Conflicting views in divorce

IN his article "The great Taliban debate" (Sept. 12) Saviour Balzan puts forward two views which I find difficult to reconcile. On one hand he criticises Joseph Muscat for giving MLP parliamentarians a free vote should a debate on the introduction of divorce in Malta come before parliament, while on the other he objects to the 'imposition' of what he implies is the majority view in the country on this matter.
Why is imposition by party discipline accepted, indeed recommended, while the expression of a free vote is criticised by Mr Balzan as he fears that it will not support his views? What sort of democracy is this?
Indeed, genuine democracy should be expressed through free votes, and not through regimentation under the fear of hefty fines or sanctions. The same would apply if regimentation were to be sought through the imposition of mortal sin or similar sanctions.

Evarist Salib
Ta' l-Ibrag

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