The ‘common good’ is frequently quoted by anti-divorce campaigners. They do not seem to understand what they are actually saying. ‘Common good’ means the interest of each one of us who, together, form Maltese society.

If minorities are forgotten, then the interest of all of us is not being taken care of. The definition of ‘common good’, as given in the Chambers International Dictionary, is the following: “If something is done in the common good, it is done to help everyone.” Hence, if a substantial sector of the people is left out, what is done cannot be said to help everyone!

Divorce is meant to help everyone whose marriage ends up irretrievably on the rocks. It would be available for everybody. Of course, those who may not need it, or may not wish to make use of it for any reason, would be free not to make use of it. But they won’t be able to deny it to those who need it to rebuild their life in a new marriage. Nothing could be fairer than that.

■ Eddy Privitera

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