In May 2011, three quarters of the electorate went to cast their vote on whether or not divorce should be legal in Malta. The verdict came in strong with 53% voting in favour of legalising divorce. But how do people really feel about love and remarrying? Words by Emma Clarke.
three countries in the world where divorce was illegal, the other two being
THE RESEARCH BEHIND DIVORCE Prof. Angela Abela, a clinical psychologist at the
the Philippines and the mostly celibate
University of Malta, has long been interested in
Vatican City. When the votes came in, a
family relationships. When the referendum rolled
majority of 53% opted to legalise divorce, despite
around, it inspired her to make a constructive
massive campaigns against it by the Catholic
contribution to the impassioned discourse
church and then-Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.
around divorce. 'I wanted our [team] to make a
Joseph Muscat, who was Opposition Leader
contribution to the debate in an empirical way, to
at the time, proclaimed that this was 'the birth
give people food for thought and an opportunity
of a new Malta'. But are citizens as open to
for reflection,' she says. This was how the study
using this hard-won right as they were in voting
of attitudes towards remarriage among married
for it? In a changing cultural landscape, this
or previously married individuals came about.
step’s significance might not be immediately
Abela believes that the liberalisation of divorce
obvious. How do the people of Malta feel
is fascinating, as it highlights the mixed attitudes
about love the second time around? And how
of a culture in transition. In particular, a shift
important is it to them to have the freedom
towards secularism has altered the role of the
to make this love official through marriage?
Church in Maltese society. 'When it comes to
Before the legal changes, Maltese couples
family and relationships, the changes happening
had been separating, falling in love again, and
are unprecedented, perhaps not only in Malta,'
cohabiting with new partners for decades.
she says. 'The interesting thing about Malta is that
Yet the new legislation has allowed an
it went from a very traditional country to being
important new freedom: remarriage.
much more secular. Before, the Catholic Church Focus
E
arlier this decade, Malta was one of
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