Valleta to allow divorce from October

Published on 26 July 2011 at 10:13

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“Historic vote ushers in divorce,” announces The Times of Malta. On 25 July, the Maltese parliament passed a law authorising divorce and remarriage. MPs voted by 52 votes to 11 with three abstentions to approve a bill that will come into force in October. The change to the country’s legislation is the final step in process that has overcome significant opposition — Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi voted against the bill which was supported by only three members of his cabinet. The vote takes into account the result of a referendum earlier this year. On 28 May, 53% of the country’s electorate cast their ballots in favour of the legalisation of divorce. Along with the Philippines, Malta was one of two countries in the world where divorce remained illegal.

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