Our Blogs

Divorce is now legal in all European countries following Maltese parliament having approved new laws.

Parliament made the announcement on Monday following the bill having been approved by 52 votes to 11.

The parliamentary discussion came about as a result of a non-binding referendum which saw 53% of voters support introducing divorce legislation to the island. The bill has been subjected to protests throughout proceedings, with Prime Minister, Lawrence Gonzi, having voted against it during parliamentary discussions claiming that the introduction of divorce would damage traditional family structures – an act which saw him accused of hypocrisy and even despotism.

Despite Gonzi’s staunch opposition to the introduction of divorce, though, 19 members of the Nationalist party went against their party’s official stance and approved the legislation. The new laws are now expected to come into effect in October when the president signs the relevant documentation.

The tiny Mediterranean nation has been the only European country without divorce legislation for the past 15 years following the Republic of Ireland having legalised divorce in 1996.