The House of Representatives this evening unanimously approved the first reading of the Divorce Bill. The Bill was moved by Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando and seconded by Labour MP Evarist Bartolo.

It amends  the Civil Code.

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 bill was moved just four days after the referendum which decided in favour of the introduction of divorce.

Parliament is expected to debate the Bill before the summer recess.

The Bill was first presented to Parliament as a private member's motion by Dr Pullicino Orlando in July last year. Mr Bartolo subsequently became a co-sponsor.