15 YEARS OF SECOND CHANCES COMMEMORATES MALTA’S DIVORCE REFERENDUM AND CIVIL RIGHTS PROGRESS

The commemorative event “15 Years of Second Chances” was held on Tuesday evening at the Malta International Contemporary Arts Space, marking fifteen years since Malta voted in favour of introducing the civil right to divorce through the historic 2011 referendum.

The event brought together representatives from civil society, the legal sector, media organisations, and other distinguished guests to reflect on the major civil rights advancements that followed the referendum victory. Speakers highlighted how the successful vote paved the way for broader reforms in equality and personal freedoms, including constitutional protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, marriage and adoption rights for same-sex couples, rights for trans and intersex persons, IVF rights, and other reforms benefiting women and minorities.

During the evening, Deborah Schembri described the referendum as a defining moment in Malta’s modern social history. She said the vote represented far more than a legal reform, calling it a recognition of dignity, compassion, and the right to a second chance in life. Schembri noted that despite strong opposition and social stigma at the time, the Maltese people chose progress and helped transform Malta into one of Europe’s most progressive countries in terms of civil liberties.

Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando also addressed attendees, reflecting on the importance of the reform and the efforts behind the campaign. Guests who personally benefitted from the reforms shared emotional testimonies about how the changes positively impacted their lives and the lives of many others across Malta and Gozo.

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