An anti-divorce movement was launched today, with its officials vowing to back their arguments with facts and eventually take a stand on whether the decision should be taken through a referendum or in parliament.
The movement is chaired by MFSA director-general Andre J. Camilleri and brings together a number of other personalities including: DJ Pierre Cordina, his TV presenter wife Mireille Cordina, Joyce Cassar a TV presenter of socio-religious programmes who said she was separated, and Arthur Galea Salamone chairman of the Malta Stock Exchange.
It also includes a University student Albert Sciberras, accountant William Buckle, senior lecturer Mario Pace and Cana Movement President Anna Vella.
Dr Camilleri said the aim of the organisation was to participate in the civil debate about divorce and show how this was not a solution for separated couples.
He said divorce would weaken the bond of marriage, making it temporary and “flimsy” – something that would affect all of society, not just couples in marital breakdown.
“We believe that no one can be neutral on this subject.”
The organisation will also show, he said, how introduction of divorce in other countries has reduced the number of marriages, increased cohabitation and marital breakdown.
He said the government should instead focus its energy and resources to boost marriage preparation, provide services for those with martial problems and try to reduce the hurt of people in broken marriages.
Dr Camilleri pointed out that according to a 2007 survey, 88 per cent of persons in current relationships (the vast majority being married) said they were satisfied or very satisfied by their relationship.
He said that sections of the media and common perception was skewed into thinking that Maltese marriages were breaking up at such a fast rate.
Dr Camilleri added that the first activity of the movement will feature politicians, media personalities and other prominent people coming out in favour of marriage without divorce.
See blog by Fr Joe Borg at http://www.timesofmalta.com/blogs/view/20110112/fr-joe-borg/another-voice-in-the-divorce-debate