Alternattiva Demokratika, The Green Party said that during the past days the Nationalist and Labour Parties have continued to confirm that their narrow partisan interests come before the needs and expectations of thousands of people who require the right to divorce.

Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson, said, “The only reason why Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi is proposing a simplistic question for a divorce referendum is to try to obtain as many ‘no’ votes as possible. Gonzi should be fair and ensure that the referendum question specifies how the divorce legislation is actually being proposed, which is for a responsible type of divorce legislation. This is very different from a ‘Las Vegas’ type of divorce, which no one is proposing.”

“Labour is also involved in this partisan charade by refusing to take a stand on divorce. Having a Prime Minister who is trying to confuse people and a Labour Party with no stand simply results in confusion. Should Labour retain this stubborn position it would be risking giving the game away to those who want Malta to remain without divorce legislation. AD appeals to all people to stand up and be counted against such partisan manoeuvring, and to take a position which will enable those who require a divorce to obtain this basic civil right.”

Yvonne Arqueros Ebejer, AD Spokesperson for Civil Rights added, “AD remains the only party with a clear stand in favour of the introduction of divorce. We believe that divorce should be introduced as a basic civil right, but most parliamentarians are washing their hands off responsibility, thus abdicating from their role. The proposal by the Prime Minister to confuse people with his simplistic question is an insult to the thousands of Maltese who want to take a pondered decision on this sensitive issue.”

Arnold Cassola, AD Spokesperson for EU and International Affairs, said, “The Gonzi attempt at confusing people provides an even greater reason for the Labour party to take a clear stand with regards to legislation on responsible divorce. The Labour Party must pluck up courage and state clearly and openly that it stands for a “yes,” without any ifs or buts. Anything less than that would be tantamount to admitting that the PL leadership is made up of a “generazzjoni bezziegha.” Had AD been represented in parliament these manoeuvres would not have taken place.”

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