VALLETTA, Malta, May 29 (UPI) -- Voters in Malta have passed a law permitting divorce, leaving the Philippines as the only country where it is against the law to do so.
Chile legalized divorce in 2004.
The Times of Malta reported Sunday about 72 percent -- the lowest voter turnout ever -- of the tiny island country's voters went to the polls to legalize divorce.
Malta's Labor Party predicted a 52 percent victory for the "yes" camp, but the actual number was considerably higher. Just one of the country's 13 polling places reported less than 70 percent support of the new law.
Deborah Schembri, leader of the divorce movement, said being able to obtain a divorce would be good for Malta.
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said he was disappointed with the election results.
"Even though the result is not what I wished for, now it is our duty to see that the will of the majority is respected," Gonzi said in a televised speech.
