Labour leader Joseph Muscat this afternoon called for proper discussion and consultation on the divorce bill presented to Parliament this morning by Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando.

In a statement, Dr Muscat said his personal position in favour of divorce as a civil right was well known.

In view of Dr Pullicino Orlando's private bill, he said the country needed serious debate that was bi-partisan and kept above politics. Malta needed a studied, informed discussion on how it could best protect the interests of all involved, especially children.

Dr Muscat said that consistent with his views and declarations, he would be granting a free vote to all the Labour MPs.

He said there was also need for a careful analysis of the bill presented to the House. Parliament needed to be given the resources to ensure that legislation was the best possible for Malta and safeguarded the interests of children.

There should also be widespread consultation where everyone, whatever his view, was allowed to express it.

See separate stories on Dr Pullicino Orlando's private bill and the reaction of Archbishop Paul Cremona.