Malta Today: AD on divorce: ‘Proud to have set the ball rolling’

Alternattiva Demokratika said that it was proud to have set the ball rolling for the introduction of divorce.

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/AD-on-divorce-Proud-to-have-set-the-ball-rolling-20120526
Saturday 26 May 2012 - 15:43



Marking a year since the referendum approved the introduction of divorce in Malta, Alternattiva Demokratika said it was proud of the pivotal role it played.

AD had been calling for the divorce legislation since its inception in 1989.

"Two years ago, AD decided to take direct action by inviting members of parliament to take a stand on divorce," chairperson Michael Briguglio said.
He recounted how AD had written to all members of parliament and sent them the Irish and Italian divorce laws as models to follow.

This eventually led to the formation of the 'Yes' movement which successfully lobbied for a yes vote.

"As the only political party with a clear stand in favour of the introduction of divorce, AD is proud to have been on the right side of history and of speaking up for the introduction of this basic civil right," he said.

"AD has a positive impact for progressive changes in Malta, even though it is not yet in parliament. Just imagine how more influential AD will be as a parliamentary force."

Briguglio added: "Progressive voters should keep in mind that Lawrence Gonzi voted against divorce whilst Joseph Muscat lacked the courage to commit his party on such a vital issue."

AD Spokesperson for Civil Rights Angele Deguara, said that the law was important for Maltese couples, like couples in other parts of the world, to be able to regularise their relationship and to remarry if they so wish.

"AD gives a lot of importance to civil rights issues and it will continue working and expressing its concerns so that other social categories, such as LGBT persons, will not be denied civil rights which government has been promising, but failing, to address," Deguara said.

She said that AD believed that social policy and civil law should not reflect one family type but should address today's social realities.