John Gabaretta, B.Sc. Chemistry with Materials, second year.

The divorce issue is a tough one.

I think there must be a clear distinction between marriage as a social construct and marriage as a religious construct. I believe that while the Church has a right to advise on the moral issues at hand, other institutions, primarily of sociological background, should also be heard on the socio-economic implications of the matter.

A transparent and largely unbiased information campaign, backed by credible and recent studies on the subject, would definitely help clear misconceptions.

From a personal standpoint, I must admit I am a bit sceptical about the potential benefits of introducing new legislation carrying the divorce label. I do not think it is the only solution to an admittedly evident problem related to family stability.

Rather, I believe if the existing systems of annulment and civil marriage are overhauled to cater for today’s increasingly secular and globalised society, the solutions would present themselves.

Despite this, I would not say I outrightly object to divorce. I believe the best way to proceed is through a referendum (as proposed) preceded by the provision of sufficient information on the subject.

I think this is the greatest challenge – to exercise democracy and tolerance to arrive to a decision which suits the needs (rather than simply desires) of today’s society.

James Spiteri, B.A. (Hons) Theatre Studies, third year.

I believe divorce is not a solution in itself but a way of trying to deal with an ambiguous situation when faced in court. My first reaction towards the current hype was to be against divorce.

Though I come from a very Christian background, I’ve always looked at divorce as being a very unhealthy decision which destroys people.

I know that families opting for divorce are obviously people in dire need of help and that want an immediate ‘solution’ to their marriage breakdown, but this does not mean divorce is the right solution.

I believe marriage is a sacrament, and that certain preparation and determination is needed in order to take this step.

But this is not why I am against divorce. I’m aware that not everyone agrees with my faith, and I must accept this.

My main reason against divorce is the welfare of children. Even though this is my position today, this could change with time.

I wish more importance would be given to the formation, rather than destruction of the family.

Andrea Pace, M.Sc. Sustainable Development, first year.

I am personally against the introduction of divorce in Malta. I think divorce should not be tackled as an issue of individual rights but as an issue of common good.

Marriages are the foundations of our society. Marriages are the basic cells of our communities. Thus, strong marriages result in strong communities.

Some use this same notion of common good to advocate the introduction of divorce, citing the current disorder created by the lack of divorce.

The perception of marriage breakdown rates is overrated. Though there is a pattern of increasing break-ups, national statistics show the situation is not as bad as is being presented.

I think that with the introduction of divorce the stability currently enjoyed by most Maltese families will wither away. Eventually, people will enter the marriage bond laxly to the detriment of children born in that bond.

I think the debate is healthy. Through it, the challenges being faced by families will be indentified and hopefully addressed too.

Wayne Magri Xuereb, Bachelor of European Studies (Hons), second year.

The country is going through a lot of debates between those who want divorce to be implemented in our laws, and those who unfortunately are still against the idea of divorce. I certainly do agree with the introduction of divorce. A couple should have the option to dissolve their marriage, since it is their right and no one can impede them.

Even though some people are against divorce in Malta, they need to respect the voice of those who are in favour of divorce being introduced. They do not necessarily have to agree with divorce or even accept it personally, but they should not stand in the way of it being introduced in the country.