Malta to Legalise Divorce
Divorce
The population of Malta have voted to make divorce legal. In a recent referendum 53% of voters backed the change.
The country has a population of around 400,000 and is thought to be 95% Roman Catholic. At present a Maltese couple can get divorced abroad, which would then be valid in Malta. The only other options for unhappy couples are to apply for legal separation through the court system or to apply for a Church annulment which can take nine years.
The law is due to come into force in October. Until then Malta remains the only European country without divorce legislation.