A would-be newly-wed couple walked along Republic Street in Valletta yesterday as their prospective ‘bridesmaids’ distributed invitations which read: ‘No cash gifts being requested, but your yes vote on May 28 would be appreciated’.

Comedian Chrysander Agius and his mock-bride Kristabell Catania played bride and groom Maria and Joe, who have been in a relationship for seven years, but could not get married and start a family because Joe’s first marriage had failed.

Youth movement Stand Up’s activity was the most animated of a day of campaigning justtwo weeks before Malta voteson whether divorce should be introduced.

During a small ‘reception’ held at St George’s Square, Mr Agius (of Zoo fame) said the upcoming referendum was a serious matter because people who love each other and want to regularise their position as a married couple were being prevented from doing so.

Meanwhile, another youth movement was launched yesterday afternoon, this time tocampaign against divorce, fronted by the former general secretary of the Christian Democrat Students (SDM) Angelo Micallef, together with Andre Pace.

During a press conference, Mr Micallef quoted a study which claimed that the increasing laxity of divorce laws across Europe since 1960 could account for a20 per cent increase in marital breakdown. The group said on the other hand, the marital breakdown rate in Malta was on the decline.

The group said instead of divorce the country should focus on strengthening the family, so they urged a no vote on May 28.

Another lobby group launched yesterday broke with the Church’s staunch anti-divorce trend. Calling themselves Kattoliċi: Iva Għax Dritt (Catholics: Yes, Because it’s a Right), the group held a press conference in front of St John’sCo-Cathedral and insisted divorce was a civil right which should be available to everyone.

“We believe it’s our Catholic duty to see the state does not impose any particular morality on the entire population,” spokesman Carmel Hili said. Mr Hili said the group was set up because many Catholics were troubled by conflicting messages about the upcoming referendum.

“People think the referendum is about whether they are in favour or against divorce but it’s actually about whether to introduce a law,” he said, pointing out that some members of his group were against divorce but in favour of divorce legislation.

“People should be free to make up their mind without any direct imposition or any kind of threat... Anyone who votes yes should not feel excluded from the Church or condemned for betraying its teachings,” Mr Hili said.