A referendum on the introduction of divorce is expected to be held in the middle of the year, the executive council of the Nationalist Party was told this evening.

The council met to conclude the discussion within the party on divorce. Informed sources said that the discussion will formally end with a resolution declaring the party's position.

A debate on the bill for the introduction of divorce will then kick off in Parliament. The debate could start as early as next month.

Informed sources said that new MP Karl Gouder this evening spoke in favour of the introduction of divorce, although the majority appeared to be against.

A private member's bill on the introduction of divorce was presented to Parliament by Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando just before the summer recess and it was subsequently replaced by another bill jointly presented by Dr Pullicino Orlando and Labour MP Evarist Bartolo. Both bills are based on the Irish model with couples needing to have been separated for a minimum of four years in order to be eligible for divorce.

The Prime Minister has declared himself personally against the introduction of divorce while Opposition leader Joseph Muscat is in favour, but MPs in both parties are split or undecided on the issue.

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