‘I will respect referendum result’ - Muscat

Muscat was speaking during a meeting held with representatives of the Zwieg Bla Divorzju anti-divorce lobby at Labour’s HQ.

During the meeting, anti-divorce lobby leader Andre Camilleri criticised the way the opposition had “hastily” and “irresponsibly” pushed the divorce referendum motion through parliament. He said that it would have been preferable if the state had had time to conduct social impact studies before a referendum is held.

Camilleri also called for greater state participation on the effect divorce would have on Maltese society. “The state has a primary responsibly to educate the public on what the effects of the referendum,” adding that Malta has “sadly chosen to ignore the experience that other countries who have divorce.”

Camilleri also criticised the referendum question approved by parliament “misleading”, reiterating the anti-divorce lobby’s claim that it does not reflect the draft divorce bill.

Camilleri accused the Labour media as being biased against the anti-divorce camp, saying Labour supporters had told him they felt offended about “certain statements being made in Labour-owned media.”

He expressed hopes that the divorce debate is not overly politicised, and maintained that “the parties should not take positions.” He welcomed the PL’s stand in that it opted to not take a stand but give its members free reign in how they vote.

In his own address, Muscat reiterated that whatever the referendum result, he would respect it completely and said that should the referendum result in a ‘no’ vote, “it would be case closed for that legislature.”

He pointed out that whatever the case, he would sill retain his own convictions “as would anyone else.”

Muscat agreed that the State has a responsibility when it comes to divorce, but instead took the approach that the State should better prepare spouses going into marriage to offset the problem of marital breakdown.

He said that given that one-third of marriages were civil marriages, the State has a direct responsibility to ensure that civil spouses are adequately prepared by marriage – “something that it is abdicating from and leaving it up to other preparatory courses like the Cana Movement to cater for.”

He reiterated the PL’s position on divorce, adding that he is “proud that the party adopted a tolerant and non-confessional position.”

Muscat expressed hopes that the Zwieg Bla Divorzju would not be a “short-lived” movement, but one that would endure. “This is especially important as in a very short while, the country will be facing another significant debate – that of cohabitation.”

“The cohabitation draft laws, which will be soon tabled for discussion in parliament, will soon be a point of much contention and discussion,” he said.

Responding to Camilleri’s concerns regarding PL media coverage, Muscat said that all of the anti-divorce lobby’s events are covered, but nevertheless they are welcome to air any concerns they might have so that an amicable resolution can be found.