News • 23 March 2003

Divorce on Labour’s backburner

By Kurt Sansone

Rigidity at Labour Party televised press conferences was dropped yesterday when Labour leader Alfred Sant chose to answer questions about his decision not to sign the accession treaty on 16 April despite the subject of the media event being children’s rights.

Veering from the topic of discussion Alfred Sant reiterated that a new Labour government would negotiate with the EU for as long as it takes in order to obtain the best package for Malta.

On divorce, a subject raised by a MaltaToday journalist, Sant said a Labour government would sound the opinion of civil society on the issue and act accordingly. His reaction was in stark contrast to the position taken by the last Labour Party in government when a Commission was set up to study the impacts of divorce on society. This time round all Sant could muster was: "Over the past years civil society has not reacted or made its voice heard on the issue of divorce. We will continue to listen to see what civil society has to say and act accordingly," Sant said, leading one to believe that the issue will be ignored.

Wearing his now traditional smile and flanked by Evarist Bartolo and Marie-Louise Coleiro, the Labour leader dwelt on the importance of recognising the rights of children. Sant said a Labour government would ensure that the current law that discriminates against children born out of wedlock would be updated to reflect what has become a modern day phenomenon.

A new Labour government would also establish an effective family court to deal with personal cases in the most efficient way possible. Another promise made by the Labour leader was the setting up of an ombudsman for children and the regulation of child minding services to ensure they are run on a professional basis.

Sant raised the issue of illiteracy. He said a Labour government would dedicate a lot of energy to ensure children do not leave school without the basic skills necessary to be able to function fully in society.

While explaining that a Labour government would be implementing a charter that establishes the rights of children, Sant reiterated his party’s stand against abortion.

kurt@maltamag.com