Scottish Catholic Observer

The predominantly Catholic island of Malta will hold a referendum this weekend to decide whether or not to introduce a law allowing divorce.

Malta is the only country in the European Union not to allow divorce, and, along with the Philippines, is one of only two countries in the world to do so.

This weekend, however, the population of a little more than 400,000 people will vote on a law which critics argue could open the floodgates to family break ups and an ‘unhealthy society.’

During a visit to Malta last April, Pope Benedict XVI (above) praised Malta’s stance against abortion and divorce and praised the way that the country has been able to build a nation founded on Christian values, affirming that ‘the Maltese people find answers to the new challenges in the Christian view of life.’

This Saturday, however, the Maltese will be asked to vote on whether married couples should be entitled to a divorce after having lived apart for at least four years and after repeated attempts at  reconciliation have failed.

Recent polls have shown that the population is almost split down the middle—with the yes vote taking a slender advantage—meaning that the result of the referendum is far from certain.