Future. City. Life!

Create Change by Dr. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, 8th October 2013

Dr. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando Chairman of the Malta Council

for Science and Technology

Create Change

“A Bolt from the Blue”

Dr. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando Executive Chairman, Malta Council for Science and

Technology

Societal Changes wrought by the Divorce Referendum Campaign in Malta

• The spouses shall have lived apart for a period of, or periods that amount to, at least four years out of the immediately preceding five years, or at least four years have lapsed from the date of legal separation; • There is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation between the spouses;

• The spouses and all of their children are receiving adequate maintenance, where this is due.

Pre-requisites:

Religio et Patria

“I’m against divorce simply because I believe that we need to strengthen marriages in Malta and not

break them.” (Gonzi)

“Even though Dr. Gonzi is against divorce, I see

no reason why we should refrain from tackling this thorny

issue.” (Pullicino Orlando)

“Jesus Christ, who is not any other philosopher but the Son of God, said

divorce was bad for society. This is the truth and it is what I believe in. I will not budge

from this position.” President Emeritus, Dr. Edward Fenech Adami

“I am sure Our Lady is very sorrowful that Malta is considering divorce.”

Dr. Tonio Fenech, then Finance Minister

Our Lady to Angelik (allegedly referring to divorce) :

“Malta, your island, will go through difficult circumstances. The time has come for Malta’s turn to experience the tremors and you shall see buildings shake.”

Mgr. Mario Grech, Gozo Bishop

“There are traitors who used every means to kill the flock. Currently they were attacking marriage but other issues would then follow. They were wolves in sheep's clothing and they were saying they were Catholic. This is a falsehood.”

Ø  52 In favour

Ø  19 PN MPs approve legislation which goes against their party’s official stand

Ø  11 Against (including PM) Ø  5 Abstentions

A substantial part of the electorate felt that the Nationalist Party should never have taken a stand

against divorce...

...many felt that the Prime Minister should never have voted against the people’s will in Parliament.

Pope Francis has called for ‘another way’ for treating Catholic divorcees who have remarried...

...they should feel at home in their parishes and be treated with justice.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” (Margaret Mead)