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Malta Divorce Referendum, 2011
A non-binding Divorce Referendum was voted on in Malta on May 28, 2011. The measure asked residents if they wanted to allow married couples to seek a divorce in the country, it was approved.[1] The measure sought to institute divorces for couples who had been separated for at least four years, and required only one spouse to file for divorce.[2]
Election results
This measure was approved, with the election results as follows:[3]
- YES 52.67%
- NO 47.33%
Text of measure
The official ballot language asked:[4]
| “ | Do you agree with the introduction of the option of divorce if a married couple has been separated or not living together for at least four years; when there is no reasonable hope of reconciliation between the spouses; and adequate maintenance and protection for children involved are guaranteed?[5] | ” |
Path to the ballot
Leading up to the referendum, efforts to remain impartial included the choice of a neutral color for the ballots, and the Broadcasting Authority of Malta's intent to ensure the issue was given fair and impartial coverage by requiring approval of program and advertising schedules which talked about divorce.[6][7] There were also issues with the date of the referendum as it was the date for the football championship, and officials hoped fans would submit their votes before kickoff.[8]
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Sky News, "Maltese Say 'I Do' To Divorce In Referendum," May 30, 2011
- ↑ Times of Malta, "JPO defends Divorce Bill and referendum question," March 17, 2011
- ↑ Sky News, "Maltese Say 'I Do' To Divorce In Referendum," May 30, 2011
- ↑ The Independent, "Opposition motion approved, MPs react," March 17, 2011
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Times of Malta, "Broadcasters warned to be impartial on divorce," April 4, 2011
- ↑ DI-VE, "Ballot colours could influence referendum vote," March 17, 2011 (dead link)
- ↑ The Malta Independent, "Referendum on divorce on same day as Champions League final," February 28, 2011
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