Divorce Movement wins
The Divorce Movement has declared victory in the divorce referendum, and the Prime Minister has conceded.
The PL said the 'yes' camp appears to have won 52% of the vote, with the 'no' camp winning 48%. PN sources said the 'yes' victory could be as big as 54% with a vote difference of 18,000.
Deborah Schembri and Evarist Bartolo both declared victory. Bartolo said the sun was shining on Malta and a different more humane Malta was being born.
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi conceded. He said the result was not what he wished for, but the will of the people had to be respected and Parliament would enact a law for the introduction of divorce.
This, he said, was not an easy process but Malta needed to build its future with the priority being family unity and the welfare of the children.
The result became known in under an hour after the vote-counting process started.
Deborah Schembri while welcoming the result, said those who had opposed divorce 'need not worry'.
This law, she said, would not affect them. This was a right which people could opt not to exercise.
Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando was elated. He said he would now take a holiday with his family, but he looked forward to piloting the divorce bill in Parliament.
Alternattiva Demokratika said the voice of reason had prevailed.
Most districts in Malta voted in favour of divorce including all the labour-leaning districts as well as the 10th' District (Sliema) which returned a strong yes vote. Gozo returned a strong 'no' vote.
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Mr Alex Buds
May 31st 2011, 05:24
A great step forward for liberty and freedom. Well done Malta!
I am proud to be Maltese - a citizen of a modern, mature, and educated nation.
Those who voted no need to understand that freedom is the dearest thing of all. You cannot put a price on it, and a vote for freedom is ALWAYS correct.
Ms D Galea
May 31st 2011, 10:12
I am sure that habitual of social security services will heartily agree with you.As far as most of such people are concerned, the introduction of divorce is yet another social service to be abused of at tax payer esxpense.
Mr John Cassar
May 31st 2011, 12:04
D.Galea - you mean like it is with annulments and separations?
What a joke !!
Mr Malcolm Farrugia
May 31st 2011, 02:34
IVA IVA IVA WINS =D. min jahseb li armejna l valuri tana bdaqsekk . ma rmejna xejn. kunu proud min ivota iva ax urejna li ahna kapaci nazlu ahna u mux il knisja ggelna nazlu. PROSET!
Mr M Borg
May 31st 2011, 08:58
If what was said and written against the church , bishops and priests means that " min jahseb il armejna l valuri tana bdaqsekk -ma rmejan xejn "
Believe me they must change the meaning of the word " valuri "
What happened on the days leading to voting day was disgusting !
Bud Moureaux - Flanders (BE) & Xemxija, SPB (MT)
May 30th 2011, 21:52
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.
Stuart of London
May 30th 2011, 13:59
Very sad that people voted yes.
If you look the mess in North West Europe where divorce is quite common you can see what is coming, Malta. Strong families are the bedrock of society and weakening this brings all sorts of problems into society.
There is a lot research into the effects on children from family breakdown and it makes for grim reading http://www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk/client/downloads/BB_family_breakdown.pdf
The Catholic church has its problems and its opponents are quick to use these for ad hominem attacks on its stance on this issues. But the facts are there.
This result is will be bad for Maltese society and will being much pain. The glib triumphalism in the comments of the yes supporters below give you an indication of what was in their hearts.
Mr Alex Buds
May 31st 2011, 00:09
Maltese society does not need your doom & gloom, thank you very much.
Ms Maria Vella
May 30th 2011, 11:46
I honestly don't see why we are celebrating. We are losing our values and looking at what we, as individuals can gain rather than what is potentially good for society in general.
The Church might have had the wrong approach in this campaign but why all this vehemence against it and against people who might not be in agreement with those wanting divorce?
What happened to tolerance and respect for other peoples' opionions? The amount of disgusting, childish and hypocritical comments on Facebook was almost alarming.
Is this what Malta has become? A nation of angry and frustrated people because they do not get what they want?
Mr Matthew Grima
May 30th 2011, 15:40
Seems like it, the anti-freedom-of-choice campaigners seem a bit bitter about it.
Gordon Hide
May 30th 2011, 09:17
Congratulations Malta!
Let us hope after this that the Catholic Church learns that you cannot coerce people to be good, (by the church's lights). You must convince them.
Colin Stanley
May 30th 2011, 00:41
is this supposed to be somthing good, for the people who want divorce, or is it going to be an attack on the Catholic Church? I wonder what's next, maybe same sex marriage, crucifix out of the classroom, time will tell.
Ms Xaxa Caruana
May 30th 2011, 14:00
An attack on the Catholic church????
Int bis serjeta ?
Nahseb iktar bil- kontra ,il- knisja kienet dik li pruvat tigranfa ma kull ma sabet biex id -divorzju ma jaddix, by the way id -divorzju huwa dritt civili, so bazikamnet il knisja ma kellix ghalfejn taghmel dan il fuss kollu, jekk mhux ghax bezet li bid divorzju ha jonqsilha il power u il flus !!!
Rigward il Kurcifissi fil klassi, nahseb qed tezegera ftit habib, imbilli ha jithol id divorzju go Malta ma jfissirs li l valuri taghna ha narmuwhom mit tieqa, nerga nfakkrek li divorzju huwa dritt civili.
U rigward iz zwieg bejn l stess sessi, jien ma ghandi xejn kontra il gays, so jekk isir referendum ghal dil haga nerga nivota iva again. ghax la jien u la int u hadt ma ghandu dritt JIGUDIKA lil hadt!!!
Mr M Borg
May 30th 2011, 17:21
@ Xana Caruana
" Nahseb qed tezegera ftit habib, imbilli ha jithol id divorzju go Malta ma jfissirs li l valuri taghna ha narmuwhom mit tieqa. "
Nice,sane words, but were you in Malta during the referendum ? Believe me some of the things that were written against the Bishops, priests and the church gave a very different picture.
It seems that many were more than happy to use this referendum as an excuse " to throw their Catholic faith out of the windnow " "
Ms Xaxa Caruana
May 31st 2011, 08:53
@Mr.M Borg,
Nahseb int ma kontx go Malta waqt il -Kampanja tar-Referendum habib !!!
Fejn kont int meta nies mill- kleru WERWRU lil anzjani u kien hemm min anki ma qarbinx lil min qal li ha jivota iva?
Fejn kont int meta nies mil Kleru abuzaw fuq tfal u HADT min tal LE ma ikundanna dan il kaz , anzi kien hemm min ipruva jahbieh! ( Infakkrek ftit kif gew uzati it-TFAL fil kampanja tal LE, jekk jithol divorzju ha ssir hafna hsara lit tfal etc etc ).
Fejn kont int fil Purcisjoni tad Duluri fejn qiesek kont waqt xi dimostrazzjoni tal Le?
Fejn kont int meta kien hawn min inqeda bit terremoti,u bil deriet tal Madonna li qed tibki ?
Fejn kont int meta tal Le ikwotaw BICCIET mil Bibbja kontra id Divorzju?
Fejn kont int meta l-Isqof ta Ghawdex sejjah certa nies naghag libsien ta volpi ( xi haga hekk) ?
Nista nibqa insemmi ezempji sa ghada, il Knisja min dan ir rizultat trid ideffes haga go rasha li Poplu illum il gurnata ma tantx tamih u tbezzu kif gib u lahaq, u jridu jahdmu biex jergu ireggu in nies lura lejn il knisja.
juanita debattista
May 31st 2011, 14:34
@MsXaxa Caruana: How funny ..for someone who claims not to care about the Church you seem to be highly preoccupied by it!
1.Re 'nies minn tal-kleru jabbuzaw mit tfal u hadt minn tal le ma qal xejn'.. How did you come to that conclusion may I ask? As far as I know on more than one occasion the Church has made a public apology.
2. 'The Church' who has been the target of the 'IVA' people includes all those who are baptised and hence most if not all the IVA people themselves...how ironic is that!?
3 Re ;'nies minn tal-kleru'wERWRU l-anzjani..I would like to hear that from the horses mouth..so MENTION one specific occasion where that happened if you witnessed it personally,otherwise its a bit lame to quote what Cikka said that Peppa said
4 Re 'Purcissjoni tad-duluri =demostrazzjoni tal-le..' With all due respect..if you went to a religious function what were you expecting, and if you re so much against the church why were you participating in religious functions anyway?!
5 Re 'Min jinqeda mit terrimoti u d dehriet tal-Madonna'... I thought that this was a democratic country where everyone was free to voice his opinion...For goodness sake, after all this uproar about democracy and freedom the moment we hear something which doesnt appeal to us we want to drown the source and literally shred whoever said it to pieces..Fejnha l-konsistenza?
6 Re quotes from the bible..text has to be interpreted in context..thats why the old testment quotes quoted out of context were qualified by the 'IVA'
I can continue writing forever but I think its clear enough
Hanneke Kooiman
May 29th 2011, 22:36
Congratulations Malta!
Hanneke Kooiman
the Netherlands
Mr M Borg
May 30th 2011, 09:24
People always congratulated us before.
Guess on what ?? Our strong families.
Is there really anything to congratulate us for now ?
Mr Matthew Grima
May 30th 2011, 10:55
Yes there is, progress. Like it or not, it's there.
Ms Maria Vella
May 30th 2011, 15:05
Matthew Grima
encouraging split families is progress to you?
Mr M Borg
May 30th 2011, 18:24
@ Matthew Grima
I will never call the introduction of divorce in Malta " progress ".
I think " regression " fits so much better.
Claire Busuttil
May 29th 2011, 22:18
Prosit Malta........love you even more......xxx
fejnom l isqfijiet???
Kevin Duca
May 29th 2011, 21:25
Error 404: Joe Zammit not found
Mr Andrew Grech
May 30th 2011, 12:06
HAHAHAAHHAHAHA :) good one!!
Mr M Vella***
May 29th 2011, 20:30
Thank You"
You have brought Malta out of the Limbo we were in for decades!
Mr Joe Gatt
May 30th 2011, 02:11
Yes, have won, does it mean an end to the secret agrement between our ex prime minister EFA and the vatican?
`YES`
Mr M Borg
May 30th 2011, 09:07
There is Heven, Limbo and Hell.
If you believe in Limbo you must believe in the others !
You have gone out of Limbo which or the other two will you choose now ??
Mr Matthew Grima
May 30th 2011, 10:47
Mr Borg, the Church recently closed down the limbo in April, if I'm not mistaken (about the date, not the limbo thing). Probably hated waiting rooms too I guess.
http://vivirlatino.com/2007/04/23/pope-no-more-limbo-its-heaven-or-hell.php
I've not yet received postcards from heaven or hell, so the jury is still out on that one.
Mr Alex Buds
May 29th 2011, 19:44
Long live a secular, humane, and a tolerant Malta. A Malta with real separation between Church and State.
One small but important step in that direction.
Mr Jack Xerri
May 29th 2011, 20:50
u zguuuuuur!
Mr Alex Buds
May 29th 2011, 19:42
Just admit you lost. People like you made yourselves the best weapon the yes movement ever had!
Mark-anthony Fenech
May 30th 2011, 01:09
You people claimed that the divorce referendum will not pass in favour of the Yes camp and it did pass in our favour. Now you're claiming that secularism will never gain a foothold. We shall see.
One step at a time. The Church will be put into its proper place.
Mr Alex Buds
May 30th 2011, 17:24
Clarification: My comment was meant as a reply to G Cowie below.
I am and was firmly in the YES camp!
Gerry Cowie
May 29th 2011, 19:25
People of Malta - you have made your minds up and all shall accept the result and not gloat over any kind of victory. Many did not vote and the vote could have been a greater victory for the pro movement or even swung it the other way, but we shall never know. The pro movement's behaviour could have been based more on the facts in hand and perhaps they would have garnered more votes, so it is still true to say that they did help to persuade a fair number of the 48% that said "NO!" If they had not been so anti-Church they might have had a far greater and more meaningful victory!
As one without a vote in Malta I have neither gained nor lost in this fight, but have simply stood up for fairness throughout which I am sorry to say many have not. The borderline vote is nevertheless a majority which must be respected.
But bear in mind this very important point. This is not a vote in favour of secularism per se. There are those who have their own private agenda to rid Malta of any religious influence whatsoever. This will not happen, but you should remain on your guard against humanistic and secularist tendencies which seek to deny God a place within His own creation. The fact that 52% of those who actually bothered to turn out to vote have said yes to legislation which will introduce divorce to Malta is in no way an outright denial of the majority Roman Catholic religion in Malta. There are those who are already claiming such a victory, but theirs is a hollow victory!
Indeed some people on the pro side did speak with great feeling about what they personally felt about this issue. They did so without knocking the Church or using sarcasm like it had gone out of fashion! Those few people were sadly not emulated by the many who simply went on an all-out protest against the Catholic Church. It is the attitude of some, not the result of the ballot, which was so offensive. The result I accept.
I am sure that Dr Schembri and her team will now move forward and discourage their followers from any gloating and just get on with the job in hand.
Also those who are always going on about all minorities being included in a democracy must put their money where their mouth is and also ensure that they take into account the feelings of the 48% who said "NO!"
Malta will continue as a majority Catholic country and the pepole will still allow their beliefs to colour their daily lives. Indeed most of those who voted are Catholic - which seems to have escaped the notice of many, or at least has been ignored by them or else played upon by them in their rhetoric.
Secularism will never gain a hold in this country.
Long Live Malta and the Catholic Maltese.
Mr Mike Abbot
May 29th 2011, 20:10
There has been very little gloating Gerry, there is no need for flag waving. The anti church sentiment is understandable - the church has angered so many people and the threats are obvious to so many, even if you can't see them. The church itself has offered an apology to this end.
I can never understand your bug bear about secularism. Secularism may uphold the ideal of freedom from religion but it also protects the right to practice religion - why do you see this as a threat or even a bad thing?
Raymond Sacco
May 29th 2011, 21:23
@gerry cowie:
if 399,999 citizens of malta are catholic and 1 is not, you cannot call malta catholic mr. cowie! and that is what secularism is all about. unlike what you are hinting, secularism is not the enemy of religion. it gives everyone the right to exercise their beliefs in freedom without brandishing a whole country with just one religion like you are doing! would you like it if i called you a muslim, a jehovah witness or a hindu mr. cowie? i guess not, for the precise reason that you are not! so stop insisting on the repeated blunders committed by your catholic church which are doing nothing but irritating non catholics and decent catholics!
Ms Rita Smith
May 29th 2011, 22:24
I think Mr Gerry Cowie is right in what he is saying. Above all I do not think it was a clear result at all as 90,000 did not vote, that is an equivalent to 5 districts!!!One can also see how districts 2,3,4 and 5 strongholds of labour voted. In my opinion those districts were politically motivated as Joseph Muscat himself said that he was campaigning for an IVA vote. No matter what all the people involved in the campaign said I think it was mostly politically motivated referendum
Rita Smith
Mr John Cassar
May 29th 2011, 23:22
Gerrie, wake up and face the facts.
Around 200,000 out of a possible 307,000 ignored the church's directives.
It is a clear message that Malta is a sovereign nation and that the days of the religious diktat and religious fiefdoms are over. As some foreign media reports put it, in 2011 Malta moved to secularity.
Raymond Sacco
May 30th 2011, 12:44
@rita smith:
please stop bringing up silly excuses. do you really think that the maltese population is still so stupid as to vote as it's political masters instructed in such a referendum? do you still think we're in the 60's? what might have motivated some people to vote yes or abstain was the way some clergy members and leaders of the catholic church treated the maltese, as if they were brainless nincompups! and you are reasoning in the same manner! how do you know how the 90,000 (who did not vote) would have voted? the catholic church leaders issued clear instructions: VOTE NO. they did not instruct their followers to abstein. so, clearly those 90,000 ignored the catholic church ms. smith!
Steve Pace
May 29th 2011, 19:09
As a catholic and a firm supporter of Yes to divorce legislation, i feel the Maltese church should come out stronger. It should realize that the method of delivering its teachings is not effective anymore. I am not saying it should change its stand . But i am saying that it should reflect on the impact the whole referendum process has had on the Church itself. It should distance itself from people who have proclaimed guaranteed victory and who predicted so many other things. The church should realize that people like Joe Zammit and Angelik Caruana only cause damage to the Catholic Faith . Never before has the distance between the method Jesus taught his people and the methods in use by the Maltese church been so obvious as today ! Let us hope the Maltese catholic church reflects on the damage on its credibility it has brought about on itself .
The church should take stock of all this and understand the new challenge that it needs to better prepare people for marriage .
Mr M Borg
May 29th 2011, 22:02
I am sure you got it wrong, somewhere. How can you be " a Catholic and a firm supporter of Yes to divorce legislation "?
The Church was only doing her duty in delivering the message of God.and in no way was her credibility demaged.
It is up to many supposed Catholics who now have to decide it they are infact real Catholics.
Just because IVA won nothing changed where the church is concerned.
Divorce was a sin and still is a sin after IVA's win.
Marrying after divorce was a sin and still is a sin after IVA's win, nothing chnaged !
Ms Rita Smith
May 29th 2011, 22:26
The Church in Malta teaches only the word of God as it is in the BIBLe nothing more nothing less. Sorry you are twisting the teaching of Christ.
Rita smith
Mr Matthew Grima
May 30th 2011, 15:45
Which message of God, someone here just pointed out that there are different versions of his message. Please clarify.
Mr Alex Buds
May 30th 2011, 19:08
@M Borg: People who go around telling other people they are sinners and pointing fingers are usually the biggest sinners of all - as well as downright nasty people you don't want to be around in general.
Just a lesson from history. Ironical perhaps, but true nonetheless.
Steve Pace
May 29th 2011, 19:00
The sad thing in all this is that people who continuously predicted a victory for the NO because they were spoken too by our Mother of God make the Catholic religion look like a joke ! Some others who always said "Divorce never. The win is guaranteed. " should give an apology to The Maltese Catholics . Shame on them for they have ridiculed religion and have shown so much what Charlatans they are !
Mr M Borg
May 29th 2011, 21:54
I was always against divorce and if you think that I should apologise to you or to anybody, you are very much mistaken !
Just because IVA won the referendum does not mean that anything has changed for us Catholics .
Divorce was and still is a sin, even after IVA's win nothing changed.
Anyone who marries after divorce will still be committing a sin, IVA's win did not change anything.
Mr Mark Demicoli
May 29th 2011, 18:59
fejnu Joe Zammit? Mela ma kienitx: "the victory is ours it's guaranteed???" e xbin??
daqsekk paroli issa!
Adrian Sacco
May 29th 2011, 23:26
He's gratifyingly quiet!
Allan Gatt
May 29th 2011, 18:00
"[Introducing a divorce law], [Gonzi] said, was not an easy process but Malta needed to build its future with the priority being family unity and the welfare of the children." Of course, as opposed to free speech, self-determination, creativity, and real, honest and uncensored education. So let us then focus on family unity, whatever its purpose, goal or method, and the welfare of the children, whatever the word 'welfare' means. The victory claimed today could end up to being minimal, because the war over divorce will certainly not end here. Gonzi PN and the Church will now lobby as hard as they can to take the teeth out of any fledgling divorce legislation, trying to minimize their defeat and save as much face as they can. I trust the Times will keep us informed of the trail of slime leading in and out of the law books.
Mr Lawrence Fenech
May 29th 2011, 17:43
Issa wara l-apologija imisshom jiskuzaw ruhom ma Deborah u jergaw jaghtuha xogholha lura.
Mr Joseph Calleja
May 29th 2011, 19:05
Jien naqbel mighek Mr Fenech, imma nghid hoss fl-ilma?
N. Galea
May 30th 2011, 12:28
Naqbel perfettament!
Jmisshom jisthu! Min dejjem hekk kienu! Ma jinbidlu QATT! ma tghamilx kif jghidu huma? mela barra!!! Imma issa jmisshom jwaqfu dawn il kumidji ta ghax in nies jumbrawhom qedghin! Jridu jifmu li il power ma ghadux ghandhom u li in nies ma ghadhomx boloh! Jien aktar ma smajthom jitkelmu aktar ikonvincejt ruhi li d-divorzju ghandu jghaddi!! Msomma huma qatt ma jmisshom indahlu fiha il bicca tax xoghol! waqaw ac cajt BIG TIME!!!!
Stephen Gatt
May 29th 2011, 16:54
I was one of them who did not collect my vote. This was as a protest to the incompetence of our parlimentary personell who could not have decided state issues amongst themelves. Every Club needs to have a great leader who motivates his/her team to deliver on what is required and exceeding what is nessesary. Yet the Leader of malta, was hidden away behind a curtain. LEADERS need to be in front and thats why they are called leaders. I really don't care till date what the outcome is, cause this is a state issue. It costed malta some Eur4,000,000 plus to have a referendum on what I still believe should have been tackled at parliment level. (All as a free Vote) This YES Vote does not in any way interfer with the Catholic views, as a divorce is not accepted. So why did the Church patronise the population and just sit back and observe. We are mixing the state with the church...... This is wrong... People should have another chance legally and who am I to say no to that. But again when one gets married in Church, their is no Divorce (unless you have a geniune case) so again why are they getting involved. Let's now move forward and who ever needs this state issue has the right to stay in Malta and apply.... rather than going to our sister EU Countries. I really love Malta...... We are all like busy idiots...... wasting our money and resources on things that can be decided else where.......
Mr Lawrence Fenech
May 29th 2011, 17:45
@Gatt for such a long speech your duty as a maltese citizen was to vote.
Allan Gatt
May 29th 2011, 18:26
@ Lawrence Fenech: You're right. I hate the Pro and Anti-Divorce crowds with a burning passion, but in the end it all boils down to the lesser of the two evils. Abstaining from voting is irresponsible and spineless because it makes a mockery of the democratic process. Straddling the middle of the road will end up with you being run over. So I voted, and I voted in favor of divorce, but not because I have any sympathy with the pro-divorce crowd. I find most of them shifty, insincere and with many a boneyard in their closets. No, I voted in favor of divorce because I hate to see the Church winning ground on anything. That is my motive, and I plant to live by it.
Charlie Borg
May 29th 2011, 18:56
Too long-winded an explanation. You should have done your duty. As it is, you let others do it and ran the risk of a negative result. Well done for your civic duty!
Mr Joseph Calleja
May 29th 2011, 19:09
@Allan Gatt, people who live in glass houses should not throw rocks.
Stephen Gatt
May 29th 2011, 19:36
@Fenech. I still think that it was waste of Money, to do now.......... In Less than 2 years we couldn have had an election on it.......and the cost would have been diluted in teh other exspenses......... glad to know that you support the 4,000,000 cause rather than spending it on true essence.
Allan Gatt
May 30th 2011, 17:50
Sure Mr Calleja, and people who speak in riddles should stop wasting my time.
carmen galea
May 29th 2011, 15:23
@MR I AZZOPARDI ' Reason prevailed!! THANK GOD! ' THANK GOD FOR GOING DIRECTLY AGAINST HIS WISH??????????? OH MY .......GOODNESS..... WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WE'RE SAYING / DOING ......METHINKS
Mr Matthew Grima
May 29th 2011, 15:49
Did he tell you that wish personally Ms Galea? Or you only say that because it's written in a book designed to control?
Mark-anthony Fenech
May 29th 2011, 15:51
I do not care what your god thinks or wishes, I only want a basic, civil right to be introduced. And reason prevailed over fiction.
Raymond Sacco
May 29th 2011, 17:23
@carmen galea:
and you are presumptuous enough to say that you know what god thinks?!?!?!?! talking about methinks!!!!!
Charlie Borg
May 29th 2011, 18:54
Maybe not, but we know what we voted for.
Mr Joe Micallef
May 29th 2011, 15:04
Whilst I am against the type of divorce that has just been approved by the Maltese population, one cannot fail to note that the Catholic Church in Malta has just been delivered a strong reality check. In other words that a strong majority believe it is irrelevant when addressing key issues!
It faces a demotion, as suggested by Dr Muscat during a talk show on One, to areas that are determined by someone else!
Raymond Sacco
May 29th 2011, 15:54
yeah, and i guess an earthquake is on the way too!
Patrick Mulholland
May 29th 2011, 14:51
Well done Malta! Now just watch a very quick moral slide. It's all down hill now.
Mr Matthew Grima
May 29th 2011, 15:47
Doom monger!
Mr Stefan Kottmann-Soler
May 29th 2011, 16:18
Let other people do as they like and behave as you wish.
Mr Mark Cutajar
May 29th 2011, 16:30
In which universe is giving rights to people, a downhill ride in people's living standards?
Charlie Borg
May 29th 2011, 18:54
Oh yes, Patrick, I have already seen people flying!
Mr Joe Gatt
May 30th 2011, 02:05
Patrick Mulholland
A great big earthquake will now destroy these Islands now, as predicted, I suggest you save yourself,
Regret you`ll have to pay full fare, but it`s all for a worthy cause.
Mark-anthony Fenech
May 29th 2011, 14:50
Now that the referendum is over and the Yes camp have won, the sooner Art.2 of the Constitution is abolished, the better.
(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.
Raymond Sacco
May 29th 2011, 15:43
i totally agree. that part of the constitution is against human rights and only countries like saudi arabia and iran have similar clauses in their constitution. it brandishes a whole population with only one religion! now that malta has turned a new page and un-chained it's medieval shackles, we must continue to seperate what is religious and secular! malta, welcome to the civilised world!
Mr JOSEPH ZAMMIT
May 29th 2011, 18:11
Totally agree!! I have been mentioning this in many of my comments. The Church institution in Malta is the 3rd political party, and unfortunately, when the conservative PN is in government it has the major weight.
Article 2 in our Constitution should be abolished at once. The Church has its place in society but not in a Constitution. In the American Constitution one finds:
That religion, or the duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence, and therefore all men have an equal, natural and unalienable right to the exercise of religion according to the dictates of conscience, and that no particular sect or society ought to be favored or established by law in preference to others.
Ms Rita Smith
May 29th 2011, 22:36
With or without Art 2 in the Constitution the Roman Catholic Church still have the right to teach which principles are right or ad which are wrong. It seems Mr Anthony Fenech that you do not want any authority over your head. Nobody is asking you to listen to the Catholic Church. Jesus said "listen if you have ears" He did not force anybody. As for you keep being libertine because that's the impression you gave me.
Rita Smith
Mr Matthew Grima
May 30th 2011, 10:54
"With or without Art 2 in the Constitution the Roman Catholic Church still have the right to teach which principles are right or ad which are wrong"
So there's no need for it to be there then? Right, agreed.
Ms Donna Degaetano
May 30th 2011, 14:00
@ Ms Smith
Yes you do have to listen when you're attending a state school and have to sit for a Religion exam twice annually!! Religion should be a personal choice. It shouldn't be forced on anyone. You cannot freely choose when schools will only teach one religion. States schools are open for all children resident in Malta........not all of them are Roman Catholics. Even if those that aren't are in the minority they still have the same rights as the rest. Religion should be thought in churches at at M.U.S.E.U.M. where everyone is free to choose whether he/she wants to attend.
Mark-anthony Fenech
May 31st 2011, 12:01
Ms Rita Smith: I do not want to Church to interfere in my life, that's all. I do not want an organisation built upon a fictitious story to dispense its own "truth" as if it was fact. So now let me start The Church of the Lord of the Rings: Frodo was sacrificed, sent by the angelic Gandalf to combat the devilish Sauron and his minions of greater demons, the Nazgul and his lesser demons, the orcs.
Joking aside, the Church can teach what it likes and wants but not with the same (and sometimes more) authority than the State. This is the Republic of Malta not the Vatican. As Ms Degaetano said, it should not be forced down on anybody.
Keith Chircop
May 29th 2011, 14:50
Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don't criticize
What you can't understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is
Rapidly agin'
Please get out of the new one
If you can't lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin'.
Anthony Roberts
May 29th 2011, 15:45
I am sorry but I am a Chrstian and I am divorced. I still go to Mass and I am still part of the Catholic community. Do not judge me or others like me as you have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. God love me as much as he loves you, there is no difference only your arrogance in your thinking you know the answer.
Marie Roberts
Raymond Sacco
May 29th 2011, 15:53
@adrienne borg:
who said that all the people who voted yes are christians. that is the problem with you and your catholic church. because all the population had their heads watered when they were only two weeks old and were brain-washed during their childhood, you still assume they believe in everything they were fed! WAKE UP!
Adrienne Borg
May 29th 2011, 14:25
I am personally against the introduction of divorce, but I accept the result as it is, and I'm by no means going to go and cry my eyes out in front of the Holy Mary or seeing every move from Mother Nature as a sign from God.
What really annoys me is the fact that the majority of the people who voted 'yes' claim to be Christians! What the hell?? If you are Christian, then you cannot agree with divorce! If you have any doubts or just don't believe, then you can't claim to be Christian, you can't get married in Church, because it doesn't make sense to do so if you don't believe in it, right? You either agree fully, or don't join the 'club'. Let's stop doing things 'ghal ghajn in-nies'!
Mr Leonard Brincat
May 29th 2011, 14:40
Inti min int biex tahseb li int nisrani aktar min haddiehor. Danakollu ghax ivvotajt le. Hemm differenza bejn nisrani u ruman kattoliku
Mr Matthew Grima
May 29th 2011, 14:55
False, as a Catholic (not Chritstian) you are not allowed to get divorced, BUT, you are allowed to let others divorce. SO no, you are wrong. But anyway, the country's showed you that you're wrong anyway, I don't know why I'm writing this. I've had enough of it now.
Mr mindofmyown malta
May 29th 2011, 14:58
you are right ... if you are christian you can't agree with using divorce... however you should agree with introducing divorce in Malta. Because you cannot impose you religion on all the Maltese society, christian or not.
So every christian was obliged to vote YES in this referendum, and give the opportunity of choice to other people
Mr Mike Rizzo
May 29th 2011, 15:01
I think you are confusing Christian with Catholic. But even allowing for this oversight , you fail to recognise that there are different flavours of the Catholic church across the world.
Besides, everyone in a club is free to challenge and try to change the rules of the club if they feel strongly about a point - a good example is the widespresad use of conraceptives amongst Catholics.
Mr Peter Korsten
May 29th 2011, 17:22
@Adrienne Borg:
What you should try to understand is that what other people do with their lives is really none of your business. If you're against divorce, fine, don't get divorced, but don't force your own personal conviction down other people's throats.
Also, please try to make the distinction between the Roman Catholic Church, Christianity in general, and morality. They're very distinct things.
Charlie Borg
May 29th 2011, 18:53
Lady, I think that you are mixing up 'Christian' with 'Roman Catholic'. Give over, lady.
Lawrence Attard
May 29th 2011, 22:02
@Adrienne Borg
Ms Borg, do you labour under the misconception that to be Christian one has to be Catholic? This is very definitely not the case by any definition, although the Catholic Church in Malta tends to sell it as if it is. A lot of the 'thou shalt not's that have been bandied about in this campaign are specifically man-made laws of the Catholic dogma.
I voted Yes, and my main focus was not even divorce per se, but primarily in favour of choice, civic rights and also to see that the fear-mongering which the Church initiated does not bear have its way. That in my opinion would have taken Malta back in time (50 years to be exact). When situations like this are created (and Im not the one who created them) then priorities are also created. Ichose my priority as you did too, each in our own way. The difference is that yours was in favour of the Catholic dogma, mine was not, but that doesnt make me or anyone who voted Yes necessarily un-Christian.
Right now I think it is a priority that the Church move into its proper place, which is as an institution for spiritual guidance not a political party or power structure. Surely this should be a welcome break for clearly it has a lot of work to try to reclaim even a fraction of the faith and trust it has lost with its threat campaign.
Ms Rita Smith
May 29th 2011, 22:40
Mr Brincat, Nisrani u Cattoliku hija l-istess haga fejn jidhol iz-zwieg. Go back to catechism lessons.
Rita smith
Steven Mifsud
May 29th 2011, 23:33
Firstly, I would like to point out that though all of you people criticising Ms. Borg of being unable to think freely and/or confusing Christianity with Catholic morality, should think again. Religious freedom is not what the referendum was about, nor was it put into question at any given point. Though the Maltese are predominantly Roman Catholic, Malta is a country that practises religious freedom, and every citizen has equal right to believe or not believe and express one's spirituality.
Also, pertaining to a religion is not imposed on anyone, and thus, whether one decides to belong to a particular organised religion, be it Roman Catholicism, or otherwise, is based upon an individuals choice to commit oneself to engage in a spiritual voyage where one can achieve an awareness that would otherwise not be possible. It is therefore important to consider that it is one's own commitment that one has to respect, and not any imposed by any organised religious body when taking moral/ethical decisions that might be in contrast with any established teachings. It is therefore wrong to state that the Church, or any other entity opposing the abrogation of a law to legalise divorce led a crusade against those in favour of divorce, as the Church was doing its job, that is, to remind its members of the commitment they have taken with themselves. Thus, it is up to each individual to judge whether the choice they made is according to their beliefs, whatever they may be, and I say so not because I believe that there will be some sort of retribution had one not to vote according to the established teachings or not, but because I believe that, in truth, each citizen can perform such a judgement, in the light of what they believe in.
That being said, there are a number of things I have to say to conclude. Now that there has been an expression of the public in favour of divorce, I sincerely hope that though divorce will be an option, all the institutions that can have a say on family legislation, together with organised religions take serious measures to ensure that married life is strengthened and not rendered transient, especially in the realm of domestic violence and neglect. In fact, many of the (stereotyped) cases mentioned during the campaign by either side are actually criminal offences, such as the beating up of one's spouse, or neglecting one's children by not living up to their maintenance agreements, and these are, more often than not, not reported to the responsible authorities. Finally, it is also important to note that more importance is given to proper preparation for married life, especially for young couples, as I think that there are a lot of conflicting messages out there that are simply not effective into giving them adequate preparation in the correct manner to be able to tackle the challenges of married life.
Andrew Cumbo
May 29th 2011, 14:18
Hope this result serves as a lesson to the church, not to interfere with civil rights. The church is there to convey her views, not to impose. After all Jesus Christ chose his disciples not against their will. It was them that voluntary chose to follow him and that is how the church shall attract people. The church must not dictator ships even to those priests that want express their views; it must be more understanding for today’s life. If it is not going to revolutionize, people are going to be more distant from Church day by day.
Adrienne Borg
May 29th 2011, 14:38
I don't believe that the people who actually go to Church are forced to do so! It's every individual's decision to go, and if you don't like what you're part of, just back out. The Church obviously had to declare the Christian position regarding the divorce. Having said that, there were instances where the Church 'dictated' (Gozo), and I don't agree with that, but it would have been a shame had the Church not explained the Christian teachings regarding the issue.
Charles Massa
May 29th 2011, 14:17
Well done Dr. Schembri u dan minkejja theddid mil knisja - dawn l insara li keccewk
Adrienne Borg
May 29th 2011, 14:45
Charles jien nimmagina li jekk ma tkunx taqbel 100% mat-taghlim tal-Knisja, ma tistax tibqa' taghmel parti minnha, le? Insara u le, hija kontradittorja li inti tghid li temmen fi Kristu, imbaghad tghawweg ir-regoli kif jaqbel lilek.
Mr Matthew Grima
May 29th 2011, 15:13
A lawyer does not need to agree with all the laws to practice law, this should work for the Church tribunal as well. The Maltese courts are not employers of lawyers, nor is the Catholic church for that matter. So Dr. Schembri was not employed by the church. Stop believing the bull they feed you and start looking at stuff from your own eyes.
Anthony Roberts
May 29th 2011, 13:55
What a good day this is for all those whose lives can only improve especially for those who or had suffered in their marriage. They have the chance now to disconnect the line between the ones who they married for love but who turned against them and made their lives hell on earth WELL DONE MALTA
Mr Mario P. Sciberras
May 29th 2011, 13:46
Take notice of what Perit Michael Falzon said in the above clip. I agree fully with what he said.
Stephen Grech
May 29th 2011, 13:41
13.38 pm on the sliema front..............no carcades and no honking. Carcades and honking probably just another fabrication from the No fanatics.
13.39 in Malta..............still no earthquakes or no doomsday in sight.
Meassage to the no camp..............try and put frorward one valid argument next times guys.
Anthony Roberts
May 29th 2011, 13:56
You are so right. Thanks be to God for his understanding and love and tolerance.
Victor Rodenas
May 29th 2011, 14:46
I hope that the Pope will still come to Malta now.
Anthony Roberts
May 29th 2011, 15:41
Why hope? He's been. God wiling he will come again and see that there is no change. He will see marriages taking place with the same vows being exchanged and with the same hope that marriages will last. The difference will be that those who are abused by the partners, both physically and mentally will be able to be totally free from the pain and humiliaton they are or have been experiencing in the marriage.
Ms Rita Smith
May 29th 2011, 22:45
Earthquakes and doomsday come when you least expect them. Be vigilant
RSmith
Mr l Azzopardi
May 29th 2011, 13:36
LIES AND DECEIT DID NOT PAY!
LOVE WON!! PAIN LOST!!
PRAISE THE LORD!!
Mr Peter Agius
May 29th 2011, 13:47
Love? I never heard of the word. An egoistic person loves only himself. And by the way who is the Lord?
albert pace
May 29th 2011, 14:16
Calling the officials of the YES movement '' Briganti '' probably was the turning point. The apology at 22.00 was a farce.
Mr renald williams
May 29th 2011, 13:31
The no divorce campaign, was the best asset, for the yes divorce campaign...
1.writers who forgot that we are all sinners; but still wanting to judge almost all to hell.
2.mystics forgetting that madonna of girgenti: told us to vote in favour of eu; and now madonna of borg in-nadur, realised there is also divorce in the eu.
3.previous pope said on rai tv: to vote in favour of eu for its christian values; and present pope said on rai tv, that we entered an eu of unchristian values.
4.certain clergy where only thinking for a vatican victory, not realising they were spreading many of the sheep away.
5.some clergy closed their eyes for eu laws like pornographic magazines,
gentlemen clubs, gambling rooms; but did not accept eu law divorce.
6.authorities accepting to give multiple second chances: to those guilty;
but not even thinking of giving separated couples, just another chance.
7.journalists writing positively: about 1960’s voting including mortal sin;
and daring to question, if it is also positive for the present 2011 voting.
8.politicians talking all out against divorce,
but then accepting questionable annulments.
9.using the same type of messages: as for the yes to eu campaign;
resulting in a similar yes vote, but this time in favour of divorce.
10.the more politicians made official party pressure on personal cases, the more this resulted in voters deciding abstaining on this issue.
May followers of Jesus the sinless and judge: learn to live and let live;
not following churches or christians or politicians, who think they are sinless and judges.
May beleivers read the Gospels of Jesus (sms 79280325 for free copy).
To those who voted against or in favour or invalidated their vote or abstained, peace and health wishes.
vincent zerafa
May 29th 2011, 13:31
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.
Mr John Cassar
May 29th 2011, 13:30
I have been repeating the following comments for weeks now.
1. ZbD, for all it's wealth and scaremongering was the best secret weapon of Moviment IVA with the many flip flops as the campaign progressed.
2. The quasi-fanatical stands by the Bishop of Gozo may have gained votes on Gozo but they were disliked in Malta with some voting Yes not in favour of divorce but against the totalitarianism that seemed to be descending on our country.
3. The stand of the PN was badly thought out and the voting patterns on traditionally strong Nationalists shows that PN voters want a center right party not the theocratic equivalent of the tea party in the USA.
The worst effected is the Church. The church issued a directive that everyone must vote (and vote no). Given that 54% voted against her wishes and 27% did not even vote, simply shows that the support and size of the church has been exposed for what it really is. Small and with it's wings clipped. Had the church retained the position that Archbishop Paul Cremona wanted to implement (the position of the seven church guru's relating to formed conscience) this sorry state of affairs would not have been exposed.
Finally, this is the best result the PN could really get actually. Had the divorce issue not been addressed today, it would have led to electoral losses in the general elections in just under two years time.
Finally, on a lighter note to Joe Zammit......Darth Vader and the imperial guard have been significantly repulsed but the war goes on. Fight with the Jedi Knights, victory is already guaranteed.
Ms Rita Smith
May 29th 2011, 22:53
Mr John Cassar I think you should be blind if you are not seeing that this referendum was politically orientated. Just see Disticts 2,3,4,5 a stronghold of labour how they voted. Joseph Muscat has campaigned for the YES vote, he said it himself. One must be wearing blinkers if one cannot see this
Rita Smith
Mr John Cassar
May 30th 2011, 11:55
Rita, do not shoot from the hip.
Sure the 2-5th districts are labour strongholds. However what about the 6th, 7th, 9th,10th and 12th? Aren't they Nationalist strongholds? If you think this referendum, started by a Nationalist MP, was politically motivated you must be feeling the effects of the sun.
Wake up and analyze the results. The electorate, whether Nationalist/Labour or AD chose Solidarity over selfishness.
Mrs silvia debono
May 29th 2011, 13:29
the IVA has won over. we will have a Civil law called Divorce which is like any other law, with its pros and contras. it has been the will of the maltese people. i feel sorry for those who are eating sour grapes today. divorce will have consequences, like everything in this world, but we dont need you or you to predict them. those who need the divorce will make use of it, good or bad, it is their choice, not mine, not yours. so for once and for all TINDAHALX!
Mr C Mallia
May 29th 2011, 13:24
A big prosit goes to Deborah Schembri, JPO, Evarist Bartolo, Michael Falzon and the rest.
This referendum showed many new desirable aspects in Maltese Politics. It showed that people from different political divides can join forces and work together towards a common goal. It showed that the Maltese care about the difficulties of others, about finding civil solutions to civil problems, that although strong in their religious beliefs, it can tolerate different life styles and not dictate the personal lives of other people
Ms Rita Smith
May 29th 2011, 22:57
Who joined forces? You can tell why the yes vote won. See how districts 2,3,4 and 5 voted a stronhold of Labour and for which Joseph Muscat was campaining.
Rita Smith
Mr Peter Agius
May 29th 2011, 13:21
JPO congratulations! You can re-marry now (out of the Church of course). But you will never be a member of Parliament anymore. Maybe you can have a chance with the PL but then will they ever trust you?
Victor Pulis
May 29th 2011, 14:56
Is that some form of consolation? JPO knew that he was putting his political carreer on the line and he still stuck to his principle. Who dares wins, who deceives loses.
Mr Matthew Grima
May 29th 2011, 15:10
Just goes to show that he was willing to sacrifice what he does to give the minorities their rights, unlise some of you hypocrites.
Christian Sciberras
May 29th 2011, 13:20
Congratulations Jeffrey.
Perhaps there's still a tiny chance for Malta to move forward in the future.
Lydia Pace Workman
May 29th 2011, 13:13
Congratulations Malta and Gozo, the evolution into the 21st century has begun!
Mr Tony Borg
May 29th 2011, 12:57
Now that the people have voted it is time to unite the country again. Congratulations to those who voted 'yes' and to those who voted 'no' commesurations and be assured that life will still go on. Time to show that Malta is a true Democracy.
Mr Danny Apap
May 29th 2011, 12:47
And now it starts! Today who voted “No“ they are celebrating with honking cars horns congratulations !!! Give yourselves a big clap for from now on once it’s passed law you be the ones paying for those who get divorce
1. First for those who can’t afford the court cost they will apply for legal aid.
2. After that to pay social benefits for broken families
I will look forward to see you honking your car horns when you have to pay more in taxation.
Truly I can say that Malta is becoming more Godless by the day in the name of the human rights, the day will come when everyone will reap what they have sewn.
Ms Rita Smith
May 29th 2011, 13:14
You are right there. God forgive us for we did not know what we have done today. A very sad day for tiny Malta.
Rita Smith
Christian Sciberras
May 29th 2011, 13:19
You meant "yes", right?
Mr Peter Agius
May 29th 2011, 13:23
I think that your first sentence should be the opposite........Yes,,,,, but I fully agree.
Mrs silvia debono
May 29th 2011, 13:32
I know what i did yesterday, i voted YES. i am a catholic who believes in the love of Jesus for every single soul on this planet earth, including us tiny Malta. will i go to heaven? will i go to hell? i have no idea. but whatever may be is only to God to decide, not you, not me but Him.
Mr Matthew Grima
May 29th 2011, 15:07
"Truly I can say that Malta is becoming more Godless"
A great day indeed.
Mr Danny Apap
May 29th 2011, 15:26
I meant Yes …. As for me am not the one to say who goes to Heaven or to Hell there is only one judge, God all Mighty but as I have said joe public will bare the cost for broken up families as you all find out in time. I have seen it all some still divorced Two or Three times knowing that it be at the Nation cost and not theirs. Give it a few years and one will see, as for me I would not break Man’s Law nor would I break God’s Law.
Mr ALFRED MICALLEF
May 29th 2011, 12:43
PROSIT AND THANKYOU -JPO, DEBORAH SCHEMBRI, MICHAEL FALZON and all the
people who believe in a secular state. Now please SHRED THE SHAMEFUL CONCORDAT
WITH THE VATICAN AND DO NOT THROW IT INTO A DUSTBIN. BUT BRUN IT. Tabilhaqq
prosit wkoll il-moviment zghazuh ta STAND UP.
Mr Martin Saliba
May 29th 2011, 12:42
Thank you Joe Zammit for the iritating and misleading comments which were a great help for the Yes campain. But you were right on one count , God is on our side and victory was guaranteed.
Mr david debattista
May 29th 2011, 12:40
Well Done Now we can call ourselves civilized humans in a true democracy.
Brian Cremona
May 29th 2011, 12:34
Congrats to all the YES movements, goodbye to a religious state and looney angelik!
Mr carlo mihalic
May 29th 2011, 12:30
IT WAS A LANDSLIDE VICTORY THANKS TO ALL FREE THINKING PEOPLE
Mr Peter Agius
May 29th 2011, 13:43
52 48 landslide? You must be joking.
Mr Matthew Grima
May 29th 2011, 15:05
In 2003, Iva won with 54% meaning 20,000 votes
Mr carlo mihalic
May 29th 2011, 15:43
MORE LIKE 53 47 YES LANDSLIDE FOR MALTA
Mr M Vella***
May 29th 2011, 12:28
Cohabitation was the only solution that was offered by the 'No' movement .
IVA stands for LOVE. Le stands for losers.
Mr Mario Cassar
May 29th 2011, 12:27
Where are Joe Zammit and Gerry Cowie?
Victory is ours, it's already guaranteed!
It-tajjeb jirbah zgur!
Ms Rita Smith
May 29th 2011, 13:16
It-tajjeb jirbah meta mmorru quddiem Alla u nigu iggudikati
Rita smith
Mr Victor Laiviera
May 29th 2011, 13:27
I think Joe Zammit went to the Consumer Department to complain about a "defective guarantee". :)
Mr Matthew Grima
May 29th 2011, 15:03
"It-tajjeb jirbah meta mmorru quddiem Alla u nigu iggudikati"
I'll bet you'll be first in line at the gates of heaven Ms Smith. Tolerance and compassion seem to be your field of excellence.
Mr carlo mihalic
May 29th 2011, 12:24
VICTOR PULIS IF YOU LIKE A TURBAN WHY NOT FREEDOM
Victor Pulis
May 29th 2011, 13:15
A TURBAN PROTECTS YOU FROM THE SUN FREDOM PROTECTS YOU FROM OPPRESSION.
Isola Danti
May 29th 2011, 12:21
CONGRATULATIONS to Malta for the big step into the 21 century! For the voters whose votes are coloured with blue or red, I have to say no matter what you voted, you need to learn how to put the nation's and its people's interest on the top and ditch the tribal mentality.
Ms Rebecca Bartolo
May 29th 2011, 12:19
WELL DONE TO THE IVA MOVEMENTS !!! Mainly Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando whom stood up for civil rights.. more politicians like JPO are needed.... Well done also to Deborah Schembri, she was very good throughout.....and talked reality. Prosit !!
Mr. Joe Zammit , no comments today ??
Ms Rudi Mcbeal
May 29th 2011, 12:18
Good luck Malta, you're going to need it.
I sincerely wish and hope that all those who made all the hue and cry, and their children, will be the very first to reap the "benefits". In the meantime I'll sit back and enjoy the show.
Mr Mario Cassar
May 29th 2011, 12:33
Rudi Mcbeal - Still predicting earthquakes and tsunamis?
Daniel Azzopardi (Naxxar)
May 29th 2011, 12:45
HAH! Someone's sore. And if you were so pure of heart that you were against divorce, what's so moral and ethical about "sitting back to enjoy the show"
Ms Rudi Mcbeal
May 29th 2011, 12:48
I am not into predicting, Mr Cassar - I much prefer to rely on facts, so sorry, can't help you there. Ask someone else.
Ms Rudi Mcbeal
May 29th 2011, 13:17
Contain yourself, Mr Azzopardi - it is a little too early to get over-excited. Please, worry not, as on my part, there is nothing to be sore about, rest assured.
Ms Rita Smith
May 29th 2011, 13:17
We are all sore by this decision of today even if you are not feeling now. Time will tell
Rita smith
Erik Jötunn
May 29th 2011, 13:35
I'd really like to know what these 'facts' are.
Ms Rudi Mcbeal
May 29th 2011, 13:42
@Rita Smith: I disagree with you re feeling sore, Rita. Why should I feel sore, when my conscience is clear? A little sad, yes, may be, for the simple fact that the majority of the yes voters were not even conscious to what they were voting for - I have no doubt in my mind, and also for the rest of the population who will now be inevitabely subject to feel the effects - there I don't blame you.
Ms Rudi Mcbeal
May 29th 2011, 13:51
Be patient, Erik Jottun, you'll find out soon enough, unless you're Scandinavian, that is - in that case, you should already know the answer.
Victor Pulis
May 29th 2011, 15:00
Are you some kind of sadist? why sit back and 'enjoy' when you predict suffering, pain and disaster? You should have said 'kneel and pray for you' as any good christian should.
Ms Rudi Mcbeal
May 29th 2011, 15:42
Get off your high horse, Victor Pulis. I may not be a good Christian but I am certainly good enough to save my compassion for those who genuinely deserve it.
Daniel Azzopardi (Naxxar)
May 29th 2011, 18:30
So you've finally answered my question, I was waiting for a reply! So you save your compassion for those who deserve it - by extension, I'm assuming that you were against divorce because most of those who need it are not, 'worthy of your compassion'. It is such a relief to have institutions such as yourself to dictate who is worthy and who is not.
Ms Rudi Mcbeal
May 29th 2011, 19:38
Daniel Azzopardi from Naxxar: 1 sorry, but you're going to have to wait quite a bit to find out what would have been best for the country and what not. 2 Stop assuming because assuming does not get you anywhere, especially when your assumptions are wrong. 3 The fact that you brand those who give their opinions (based on facts, not simply brainwashing, at least in my case) "dictators", furthermore, without even having experienced what still has to come continues to convince me how right I have been all along.
vincent a galea
May 29th 2011, 12:17
CONGRATULATIONS MALTA AND GOZO!!
LIKE EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES FOUGHT AND WON OVER COMMUNISM, TORE DOWN THE BERLIN WALL ETC, THE PEOPLE OF THESE ISLAND HAVE FOUGHT AND WON OVER HYPOCRISY - MORAL BLACKMAIL - AND UNBELIEVABLE TACTICS NOT FIT FOR RESPONSIBLE PEOPLE AND WHO ABUSE THEIR POWERS...!!
LONG LIVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH - FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE - AND INDEED DEMOCRACY - ON OUR DEAR BELOVED ISLANDS...
KRISTU IVA U DIVORZJU IVA !! IPOKRITI LE, LE, U LE !!!!!!!!!!
ALLA MAGĦNA W IRBAĦNA !!
GOD BLESS US ALL !!!!!
Ms Rita Smith
May 29th 2011, 13:19
Int fejn sejjer b'mohhok li Alla mieghek.. Alla ma riedux iddivorzju u taf tajjeb. Izda xorta nghidlek God Bless YOu
Rita smith
Mr David Farrugia
May 29th 2011, 14:08
Rita, nista nassigurak li la Alla ma jrid divorzju u laqqas jien li vvotajt IVA. Kristu ppridka l idejal. Dan l idejal inhaddnu jien ukoll. Nara l familja tieghi, nitpaxxa u nirringrazzja l Alla. Imma sfortunatament, fid dinja mhux kollox jimxi ma l idejal. Ghalhekk ivvutajt IVA. Ghalhekk ghandi kuxjenza safja u qed niftahar bl iva tieghi.
vincent a galea
May 29th 2011, 15:59
Meta qallek Alla li ma' jridx id-divorzju, Ms Smith??
Alla x'irid allura, Ir-Radju tal-Knisja (RTK) jimbex in-nies biex iħallu l-uliedhom bil-guħ u jilgħabu il-logħob tal-ażżard? ".......ĦA TIEĦU ĊANS?" iħeġġiġhom il-ġurnata kolla... Hekk irid Alla?! X-irid? Li il-qassisin jgħidu lill-povru illiterat jekk ma' tħallilnix il-propjeta tiegħek lilna tmur l-infern!! U nista ma' nispiċċa qatt...!
U għaliex qassis/patri jista jinża u jiżżewweġ forsi anke xi soru? L-Ordni Sagri mhux sagrament ukoll??
Alla jrid li qalulna jekk tivvota IVA ma' tistax titqarben... W imbagħad qarbnu bniedem li qed joqtol niesu bil-ġuħ... Smajt b'ROBERT MUGABE ?? Smajt b'ZIMBABWE?? Dan tqarben fil-pjazza Tal-Vatikan fl-ewwel ta' Mejja, fil-Kanoniżżjazjoni tal-QADDIS PAPA ĠWANNI PAWLU II... GĦALIJA ĠA QADDIS !!!
GOD BLESSES ME MORE THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE, MS SMITH... AND I CAN NEVER SHOW HIM ENOUGH GRATITUDE FOR HIS IMMENSE MERCY AND GOODNESS TOWARDS ME...!!! ALLA ĦARES NGĦIDLEK KEMM U X'JAGĦMEL MIEIGĦI.... ALLA TAF X'MAJRIDX - "OQBRA 'MBAJDA" - !!!!
Mr Peter Korsten
May 29th 2011, 12:17
Now, maybe we can advance this democratic process a bit further, and either start electing Church officials, or remove the constitutional role of what is essentially an undemocratic institution.
Mr Eric Psaila
May 29th 2011, 13:02
Well said. Now let us remove article 2 from the constitution. We want a secular state.
Dario Pace Taliana
May 29th 2011, 12:12
In your face Joe Zammit!
Ms S Micallef
May 29th 2011, 12:17
and michael buhagiar and maria vella and francis saliba
Mr Paul Barrett
May 29th 2011, 12:25
There is no need to rub it in that the lies and scare tactics of hell and damnation did not work on everyone. They have a perfect right to be scared of the unknown.
Mr Matthew Grima
May 29th 2011, 14:58
I voted yes, I am not catholic either, but this is as childish as it gets. Grow up. They were trying to control our lives and were stomping their feet because we didn't agree, don't stoop to that level.
Benna Saliba
May 29th 2011, 12:07
Welcome to the 21st Century! Much love from the Rest of the World (well, except for the Philippines).
Ms S Micallef
May 29th 2011, 12:12
discussions have begun in philippines too...
Francesca Zammit
May 29th 2011, 12:06
From my house I can hear people honking their cars......yeah! Go honk when someone is getting a divorce! hurrah what a nice experience that would be!
Mr l Azzopardi
May 29th 2011, 12:16
they are honking the arrival of malta to the 21st century Francesca...dont twist things, we had enough of that already!
Mr Wally Vella-Zarb
May 29th 2011, 12:05
A very big "THANK YOU" must go to Joe Zammit of Paola who rightly predicted that, in the battle between good and evil, the victory is ours and that it is guaranteed! Thank you Joe, you have proved to be one of the best assets that the 'IVA' movement could have wished for. ;-)
Mr carlo mihalic
May 29th 2011, 12:15
THANK YOU JOE ZAMMIT OF PAOLA
Mr Jason Fenech
May 29th 2011, 12:02
Ouch! Seems like rationality has kicked superstition in the rear. Hope the holier than thou brigade will concede gracefully. It’s the least they can do.
Mr Albert Farrugia
May 29th 2011, 11:58
Thankfully, it's over. And the only real, real winner, inspite of appearances, is the Nationalist Party. The very first comments by the Prime Minister, clearly pre-recorded, already indicates in a matter-of-fact way that now is the time for legislating a divorce law. The liberal and the conservative wings of the Nationalist Party are on the way towards a reconciliation. And the Labour Party? Through its short-sighted strategy, it has alienated the Catholic vote once again with strong anti-Church attacks daily on its media. It's no wonder the abstention rate was so strong. Labour potential NO voters were put in a dilemma. Joseph Muscat has now lost the advantage he was trying to get from the Liberal side when he mooted the idea of presenting a private member's bill when in government. So Labout has lost the Catholic vote, and will ofcourse not get the Liberal vote. Well done Joseph!
carmen galea
May 29th 2011, 11:58
'Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando was elated..Quoting from above report... for me ..I'm disappointed in him. I voted for him knowing his values about family and divorce from previous articles published in local papers.
Victor Pulis
May 29th 2011, 12:14
Ms. Galea I'm sure their were some among Paul of Tarsus' friends who thought just like you when he fell off his horse and banged his head!
Mr l Azzopardi
May 29th 2011, 12:15
the country has spoken Carmen! Jeffrey felt the pulse of the people and the pain of many! many did not bother and just threw mud and scared people with tactics we hoped we would not see anymore. Reason prevailed!! THANK GOD!
Mr l Azzopardi
May 29th 2011, 11:57
A big well done to Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando that more than others was targetted during the campaign. Thank you for the courage to stand up even though you put yourself in the line of fire!
Mr William Flynn
May 29th 2011, 11:57
Well may the three bishops apologise for they have lost the plot and they shall NEVER be trusted again.
Apology accepted to the same as its honesty and sincerity; zero. Apology totally PHONEY and Unacceptable.
Down with the bishops’ politicking and down with Article 2 which gives the bishops undeserved and inappropriate religious power over us.
Disgraceful! Not only do the bishops have absolutely no clue about the issue of marriage and divorce, they have no clue about human feelings, common courtesy and common sense.
To make certain none of this Catholic treachery in the future, REMOVE ARTICLE 2 from our Constitution.
This majority of 54/46 would be considered a landslide anywhere else in the world. Add to that the 90000 who didn’t vote whose majority I would put as people who wished to vote YES but were frightened off by the bishops.
The Catholicissima Malta is dead; Welcome Secularissima Malta.
The church and the bishops will NEVER be trusted again and whether the disgraceful and undemocratic Article 2 stays or goes.
So why not get rid of it? No Referendum required for that one. Who will be the White Knight in Parliament this time to place the removal of Article 2 on the table?
Mr Mark Zerafa
May 29th 2011, 11:57
Common sense has prevailed.
Mr Patrick Bellia
May 29th 2011, 11:56
join the battle, the victory is already aours, YES Im seeing it !!!
A.f Ellul
May 29th 2011, 11:56
The divorce has passes with a referendum and all the major heads has preach as they feel it, but nothing happened when quite, quite pass the law for the age of retirement to 65, no referendum and no opposition from the MLP neither from the church has happened. Now, I realize that the Maltese citizens many of them are fold blinded through politics .let it be!
Chris Fenech
May 29th 2011, 11:55
Where's Joe Zammit ?
Mr William Flynn
May 29th 2011, 12:12
Joe Zammit is praying for a miracle. I expect god to change all the yes votes to no before 1pm. After all god guaranteed victory according to Joe Z.
Mr l Azzopardi
May 29th 2011, 11:52
Mument storiku ghal pajjizna fejn l-elettorat warrab id-differenzi politici u vvota favur ligijiet li jirriflettu r-realtajiet kollha ta' Malta. Sinjal ta' maturita li se thalli effetti fuq il-politici maltin kollha. Il-Maltin urew li kibru, li mmaturaw u li wasal iz-zmien li l-poplu jigi trattat mill-politici maltin b'serjeta.
Daniela Dimech
May 29th 2011, 11:59
Well said thank you :)) ax xbajt nisma cucati dal ghodu minn dawk li ivvotaw le.... Thank you ta vera :))) Have a nice day
Mr Claudio Cilia
May 29th 2011, 11:51
According to what they are saying on TV, a yes vote, is going to help PN get more trust of it's members... therefore PN might actually gained more 'popularity' and will get more votes thanks to PL's heave propaganda for YES and PN's neutrality ...LOL
Ms S Micallef
May 29th 2011, 11:51
MICHAEL BUHAGIAR IS ONE VERY PATHETIC MAN!
J. Vella
May 29th 2011, 11:50
Now we can have 2 or 3 wives....Welcome to Muslim Malta
Mr mindofmyown malta
May 29th 2011, 11:59
welcome to freedom.
If i have 2 or 3 wives, and we are all happy with it..... what would exactly be your problem?
live and let live
Mr Tony Camilleri
May 29th 2011, 12:00
J. Vella LOL
Victor Pulis
May 29th 2011, 12:02
So go out and buy a turban!
angelo cilia
May 29th 2011, 12:10
Most men in the western world cannot afford one divorce and avoid it like the plague.
In north america 95% of divorce is initiated by women and I suspect it will be the same in Malta.
Mr Jeffrey Mallia
May 29th 2011, 12:16
So according to you, All the world exept the Phillipines and the Vatican are Muslims......Banali ta veru .
Mr Alfred Grech
May 29th 2011, 11:49
Joe Zammit's prophecies failed: VICTORY IS GUARANTEED - hi Joe - where are you? You are one who tried to brainwash people but people are not stupid. To those who played the same dirty game, learn the lesson - honesty is the best policy.
Thanks to those who acted with great decency - shame on those who politicized this referendum. You showed how immature you are.
As far as morality is concerned, those who tried to deceive people need to feel guilty. Many of you are not devout Catholics but fanatics and dare say, you're also very sick.
Ms Rebecca Bartolo
May 29th 2011, 12:06
@ Mr.Alfred Grech - I couldnt have put the words better myself .... Mr. Joe Zammit many are awaiting your comments :) , Where are you dear ? Have you got nothing to say now ?
Mark Shaw
May 29th 2011, 11:49
Qoute :
Deborah Schembri while welcoming the result, said those who had opposed divorce 'need not worry'.
This law, she said, would not affect them. This was a right which people could opt not to exercise
Can i ask if it's really no big thing in that they have no need to worry about and opt not to exercise the RIGHT of Divorce, WHY all the fuss about losing our souls and damaging our children and their children by allowing the right of Divorce to be exercised! Just blatant SCARE mongering by the No camp to intimidate those with a lack of knowledge and understanding of the value of divorce to vote against it!, I sincerely hope these numbers are correct because if they are i can now be in a position to marry the woman i have loved for 10 years just as soon as she can get a Divorce from her seperated over jealous husband.
Fingers X'd M.Shaw
Mr Paul Barrett
May 29th 2011, 12:35
Good luck and all the very best for a very happy future - you two really deserve it.
Andrea Portelli
May 29th 2011, 11:49
Whether they are true Christians or not, the people of the Yes camp have shown compassion and understanding towards their neighbour who are in need of SERIOUS and TANGIBLE help to overcome their emotional difficulties, as opposed to the authoritarian stance which the no camp has taken which could otherwise be summed up as "I'm alright and........."
Mr Anton Portelli
May 29th 2011, 11:48
"Deborah Schembri and Evarist Bartolo both declared victory. Bartolo said the sun is shining on Malta and a different more humane Malta is being born."
YES THE SUN SHINES IN THE LIVES OF MANY WHO WERE UP TO NOW COMPELLED TO COHABIT.
A BIG BIG BIG.......THANK YOU TO JEFFREY PULLICINO ORLANDO, EVARIST BARTOLO, DEBORAH SCHEMBRI, AND ALL THOSE WO WORKED SO HARD AND CONTRIBUTED TO THIS RESULT. THEY WERE WORKING AGAINST HEAVY ODDS ESPECIALLY WITH THE CHURCH SCAREMONGERING AND THE WHOLE PN MACHINE AGAINST.
PROSIT AGAIN TO ALL THE YES MOVEMENT.
Victor Rodenas
May 29th 2011, 11:47
VOX POPULI VOX DEI
Mr Patrik Larsson
May 29th 2011, 11:46
Joe Zammit, where are you?
Mr carlo mihalic
May 29th 2011, 12:05
YES WE ARE ALL LOOKING FOR JOE ZAMMIT WHERE ARE YOU
Kenneth Cassar
May 29th 2011, 12:05
He's probably taking legal advice on compensation. After all, he was fooled into believing the victory (for the No vote) was already guaranteed.
Margaret Richards
May 29th 2011, 13:21
Seems he has disappeared from circulation - perhaps preparing a tender for an large hell hole for us IVA people:))))))))))))))))))))
Mr Matthew Scerri
May 29th 2011, 11:44
"The victory is ours, it's already guaranteed!"
Glad that common sense prevailed. Albeit just barely.
Mr Victor Laiviera
May 29th 2011, 12:04
Why "barely"? In Maltese terms, 53% is considered almost a landslide victory.
Kevin Cauchi
May 29th 2011, 11:44
Would love to see Joe Zammit's comments today lol. "Victory is ours" - lol!
and Angelik has some explaining to do as well..
Power to the people!
angelo cilia
May 29th 2011, 12:17
Angelik is too busy filling his madonna statue with cooking oil.
Ms Rita Smith
May 29th 2011, 13:25
Stop rediculing Angelik. One day you will wake up horrified
Rita Smith
angelo cilia
May 29th 2011, 23:56
@ Ms. Rita Smith,
BTW, I been waking up in horror since the age of six after my first Muzew class with all that roman catholic brain washing gobbledygook trauma those sour people put me through.
Leaving that nasty popish pagan cult was the best thing ever !
Ginevra Alvarado
May 29th 2011, 11:44
Glad that the referendum is over. I was getting fed up.....
Mr mark johnson
May 29th 2011, 11:43
Now we have a referendum on the MPs pay rise please.
Michael Gatt
May 29th 2011, 18:48
That will the day
Adrian Buckle
May 29th 2011, 11:42
Join the battle between good and evil. Fight the good fight. The victory is ours. It is already guaranteed.
Mr carlo mihalic
May 29th 2011, 11:41
CONGRATULATIONS MALTA WELL DONE
James Scerri
May 29th 2011, 11:40
Can someone please explain how the divorce issue can be a political barometer!? People started to wote with their heads once in their lives...so the only certain point here is that this is a WIN FOR DEMOCRATIC MALTA!
@CHURCH OF MALTA : What's your contingency plan? ...oh wait don't tell me you don't have one!
Mr Christopher Xuereb
May 29th 2011, 11:40
For all Mr Zammit's nauseating quotations from the Church's catechism and his repeated entreaties for us to join the fight between good and evil and his assurances that God was on his side and therefore victory was guaranteed....now he has his response! Reason has triumphed over superstition.
Mr Albert Bezzina
May 29th 2011, 11:39
Shouldn't we stay outdoors and away from the coast just in case an earthquake and tsunami hits our Islands?
Mr Tony Camilleri
May 29th 2011, 12:02
Mr Albert Bezzina you have to go to high ground like Had-Dingli, but then what if an earthquake would make the cliffs crumble?
Mrs Lucia Vella Vella
May 29th 2011, 11:38
Congratulations Malta and a big prosit and thanks lil Deborah Schembri and her colleagues
Mr ALBERT FENECH
May 29th 2011, 11:31
NET TV is giving the "YES" vote a 54% majority. Are we to assume that these many thousands are all hell-bound? Add the disqualified votes and the many thousands who did not bother to collect their votes or did not vote at all, then the Portals of Hell are going to be very, very busy and the Devil is gleefully rubbing his hands in anticipation!
More relastically, the majority of the population of Malta and Gozo have thankfully shown they have a mind of their own and will not be stampeded by scaremongerers.
ALBERT FENECH
Qawra
joseph quintano
May 29th 2011, 11:50
i am not sure that some maltese have a mind of their own. i know some people who were either in favour or against divorce, but opted to change their opinion because they chose to follow their political leaders.
Mr Tony Camilleri
May 29th 2011, 12:04
sour grapes joseph quintano
Mr John Farrugia
May 29th 2011, 11:31
A big thank you to all those who led this campaign and struggled to achieve this Democratic result. I think that the narrow minded politicians, clergy and so called 'Christians' now have something to chew on....... FREEDOM !!
Tim Gauci
May 29th 2011, 11:45
Xi dwejjaq ta nies, x'ghandu x'jaqsam il-labour.
Andrea Portelli
May 29th 2011, 11:46
..... sour grapes Mr. Buhagiar?
Mr Michael Buhagiar
May 29th 2011, 11:26
this is the victory of the Labour party and not for the divorce movement. Where an election to be held today Labour is guaranteed the support of 52%. People did not vote for divorce. but as Luciano Busuttil has told us many times, a YES vote will mean a vote against Gonzi PN. and that was what the gullible labour party idiots did. They denied God to please the Malta Labour Party. So much for our godless media.
John Attard
May 29th 2011, 11:34
I voted yes for divorce? Are you calling me idiot?. I am not sure what to vote next election. But seeing comments like yours i really think that my place is not within the PN anymore
Victor Pulis
May 29th 2011, 11:35
So now it's a labour victory is it? It is a victory for Malta as the YES movement was made up of people from all walks of life. One of the No movement's supporters spent most of the campaign telling us that victory was guaranteed. I hope he's reading this right now.
Mr Marc Vella Bonnici
May 29th 2011, 11:37
Ara Vera Xejn Sewwww.. People denied ''God'' to give other people a 2nd chance... Grow Up!! its 2011
Daryl Cumbo
May 29th 2011, 11:37
Some people should keep their opinion for themselves. You are arrogant to think that I voted yes because of PL. I voted yes because I believe in human right, and I voted yes because I don't give a flying pig about your church.
Mr mindofmyown malta
May 29th 2011, 11:38
lol then be it. It had to be something like that to fight the oppression and mind control of the church
Mr Jeffrey Mallia
May 29th 2011, 11:38
Absolutily pathetic.............
Victor Pulis
May 29th 2011, 11:41
@ John Attard He only called labour supporters idiots so that leaves out the thousands of PN supporters who voted YES! And I assure him there were THOUSANDS!
Mr Joe Gatt
May 29th 2011, 11:42
Apart from your interpretation, the major issueS here were The rights of the minority and freedom of choice.
Yes, Malta is free fro the shackles of tyranny,
A BIG ......`Yes to DEMOCRACY`
Mr William Flynn
May 29th 2011, 11:45
Michael Buhagiar
According to you Labour can defeat PN without PL leader not even requesting his supporters to vote "YES"? Wow! what's going to happen when he declares all PL should vote against PN?
M Ellul
May 29th 2011, 11:46
I voted Yes and I couldn't care less about the parties..
Daniel Vella
May 29th 2011, 11:47
What a stupid comment! I voted Yes even though I support neither Gonzi nor Muscat! X'għandu x'jaqsam???
Mr Ray Spiteri
May 29th 2011, 11:49
@Mr. Michael Buhagiar
How dare you call majority of population idiots. tidher mahruq hafna.
Mr Anton Portelli
May 29th 2011, 11:58
Sour grapes Mr Buhagiar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No it is not a victory for the Labour Party - that will be determined in the next general election.
Mr Buhagiar the Yes Vote is a vote against the scaremongering by the church and the half truths that the Maltese people were bombarded with by the LE Movement.
I am a staunch Nationalist but I still worked for the YES vote and once more I thank all those whether PN or PL or AD who contributed to the BIG YES victory
Daniela Dimech
May 29th 2011, 11:58
Are you serious????? X'ghandu x'jaqsam il-labour party????????? lleeeeee mela what did they vote for!!!! What the hell is in your brain??? Worms???????? People FOR ONCE in the history of Malta have voted with their brains even going against their political party's obtuse views and even going against what the clergy was saying (which please note they later apologised) and IN THE NAME OF GOD because the God I know came to earth to teach, empathy, kindness, helpfulness and all those who voted 'no' were going against all these divine values!!!!!!!!! Did you ever reckon that???? MAAAAAAAAAAAA XiNJORANZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA leeeeee nisma minn Gonzi jew mill isqof u nibqa mar ragel li kelli imsawta kuljum quddiem uliedi bla cans al hajja ahjar bla ezempju quddiem uliedi li koppja TISTA tkun mizzewga u tkun kuntenta!!! MA FAMMI IL PIACERE DI STARTENE UN PO ZITTO U TAQAX IKTAR AN NEJK XBIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mr Mario Muscat
May 29th 2011, 12:07
I am a PN supporter and voted yes and proud to have done so.
Daniel buhagiar
May 29th 2011, 12:36
lol you and your party are dillusional if you think just cause I voted yes for the divorce I'm voting for labour......fat chance
Anthony Micallef
May 29th 2011, 11:26
Congratulations Malta.Finally we are with thr rest of the world. As far as to the Bishops and their propaganda machine why don't they tell the sheperds in their flock to leave the priesthood instead of carrying on with the damage the Maltese Church became very popular for in the 60's.
Time has changed .I hope you realise now.
Mr Paul Barrett
May 29th 2011, 11:22
I am totally amazed - No earthquake and the sun is still shining.
John Fenech
May 29th 2011, 11:21
What will be the scenario now if:
The bill presented by the government is rejected by House representatives?
Is there a time frame time for a bill to remain at the discussion stage?
What is the situation if the government refuse to agree to the amends to the bill by the house?
Could the situation lead to a change of government?
Would the new administration vie for a responsible law or for a popular brew?
May the President of the Republic refuse to assent the bill?
Or will political expediency rule the day?
D. A . Agius
May 29th 2011, 11:37
good questions. time will tell
Chris Farrugia
May 29th 2011, 11:20
Hurray!
I'm worried about Joe Zammit, I hope he hasn't done something stupid.
angelo cilia
May 29th 2011, 11:39
We are going to Paola to knock on his door so he can see us dance a victory jig !
Ginevra Alvarado
May 29th 2011, 11:41
LOL!
Mr carlo mihalic
May 29th 2011, 11:43
WHERE ARE YOU JOE ZAMMIT
Mr J Galea
May 29th 2011, 11:50
Either he realized that all this is part of god's plan or else that god cannot intervene in earthly matters.
Mr David Farrugia
May 29th 2011, 11:20
Awaiting first post by Mr. Joe Zammit
M. Cardona
May 29th 2011, 11:19
In the hope that this is the start of the Maltese Neo Inquisition's end
angelo cilia
May 29th 2011, 11:49
Looks good on these controlling celibate men who wear dresses.
Mr Peter Paul Borg
May 29th 2011, 11:19
Do you remember what EFA used to say?? "Is-sewwa jirbah zgur"
Mr J Galea
May 29th 2011, 11:18
QUOTE:
Join in the battle between God and the devil! Fight the good fight! The victory is ours, it's already guaranteed!
Victor Pulis
May 29th 2011, 11:44
Now we await the earthquake!!
Mr George Attard
May 29th 2011, 11:13
A victory for THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE!!