
You are holding the stick from the wrong end. Think of others as if you were in their place. Don't think they re worst than you. That's charity. Don;t ignore it.
Mr Philip Micallef
May 29th 2011, 14:50
Malta has ridden itself of another shackle of the past.
Mr Joseph E Briffa
May 29th 2011, 14:32
If I had to make a quick analysis of the result I would say the following: 1. The Church in Malta still carries a lot of weight. 2. A lot of voters didn't appreciate what exactly they were voting for. 3. Lots of people in the Sliema/St Julian's area voted for divorce because they think it's trendy and want to show that they are avant garde. 4. Cottonera and the surrounding area has always been a Labour stronghold; besides they have the feeling that anything British is good and should be copied blindly. The majority of the people in that area don't have a high level of education and tend to follow blindly whatever Labour says. 5. A number of people in the villages resented the attitude of some overzealous priests and decided to vote yes simply to show that they refuse to be led by church prelates. The ones who remember the sixties also considered this is payback time. 6.Women who have a domineering and violent husband voted for divorce because they unwittingly thought that divorce would solve the problem of domestic violence. 7. A number stayed away because they couldn't care less about the whole issue knowing full well that one doesn't need to get married to have sex.
Charles Massa
May 29th 2011, 14:43
The majority of perple in the Cottonera area do not have a high level of education.....................Alla jbierek kemm int nisrani tajjar il residenti tal Cottonera injoranti u bla skola. U jekk hu hekk il gvenr ta GONZI qieghed jaghmel xi haga biex din titranga???????????????????
Mr Wally Vella-Zarb
May 29th 2011, 14:45
The only point that is valid is your point #1, even though the "lot of weight" is manifestly inferior to what it was in the past.
The other points are merely simplistic generalisations although, if you repeat them often enough, you might succeed in convincing yourself of their validity. Don't aspire to convince many others with your "quick analysis".
Mr Mario Cassar
May 29th 2011, 14:53
Another sore looser? What is your analysis based on? Wishful thinking?
P. Ciantar
May 29th 2011, 15:04
BTW Gonzi is elected from Cottonera mate
Mr Kevin Sciberras
May 29th 2011, 15:04
Your "generalizations" are symptoms of why the Nationalists will be out of power soon.
Mr David Farrugia
May 29th 2011, 15:11
Allura what is your opinion of Gozitans? Put them into perspective against the Cottonera people and show us your analytical skills Mr. Briffa. Awaiting your report.
Mrs c. Lazzari Portelli
May 29th 2011, 15:15
@Mr Joseph E Briffa
I had to comment here and just tell you Mr Briffa that what you wrote is just DISGUSTING !!
But what hit me most ( even if I am not from Cottonera) the fact that you said they do not have a high level of education !!! How dare you say that? In each and every area of MALTA there are the brainy and the IGNORANT ... the level of education is not taken by areas but by the single persons all have abilities in different fields , and I think in Cottonera like in Sliema , Rabat, Mellieha or Marsascala all have all kinds of people and levels of education !!!
And not just women who have violent husbands wanted divorce EVEN MEN who have Violent women wanted it I think cause violence can come from both sexes even if I am a lady myself ...but I am fair.
A big laugh at your last point about "...one doesn't need to get married to have sex" wow you really made a great discovery!!! Huh as if we did not all know that..are you tellling all don't get married and you won't need divorce and you can still have sex???? hahaha as if I got married to have sex....my my you really must have a high level of EDUCATION !!!
You better stay silent and do not hurt people ..pleaseeeeee...try to have a higher level of education yourself !!!
Still cannot believe what I read there....moving my head form left to right ...BUT still smiling....
Mr Patrick Zammit
May 29th 2011, 15:17
Comments like J Briffa's highlight the need for a real separation between church and state. Enough said.
mary pace
May 29th 2011, 15:19
& from cottonera came out, President,prime minister, ministers & archbishop, & more ,which at the momonet I can't recall, How's that for saying cottonera are not of high standard
Victor Pulis
May 29th 2011, 15:24
a very good analysis of Maltese society. You should publish it!...Especially the part about Cottonera and Sliema since they contradict each other.
Raymond Sacco
May 29th 2011, 16:09
@joseph briffa:
lol! a very intelligent analysis which highlights the gifted intellect of this very able author! sliema residents voting yes because it's trendy!!!!!!!!!! cottonera people are stupid!!!!!!!!!! are you serious sir? and the church in malta still carries a lot of weight!!!!!!!!!!! do you know mr. briffa that the church instructed the people to vote NO. do you know that around 27% did not care to vote and 54% of those who did voted YES? so how many did actualy obey the catholic church?
Joseph Grech
May 29th 2011, 16:19
To be honest we cannot say that 1 district is less educated than another, the whole country has a right to vote, and whether a referendum leads to a good choice or not, the WHOLE country is responsible. When I see a good decision I say Malta is smart, when not, I say Malta is dumb. It has nothing to do with districts as (again) the whole country has a right to vote.
Whether this was a good decision or not, I will not comment. However only time will tell, and I hope that every married couple is correctly prepared to make tough decisions such as Divorce after thinking it through. Other than that I hope the Country has made an advancing decision.
Just my opinion about lack of education... please... political education does not come from school. I think that we can scarcely say such things as a District is less educated. Thank god today we have every means of communications possible. Education is widely spread out...
K Agius
May 29th 2011, 17:14
A very good analysis of the Maltese voters...brilliant....can I have your statistical studies/analysis in full detail please?? :)
Edgar Azzopardi
May 29th 2011, 17:28
Re Your point 4 and the ingorance and low education level of the Cottonera people, I have a question : Is that why Laurence Gonzi and carm Mifsud Bonnici are elected from that distict then? Both have not turned out to be sparklers as legislators!!!
The Cottonera people should remember these comments when they come to elect those who think them stupid and ignorant.
This apart: your comment is called ; SOUR GRAPES!!
Mr Lawrence Fenech
May 29th 2011, 17:32
@Briffa.
Toni Fenech jahsiba il-maltin cwic u int qed taqbel mieghu. Hafna min negozjanti antiki saru sinjuri u bla skola. cuc in li tahsiba differenti.
Tim Gauci
May 29th 2011, 17:35
Guess what ? you lost now move on with your life
Mr Matthew Grima
May 29th 2011, 21:36
Isn't it funny how the people that come up with such comments never reply to the comments they get?
Mr J. Bonnici
May 29th 2011, 14:20
Krist Iva
Divorzju wkoll
Issa halluna nghixu.
Mr Joe Micallef
May 29th 2011, 15:24
Who's Krist? a new messiah....where from it telgha tal-maghtab
Brian Azzopardi
May 29th 2011, 14:18
I am Gozitan and I voted Yes in this referendum. Having said that, in no way will I oppose the notion that everyone and anybody had the right to vote no in this referendum. Once, a certain person named Voltaire said ' I may not agree with you but I will gladly give my life for your right to express your opinion' The great majority of the Gozitans voted against divorce.......well they had every right to do so as around 49 per cent of the 10th district who voted no had theirs. I wish to congratulate those responsible of the YES movement, especially its chairperson, who did a fantastic job in this campaign giving it a caring, human,resilient and a trustworthy face. Also I wish that in this country 'once and for all' what is Ceaser is given to Ceaser and what is God's is given to God. And stop the scaremongering because it is doing much more harm than good. History is riddled with such examples!
vincent zerafa
May 29th 2011, 14:13
I was one of those who voted 'yes' and am really glad that the yes vote has prevailed. I am especially glad for two reasons. First that freedom has prevailed over the present situation of a church-state in Malta. And second that spiritual terrorism was defeated in such a big way! Now those who are against divorce are free not to make use of it, while those who wish to have a new beginning have the freedom to do so.
Stephen Grech
May 29th 2011, 14:10
A big big thank you to Dr.Deborah Schembri!!!!!!!!
David J Cassar
May 29th 2011, 14:08
Alas, a referendum addressing an issue relating to family values has been turned into a protest vote against the party in power. A pseudo "Local Council election" approach. As always, bezbez the party in power.....send a protest message. The Gozo vote says it all. It is the only district that has been very,very well looked after by the powers in being, and for sure the vote reflects it.
The whole hogwash going around criticizing the Church for the outcome just does not hold any water. As always an easy target for the faint at heart who are distant from the Church and yet rush to it when they are in need. How sad!
Mr Anton Portelli
May 29th 2011, 15:54
This was a referendum that has brought Malta in line with other EU countries and has hopefully brought to an end Theocratic rule in Malta.
Yes unfortunately Gozo tells it all - Theocratic influence at its best. This is what is really sad!!!!!!
Mr Raymond S. Vella
May 29th 2011, 19:26
@David J Cassar
I voted yes and I am from Gozo . Sorry to tell you that many like me did'nt protest against the party in goverment but against a section from the party who feel more at ease in a church structure than in parliament.
As for the Church, the NO sayers are blaming it. On the contrary, we (YES) think that it actually helped when its hardline elements gave a final push for those undecided to get out and vote YES.
As for Gozo being the only district that has been VERY, VERY well looked after.................I'll comment later or maybe never cause I'm lost for words at the moment.
hristo hristov
May 29th 2011, 14:06
It is very relaxing for me to observe that the logic is predominant in Malta! Good luck to all who wished to change their life, but we unable to do it so far!
H.Hristov
Charles Massa
May 29th 2011, 14:05
Well done to the IVA. U dan minkejja t tfixkil li kellhom mil PN imexxi minn Gonzi u Fenech Adami it theddid mil knisja fostom it twerwir mil babaw tal isqof ta Ghawdex l PBS U NET TV.
Dawn tal LE ma offrew lebda olternattiva. Li kieku ma kellhom l ghajnuna li semmeja aktar l fuq it tkaxkira kienet tkun akbar. Issa im ministru Gatt li kellu jaghmel street party l belt li kieku rebhu tal le joqod id dar bil kwiet
David Cilia
May 29th 2011, 14:32
skuzani nghidlek ta imma tal ONE TV l'iktar li bdew ibezzghu. MAdoffi l-bierah faqawh TV bil-kummenti kontra l-Knisja! Kien hemm ghalfejn dak l'agha kollu? Sur Massa nahseb li ilek taf li Dr. Fenech Adami ilu mhux fil-politika ghal dawn lahhar 7 snin igifieri ma nafx xdahal jaghmel f'san il-kumment. Dwar il-knisja ma nafx jekk qatt mort il-knisja imma sa fejn naqra u taghtini l-intelligenza tieghi qatt ma indunajt li l-knisja hija favur id-divorzju! Ghallura mhux ovja li ha tajdlek hekk! Ahseb qabel tikteb mhux tisma lil xi bahhu jitkellem u tigi tghidu int hawn!
David Cilia
May 29th 2011, 14:38
* mhiex fevur id divorzju
Ramon Casha
May 29th 2011, 14:03
Mr. Joe Zammit should complain to the consumer department about his "guaranteed" victory. Looks like the supplier did not honour the guarantee.
He was right about one thing though. Good always wins.
Mr Alfred Cassar
May 29th 2011, 16:53
Ramon, we'll soon have a lot of other people complaining to the consumer department about the maintenance 'guarantee' as there is no guarantee at all and soon they will discover that this was only a gimmick by JPO et al
Mr Patrick Zammit
May 29th 2011, 13:58
Although I believe that everyone has a right to follow any religion (or not at all), nobody has the right to impose his beliefs on everybody else.
I am happy that the majority of voters understood that.
Mr Anthony Borg
May 29th 2011, 13:55
To the "YES" campaigners who gave so much of their time and dedication:
"Thank You"
"You have brought Malta out of the Limbo we were in for decades!"
--
I sincerely hope that the campaign to better educate the mentality of the Maltese will not end here.
A special note of thanks to the Hon. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, who despite all odds, even from his own political party, wrote down his name in the annals of modern history of the Maltese Islands.
Mario Vella
May 29th 2011, 13:48
The Church is the biggest loser. Some soul searching is needed if the Church needs to stay updated with times. The Archbishop has shown that he is a poor leader! He shouldn't have allowed or should have restrained the outburst of Gozo's Bishop. To ask for an apology is too late now! The Church leaders should either amend or simply quit and make may for those who are sensitive to the sufferings of the people.
As for the PN, the party and Gonzi should too consider whether it is time for them to go! The vote shows that the PN voter is not satisfied with the present leadership, the party has been thrown back in history not only to the 60's but to the 30's. What would have been the result had all LABOUR voters cast their vote? It seems that within months an early election will beckon. The crisis has ushered the PN and its government into a crisis of leadership and governance! A picture of a tired and battered leadership and government is emerging!!!
Mr Joseph Calleja
May 29th 2011, 14:25
Amen,Amen to that. This was a civil vote turned into a religious one and that is where the church et al erred.
Joseph Debono
May 29th 2011, 15:26
Dear Mr. Vella, this is one of the poorest analysis. The outcome is more complex than your simple analysis suggests whereas I agree with you that some soul searching would do everybody good. How do you explain that the Gozo vote was so strong against divorce? Does this strong vote in Gozo speak against the Gozo bishop? How do you explain that all the Labour strongholds gave a strong yes vote even though the family ties are very strong in the Cottonera area? You ask "What would have been the result had all Labour voters cast their vote?" In your analysis you seem to suggest a bigger victory in favour of the introduction of divorce. There are many who are reasonably indicating that many Labour voters who were not in favour of divorce opted to stay at home not to annoy their leader. This was a vote where the anti government sentiment was totally exploited but not everywhere. The fact that Gozo voted predominantly against divorce could be attributed to the rural character. In Gozo there will always be a weaker demand for divorce than in urban Malta.
James Scerri
May 29th 2011, 13:37
This shows that Gozitans are afraid of the 'Babaw'.
Makes me think they're afraid of the Inquisition led by Bishop Mario Grech.
@all those who said we would all go to hell if divorce was introduced : He he... we'll all going to hell!!!
Mr Joseph Aquilina
May 29th 2011, 13:42
This shows how little respect have for the opinions of other!!
adrian sammut
May 29th 2011, 13:47
You are free to choose Mr Scerri. Speak for yourself.
freda briffa
May 29th 2011, 13:32
we can look forward now to a better family living
Mr Joshua Micallef
May 29th 2011, 13:29
A special good morning goes out today to Mr. Joe Zammit!!
Christian Sciberras
May 29th 2011, 13:22
I'm disappointed with Gozo.
Then again, if Malta's medieval in several aspects, Gozo would be stuck in megalithic temples by the same ratio.
Mr M Mamo
May 29th 2011, 13:42
disappointed with Gozo? are you f serious? so because you do not agree with someone you are disappointed with him?!
you know what I am disappointed with? I am disappointed with the Maltese who voted Yes or No just because their party said so ... and this is evident in Labour majority districts and the people who went out to honk their horns sounding victory ... i mean, what is there to celebrate that our families need divorce?
Jesmond Mifsud
May 29th 2011, 13:21
where's Joe Zammit?
Mr Chris Grillo
May 29th 2011, 13:31
You know what? I was thinking the same thing.... but he DID say victory was assured... so he must've said 'Hell Yeah!'
Mr elton grech
May 29th 2011, 13:32
guess he's trying to understand how come he lost the battle of good over evil considering that it was already won... supposedly so...
Ms Roxanne Mifsud
May 29th 2011, 13:32
Praying for us sinners :)
Mr JOSEPH ZAMMIT
May 29th 2011, 13:42
losing the battle between good and evil, he must be in search of a new general.
What tasks does the church in Malta has now? The majority of Maltese are hell bound and for the Bishop's logic, they lost the battle.
Charlie Borg
May 29th 2011, 13:44
Join the fight against good and evil .... it's already guaranteed!!!! :-)
Stefan Limongello
May 29th 2011, 13:48
It's interesting that a community of priests in southern Malta this morning during a 10:00 mass hoped for a Yes vote. I cannot say more because I might be censored. I leave it to journalists or other readers to confirm what I have just said.
Mr Joseph Galea
May 29th 2011, 13:16
On close analysis of the unoffical results of the referendum vote, it is clear that the church in malta is irrelevant today because it has no clear voice and was not ready to give a clear message. On the contrary, the Church in Gozo has a strong bishop who defends the teaching of Jesus Christ and his message is always clear. In Malta, because the message from the Church was not clear, the people voted accordiing to party lines.
Mr JOSEPH ZAMMIT
May 29th 2011, 13:38
wrong reasoning. maybe the people of Gozo were susceptible to scaremongering. In those 3 districts where the NO vote won majority does not indicate they have strong families.
Mr Joseph Aquilina
May 29th 2011, 13:45
@J.Zammit
Gozo is a much closer comunity then Malta and therefore people have more respect towards each other. We have seen that Malta has grown cold and social and moral values have little value anymore. You consider that a vicotry. I pitty the moment that Gozo will become the same and hope never to see that day.
Stefan Limongello
May 29th 2011, 13:50
That's exactly what a priest friend of mine told me three days ago. He said that just smiling is not a sign of strong leadership and augured that changes at the helm in Malta's Curia will take place soon.
Chris Farrugia
May 29th 2011, 13:14
JPO... you wrote your name in Maltese history.
Mr R Galea
May 29th 2011, 13:10
messagg carissimu biex il "knisja" attwali zzomm posta u ma tindahalx f certa affarijiet! il pressjoni mwettqa tul dawn iz zmenijiet urew fic car illi dil knisja mhiex il Knisja ta Kristu, mma l knisja tal qassisin... l interessi finanzjari kienu wisq evidenti... Rigward l apologija li harget fl 10 ta bil lejl, ahjar li ma harguwha xejn, ax kienu jaqtghu figura ahjar! You can fool the people for some time, but you cannot fool the people all d time!
Joseph Ellul
May 29th 2011, 13:07
I said so.
Victor Rodenas
May 29th 2011, 13:03
This shows that to strenghten the family now we have to look deeply into the families of those villages were the majority was NO and try to live our lives as they live theirs.I think this is a good suggestion.We have to look at the good villages and not the bad ones and imitate them,this way we will have stronger families.
Ginevra Alvarado
May 29th 2011, 13:18
Are you saying that those villages who had the maggority of YES votes have bad families?! Come on! Open your mind to reality!
Everyone is free not to take divorce ... its your choice but dont judge others because they need it.
Mr Aaron Vella
May 29th 2011, 13:25
Good villages? Bad villages? What are you talking about? I want to live my life freely and as I see fit. Not living my life like the "good villages" as you put it. Live and let live - Never forget that. At last the mentality of the Maltese is changing.
M. Falzon
May 29th 2011, 13:41
Come on! So you think that in Birkirkara and Mosta there are no broken families and that in districts 2,3,4,5 all the families are broken? I come from district 5 and most families in my locality are very much stable, all Saturday and Sunday masses are packed with people and happy families. To describe my village as a "bad" one is extremely unacceptable. The only way we can have stronger families is not by studying Mosta, Birkirkara and Attard families, which would be totally and utterly pointless, but by enforcing true values, and passing on our parents' values to our children.
Victor Rodenas
May 29th 2011, 14:39
I was being sarcastic,I`m in favour of Divorce,...read my older posts. :>)