The pro-divorce movement launched its logo ‘Iva Għad-Divorzju, Iva Għaż-Żwieġ’ explaining it believes in the possibility of forming recognised family structures by means of marriage after a previous marriage would have failed.
Initial reactions to the logo were mixed, with some people saying it will not be effective and the message will be backfiring, mostly because the child in the middle is seen torn between two families.
The movement is in favour of true marriage, commitment, love and reciprocal respect and not a marriage contract saying two persons are married even though their unity would have been long gone, said chairperson Deborah Schembri at a press conference yesterday.
Initial reactions to the logo were mixed, with some people saying it will not be effective and the message will be backfiring, mostly because the child in the middle is seen torn between two families.
The movement is in favour of true marriage, commitment, love and reciprocal respect and not a marriage contract saying two persons are married even though their unity would have been long gone, said chairperson Deborah Schembri at a press conference yesterday.
Divorce gives people the right to remarry once a previous marriage fails and not force them to cohabitate and have children outside marriage, she contended.
Currently children of separated couples in schools are being singled out. Also, with just the possibility of having legally recognised separations, people are unable to close ugly chapters in their lives.
The movement was set up because it recognises the importance of marriage. It therefore seeks to promote people’s rights and not vice-versa.
Separated couples who would not want to opt for divorce or the possibility of remarrying would still be able to do so.
Moreover, the divorce law being proposed by the group is based on the Irish law which reflects the country’s Catholic culture. The group is lobbying for responsible divorce based on a conservative model.
Consequently, divorce will only be allowed if a couple would not have been living together for four out of five years and after reconciliation fails, among other provisions.
Currently children of separated couples in schools are being singled out. Also, with just the possibility of having legally recognised separations, people are unable to close ugly chapters in their lives.
The movement was set up because it recognises the importance of marriage. It therefore seeks to promote people’s rights and not vice-versa.
Separated couples who would not want to opt for divorce or the possibility of remarrying would still be able to do so.
Moreover, the divorce law being proposed by the group is based on the Irish law which reflects the country’s Catholic culture. The group is lobbying for responsible divorce based on a conservative model.
Consequently, divorce will only be allowed if a couple would not have been living together for four out of five years and after reconciliation fails, among other provisions.
Reconciliation attempts would be possible throughout the five years and not simply for a short period of time, making all possibilities for a family’s reunion possible. Replying to questions, Ms Schembri said the anti-divorce group named ‘Żwieġ Mingħajr Divorzju’ did not make much sense as it simply meant marriage without the possibility of divorce in case of marriage failure.
This will not be making life any better for people who happen to be victims of adultery or abuse and the couples who separate for these and many other reasons but would like to have another chance in life.
Although this group will probably be the main interlocutor with the pro-divorce group, Ms Schembri asked whether the anti-divorce group was a mouthpiece of the Church.
The “divorcist phenomenon” did not exist, according to PN MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, who forms part of the same group. Happily married couples will definitely not be opting for divorce just for the sake of it but the possibility of divorcing in Malta would put people’s minds at rest.
Although divorce is possible in Ireland, there are 5% marriage break-ups there in comparison with Malta. Even in Italy, a much more liberal country, the incidence of marriage break-up is 1.5% less than in Malta, the group contended.
Although believing that cohabitation was not necessarily a negative phenomenon, because it gave couples the chance to experience living together before actually getting married, its members said the divorce law should be enacted before the Cohabitation Act to stop having “second class marriages”.
Another person on the group, Marlene Mizzi said that although she has been happily married for 30 years and would like to remain so, she understands that the state should respect the rights of people coming from the various walks of life and the different religions practised, not legislate for the Catholics alone.
Dr Pullicino Orlando said he agreed with the Prime Minister’s opinion of leaving the people to decide whether they wanted divorce or not and therefore through a referendum.
Although this group will probably be the main interlocutor with the pro-divorce group, Ms Schembri asked whether the anti-divorce group was a mouthpiece of the Church.
The “divorcist phenomenon” did not exist, according to PN MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, who forms part of the same group. Happily married couples will definitely not be opting for divorce just for the sake of it but the possibility of divorcing in Malta would put people’s minds at rest.
Although divorce is possible in Ireland, there are 5% marriage break-ups there in comparison with Malta. Even in Italy, a much more liberal country, the incidence of marriage break-up is 1.5% less than in Malta, the group contended.
Although believing that cohabitation was not necessarily a negative phenomenon, because it gave couples the chance to experience living together before actually getting married, its members said the divorce law should be enacted before the Cohabitation Act to stop having “second class marriages”.
Another person on the group, Marlene Mizzi said that although she has been happily married for 30 years and would like to remain so, she understands that the state should respect the rights of people coming from the various walks of life and the different religions practised, not legislate for the Catholics alone.
Dr Pullicino Orlando said he agreed with the Prime Minister’s opinion of leaving the people to decide whether they wanted divorce or not and therefore through a referendum.
Although the movement is yet awaiting an appointment to discuss the subject with the Prime Minister, it hopes the law is discussed in parliament this year, as Dr Gonzi has said.
SIC: TOM/EU-INT'L
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