The public debate over divorce seems, at times, to degenerate into a ruthless delineation between Good and Evil to the extent that divorce legislation is being characterised as a form of demonic influence by an extremist section of the anti-divorce movement, or as a social cancer by others.

These extreme conclusions cannot be more misguided, in that they fail, or blatantly refuse, to identify and address the specific root of the problem.

The sad truth is that whether we are prepared to accept reality or not, we have a pressing social predicament, seen in an increasing number of irretrievable marriage breakdowns.

This is the underlying syndrome, which needs to be analysed and addressed by Maltese society, collectively, and not as opposing factions under the misconceived banners of Good versus Evil.

The rebuttal of divorce legislation on religious grounds is not a solution; it is a didactic form of denial, which may provide a sense of moral comfort to those who may not have experienced the emotional anguish and ramifications of a failed marriage.

Divorce is not a passport that routinely grants rights to abdication from the duties and responsibilities of marriage.

Moreover, divorce is not the cause of marriage breakdown; it is a socio-legal remedy, which addresses a regrettable set of personal circumstances.

Instilling the fear of fire and brimstone into what should be strictly regarded as a legal issue, will not elevate anyone to the status of angels.

In contrast, advocating divorce legislation as a legal remedy does not, by design, point to the influence of demons. Any such inference is utterly preposterous and recalls the dark days of the Inquisition.

This not a crusade and there will be no winners or losers; other than the confirmation of human compassion and social justice.