Alternattiva Demokratika yesterday called on the government to take a decision to hold a referendum on the introduction of divorce in Malta.

“Surveys confirm that most people in Malta want a decision to be taken on this important issue, but the Nationalist and Labour parties are creating uncertainty because they refuse to take a clear stand,” party chairman Michael Briguglio said in a press conference in front of the Palace in Valletta.

According to a recent survey carried out by The Sunday Times, the majority would like to see the divorce issue settled this year.

Last November, a PrivateMembers Bill proposing the introduction of divorce based on the Irish model, was filed in Parliament by MPs Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando and Evarist Bartolo.

But Mr Briguglio pointed out that Mr Bartolo was the only Labour MP who spoke out in favour of the issue.

“I find it very surprising that a political party calls itself ‘progressive’ but then doesn’t take a stand because it wants to please everyone,” he said.

He also urged Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi to present “a clear roadmap” on the issue.

Alternattiva spokesperson for social affairs Yvonne Arqueros Ebejer said politics is about making a difference in people’s lives.

“And divorce legislation will make this difference to thousands of persons,” she said.