Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party and IVA – the campaign lobbying for the introduction of divorce legislation in Malta – held an official meeting in St Julians.

Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson, said, “AD is the only political party with a consistent position in favour of the legislation on divorce. We believe that this basic civil right should form part of Malta’s legislation. However, given that the Prime Minister seems to be more inclined towards a referendum, we are campaigning for a yes vote and we fully support the ‘IVA’ campaign. It was AD which started the ball rolling on this issue when we sent the Irish and Italian divorce laws to all members of parliament and appealed for a parliamentary debate on this issue. Our appeal was followed up by Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, who together with Labour MP Evartist Bartolo has stood up to be counted on this issue. Unfortunately, both the Nationalist and Labour parties do not have the courage to take a stand on the issue. If elected in parliament, AD will give top priority to the introduction of divorce in Malta.”

Yvonne Arqueros Ebejer, AD spokesperson for civil rights, said, ” ‘ Divorce is a basic civil right, but in Malta, divorce is not yet part of the country’s legal system. It is important to understand that its introduction will put an end to the discriminatory state of affairs where only divorce obtained in another country is recognised. It is absurd that divorces from other countries are recognized while it is not possible to obtain a divorce in the Maltese Courts. We have to be sensitive towards the emotional and financial stress many individuals have to endure because of the lack of this legislation. Unfortunately this is the situation in Malta, one of the 27 EU Member States, in 2010. Therefore Alternattiva Demokratika is very satisfied with the birth of the IVA campaign group after years and years of emphasizing the need of this civil right.”

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