Some good news from Tasmania, where a bill to legalise euthanasia looks likely to be sent to a committee of review.
Deputy Premier Lara Giddings announced yesterday that she would move to have Greens’ Leader, Nick McKim’s euthanasia legislation examined by a cross-party committee of both Houses of Parliament before being debated later this year.
“I will move that the Dying with Dignity Bill 2009, together with any incidental matters, be referred to the Joint Standing Committee on Community Development for investigation and reporting by 2 October 2009,” Ms Giddings said in a media release.
“This is a cross party Committee of both Houses and its inquiry will provide all Parliamentarians the opportunity for deeper consideration of the issues and information involved in this complex and emotive issue.” Ms Giddings’ motion was tabled yesterday and is likely to be debated in Parliament later today.
ACL has called on Tasmanian parliamentarians to reject the euthanasia bill, saying that the trumpeted safeguards have been shown not to work and, if passed, the legislation would put the lives of vulnerable sick and elderly Tasmanians at risk.
A Tasmanian parliamentary inquiry previously considered euthanasia laws in 1998, unanimously deciding to reject legalising euthanasia because it “would pose a serious threat to the more vulnerable members of society”. The inquiry also found that “in the majority of cases palliative care was able to provide optimum care for suffering patients”.
If Ms Giddings motion is successful it is important that Christians play an active role in putting in submissions opposing the bill.
Meanwhile pro-euthanasia advocate Dr Phillip Nitschke is visiting Hobart next week to lobby members of Parliament to support the Dying With Dignity Bill. Both Mr Nitschke and Mr McKim are opposed to the bill being sent to a committee of review and would like it to be debated in Parliament quickly. This raises obvious questions about whether they think the bill can withstand close scrutiny.
Media Contact: Glynis Quinlan on 0408 875 979
Australian Christian Lobby
Canberra, Australia
Tel: (02) 6259 0431
Fax: (02) 6259 0462
Mob: 0448 602 878
www.acl.org.au
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