“As a Christian I believe... divorce is morally wrong and therefore wrong for society. Should one change this view because a democratic majority decides otherwise? Definitely not...
MPs should “stand up and be counted” when it comes to the divorce Bill and vote according to their conscience, Emeritus President Eddie Fenech Adami says in an article today.
Writing in The Sunday Times, Dr Fenech Adami says that unlike political issues such as EU membership – which was subject to a referendum in 2003 – divorce should not be decided on the principle of “democratic majorities but, rather, on the principle of what is morally right”.
“As a Christian I believe... divorce is morally wrong and therefore wrong for society. Should one change this view because a democratic majority decides otherwise? Definitely not...
“This (vote) will put to the test each MP’s credibility on moral issues that will leave a permanent effect on the well-being of society.”
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi stated after the divorce referendum result last week that Parliament would reflect the Yes vote, even though MPs like Austin Gatt and Adrian Vassallo have made it clear they will vote against.
Several Nationalist MPs have admitted to being in a quandary in the wake of the result after the party had taken an official stand against divorce.
The Bill was given a first reading last Wednesday and is expected to be published in the Government Gazette this week. A vote is expected by next month.
Dr Fenech Adami – whose MP son Beppe has declared he will vote No in Parliament and yesterday called on Dr Gonzi to follow suit – recalls that the last two referendums held in Malta dealt with two political, rather than moral, issues.
The people were asked to approve the proposed Independence constitution and Malta’s accession to the EU. Despite a majority in favour of both, he points out, Labour MPs continued to oppose the proposals.
Full article:
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110605/opinion/MPs-credibility-on-moral-issues-being-put-to-the-test.369007