October 12, 2007 - 6:18AM
The Age

Queensland last night became the third state to pass laws allowing research involving embryonic stem cells.Victoria and NSW already have passed the laws, which mirror those passed by the federal parliament in April this year.

Queensland MPs, who were given a conscience vote, last night voted 48 to 34 allowing the controversial research to go ahead under strict conditions.

Premier Anna Bligh said that while she understood the laws raised ethical and moral questions, she was pleased they had passed. "It builds Queensland's reputation as a research centre of excellence," Ms Bligh said. "For Queensland to thrive as the Smart State and potentially discover cures for Parkinson's disease, motor neuron and other conditions, embryonic stem cell research must be allowed but only under tight national restrictions."

Nationals leader Jeff Seeney spoke in favour of the bill, while Liberal leader Bruce Flegg opposed it.

Yesterday, Mr Seeney described as "inappropriate" an attempt by Queensland Nationals president Bruce McIver to influence the vote by emailing MPs at the last minute urging them to oppose the bill.

The laws maintain bans on such things as cloning a human for reproductive purposes and placing a human embryo in an animal or vice-versa.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/queensland-to-allow-stemcell-research/2007/10/12/1191696117581.html