The Divorce Bill will be moved for first reading in the House of Representatives tomorrow (Wednesday), just four days after the referendum which decided for the introduction of divorce.
The Bill will be moved jointly by Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando and Labour MP Evarist Bartolo.
The first reading is parliament's authorisation for the publication of the Bill in the Government Gazette. The government will then decide a date when the principle of the Bill will be debated on second reading, followed by the committee stage, when each clause of the Bill will be discussed. The final vote is the third reading.
The parliamentary group of the Nationalist Party discussed the way forward yesterday but did not agree on a course of action.
Informed sources said the group is divided into three parts.
A significant number of MPs want to vote 'yes' in parliament in order to respect the people's decision as expressed in the referendum. Some want to abstain while others want to vote against because they are against divorce in principle.
The biggest argument within the group is that Nationalist MPs should not vote in favour when the party executive had taken a formal decision against the introduction of divorce. Minister Austin Gatt and MPs Beppe Fenech Adami, Edwin Vassallo and Charlo Bonnici are among those taking that position, arguing that at best, Nationalist MPs should abstain.
The prime minister had already declared that the Bill will not be obstructed in parliament and the will of the majority will be respected.
Several MPs have a dilemma about respecting the will of the majority and not going against the party decision.
MPs who come early in the alphabetical roll call in parliament are seeking a unified decision.
"Some of them would like to vote yes, in line with the referendum decision. But they do not want to see a situation of other MPs abstaining once it becomes clear that the Bill is going to go through. That will expose them to accusations of having betrayed the party," the source said.
The debate in Parliament is expected to be held before the summer recess.
The vast majority of Labour MPs are expected to vote in favour of the divorce bill.
MP Carmelo Abela, who had been against divorce, yesterday declared he would vote in favour in line with the outcome of the referendum.
Adrian Vassallo had declared before the referendum that he would vote against whatever the outcome of the referendum was.
Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, who was also against divorce, has not declared her voting intentions.
A question also exists as regards to the Gozitan MPs given the strong position against divorce shown in Gozo in the referendum.