New law will allow Maltese couples to divorce
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Maltese citizens will no longer have to travel abroad to divorce, following yesterday's overwhelming vote in favour of finally allowing couples to end their marriages at home on the heavily Catholic island nation.
Prior to the vote, Malta was the only European Union nation without divorce legislation. The law will take effect in October, after Malta's President is expected to sign it.
Parliament acted yesterday after nearly 53 per cent of voters said "yes" to divorce in a referendum on 28 May. The vote was a blow to the ruling Nationalist Party, which had opposed divorce ahead of the referendum.
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi was one of the few who voted against the bill, believing that new divorce laws would weaken the structure of the family. Until now, citizens could only get a divorce abroad. AP
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments