Labour presents referendum motion

Addressing a press conference outside the PL headquarters in Hamrun, Joseph Muscat stressed that his parliamentary group was “united” in unanimously supporting the motion calling for the consultative referendum – which was confirmed by a secret vote.

Muscat stressed the need for consultation with the electorate on the divorce issue, given that no party has a mandate for the introduction of divorce in Malta.

The PL motion proposes that the referendum question is based on the elements of the pending bill proposed by PN MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando and PL MP Evarist Bartolo, including that couples have to be separated for four years before they become eligible for divorce:

The motion resolves that referendum’s question should be “The motion agrees that the introduction for the choice of divorce for married couples who have been separated or not living together for not less than 4 years, and where who have no reasonable possibility for reconciliation, while adequate alimony is guaranteed and children are safeguarded.”

The motion also resolves to call the referendum before parliament begins to debate the Divorce private members’ bill. “A referendum should be called not more than seven days from the approval of this resolution….and this consultative referendum should take place within not more than 40 days from when it is called,” the motion reads.”

Muscat emphasised that the entirety of the PL’s parliamentary group are four-square behind the motion, recognising that public consultation was critical prior to the Private Members’ Bill debate in parliament.

Muscat added that the Opposition would also be requesting an emergency meeting of the House Business Committee to decide on when the motion would be vote on.

Asked about the referendum’s outcome, Muscat said that as a consultative referendum, the PL would abide by the outcome which he said would be “binding.” He however did not exclude whether the PL would “bring up the issue or not” at a later stage. “Regardless of the result, we retain our convictions,” Muscat said.

Faced with claims by the media that he previously professed himself against a referendum, and described this as a failure to govern, Muscat said that he was previously quoted out of context.

He defended himself by saying that he had always said that some sort of consultation with the public was called for, and maintained that given the situation and the legislation that is now tabled before parliament, there is a need for public consultation to take place now (before the private members’ bill is debated”.

He responded to questions about divisions in his parliamentary group by maintaining that the PL’s parliamentary group is not one of factions or influence groups. “I will defend the interests and values of everyone in my parliamentary group.” he said. “I don’t have to watch my back.”

Asked if he would take an active role or campaign in the referendum, given that he has strongly and consistently in favour of divorce, Muscat was evasive. “There are already two-fully fledged pro and anti divorce movements debating the issue,” he said, emphasising that the PL wouldn’t be campaigning or actively participating in the debate.

He also refuted suggestions that the PL was basing its move on internal polls that hint towards a yes referendum result. “God forbid we make such a decision on the basis on polls,” he said.

Hounded for a PL stand position on divorce, Muscat would only reiterate his previous position that he is in favour of divorce, and that the party would guarantee a free vote to its parliamentary members to vote according to their conscience.

In recent days, the PN has consistently attempted to exploit the fact that the PL has, as yet, not adopted a stance either for or against the introduction of divorce, claiming a policy of convenience and a lack of conviction.

In one of his repeated digs at Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Muscat “promised” that the PL “will not change its position every 24 hours" while expressing hope that the new motion be debated in Parliament next week.