Deceptive rumours are circulating in the media that Alternattiva Demokratika has changed its position on divorce. The editorial of this newspaper, last week, claimed that AD had somehow betrayed its principles and was saying that a referendum on divorce is the way forward.
Last Sunday, on sister newspaper Illum, chat show host and ex-Green Peppi Azzopardi stated that he does not agree with the position of AD and PN that divorce should be introduced by referendum. Both these opinions are incorrect and misleading. They have both been written without either writer asking the Greens whether there has been a change in position. There has not!
Alternattiva Demokratika agrees with the introduction of divorce. We recognise it as a civil right and a social necessity. We are the only political party that holds this view courageously and consistently. We held it boldly when a tiny minority agreed with us; now as many as half the Maltese do. If we ever had the chance to determine the introduction of divorce in a parliamentary vote we would proudly vote Yes – no moralistic ‘ifs’, no opportunistic ‘buts’. Peppi Azzopardi knows this.
On the other hand the PN has always been against the introduction of divorce. Contrary to what Peppi wrote, not only does the PN leader disagree with divorce, but he cannot even get himself to agree to a referendum. Like his predecessor, in matters moral, he knows more than all of us. In a recent interview, Gonzi said that he believes that ‘maybe one day’ we would have to hold a referendum. Immediately afterwards he added that “God willing we won’t have to”. How Peppi Azzopardi can interpret these indecisive and cowardly comments as evidence that Gonzi is in favour of a referendum, is beyond me. How he can equate the PN position on divorce to that of AD, is beyond reason. Peppi is right however in having not understood Labour’s position on divorce. They are promising to discuss divorce if, when in government, civil society speaks up. What exemplary leadership from both sides of parliament!
Expressing our position in favour of divorce is not sufficient. Voters ask how we will work, once in parliament, to have it introduced in the coming legislature. It is a fair question, and one that deserves a direct and unequivocal answer.
If AD is elected, we will use our parliamentary representation to present a private members bill on divorce to parliament. This exercise will force both government and opposition parties to discuss (for the first time in 2008!) this matter. No parliamentarian would be able to conceal his or her position on divorce; as they do today so cowardly. The bill will require a vote, and every Member of Parliament will have to take a position. We are confident that our contribution and participation in this debate will be conducive to attuning the political discussion to the realities of contemporary Maltese society. If the vote in parliament is ‘Yes’, then it will be a victory for civility and good sense. If the vote is ‘No’, then – but only then – AD commits to using all legal means to bring about a referendum. If the political class shies away from change, then the last say must be that of the people. A
referendum is the last resort, not the first.
Our position on divorce has not and will not change. Those who vote for us know what to expect. On the other hand those considering voting for PN know that with Gonzi at the helm there will never be divorce. Contrary to what Peppi Azzopardi insinuates the Prime Minister has not committed to a referendum. If he has any doubt then I challenge him to host a tri-partite debate on Xarabank. Those thinking of voting for Labour may be fooled into believing that divorce will be introduced because the Leader of the Opposition is personally in favour. However they should be reminded that Conservative Labour MPs like Adrian Vassallo have promised to break ranks should his party propose divorce.
Only the Greens in parliament will be able to build consensus amongst the three parties to bring our political class to its senses on this matter. If we are not there, divorce will be on the backburner for another five years. All those who believe that divorce should be introduced know for whom to cast there vote next time round.

Edward Fenech is spokesperson for Finance and the Economy of Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party