This document discusses the divorce referendum campaign in Malta that allowed divorce to be legalized. It outlines the prerequisites for divorce, including living apart for 4 years out of the last 5 or being legally separated for 4 years. It discusses the positions of various politicians and religious leaders who were against divorce legalization, citing beliefs that it weakens marriage and society. It notes that despite the Prime Minister and Nationalist Party's official stance against divorce, 52 MPs voted in favor of the legislation, with 19 Nationalist Party MPs approving against their party position. The document concludes by mentioning Pope Francis calling for more inclusion of divorced Catholics.
2. Dr. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando
Chairman of the Malta Council
for Science and Technology
Create Change
3. “A Bolt from the Blue”
Dr. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando
Executive Chairman, Malta Council for Science and
Technology
Societal Changes wrought by the Divorce
Referendum Campaign in Malta
4.
5.
6. • The spouses shall have lived apart for a period
of, or periods that amount to, at least four
years out of the immediately preceding five years,
or at least four years have lapsed from the date of
legal separation;
• There is no reasonable prospect of
reconciliation between the spouses;
• The spouses and all of their children are
receiving adequate maintenance, where this is
due.
Pre-requisites:
8. “I’m against divorce simply because I believe that
we need to strengthen marriages in Malta and not
break them.” (Gonzi)
“Even though Dr. Gonzi
is against divorce, I see
no reason why we
should refrain from
tackling this thorny
issue.”
(Pullicino Orlando)
9. “Jesus Christ, who is not any other
philosopher but the Son of God, said
divorce was bad for society. This is the truth
and it is what I believe in. I will not budge
from this position.”
President Emeritus, Dr. Edward Fenech Adami
10. “I am sure Our Lady is very
sorrowful that Malta is
considering divorce.”
Dr. Tonio Fenech, then Finance Minister
11.
12. Our Lady to Angelik (allegedly referring to
divorce) :
“Malta, your island, will go through
difficult circumstances. The time has
come for Malta’s turn to experience
the tremors and you shall see
buildings shake.”
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16. Mgr. Mario Grech, Gozo Bishop
“There are traitors who used every means to kill the
flock. Currently they were attacking marriage but
other issues would then follow. They were wolves
in sheep's clothing and they were saying they were
Catholic. This is a falsehood.”
17.
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19.
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21.
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23.
24. Ø 52 In favour
Ø 19 PN MPs approve legislation
which goes against their party’s official stand
Ø 11 Against (including PM)
Ø 5 Abstentions
25.
26.
27. A substantial part of the electorate felt that the
Nationalist Party should never have taken a stand
against divorce...
...many felt that the Prime Minister should never
have voted against the people’s will in Parliament.
28.
29. Pope Francis has called for ‘another way’ for
treating Catholic divorcees who have remarried...
...they should feel at home in their parishes and
be treated with justice.
30. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it
is the only thing that ever has.” (Margaret Mead)
