New Zealanders are bound for a referendum on euthanasia next year after a tight conscience vote in Wellington.Protesters gathered on the lawn outside Parliament and many watched the debate in the chamberKiwi MPs voted 69 to 51 on Wednesday night to pass the End of Life Choice bill, ending the issue's four-year journey through the Parliament but failing to resolve it.
But undecided members were lobbied by both sides until the very last hours, when almost a quarter of MPs gave speeches, often passionate and personal, during a marathon debate.Labour MP Willie Jackson, one of the few not to reveal his hand, finally declared himself a supporter with a touching address centred on his mother's deteriorating health."Last night I spoke with three of the most high-profile Maori leaders in this country.
"None of them thought that euthanasia was suicide. All of them thought that euthanasia was dying with dignity.Hundreds of people opposed to the bill spent the afternoon protesting on the lawns outside Parliament, with many filing into the public gallery for the debate.More than 39,000 submissions were received, with public hearings in 14 cities hearing about 1,350 people.
"Many organisations at the coalface of providing end-of-life care, like hospices, are opposed to this bill because it is unsafe," he said.Those figures are at odds with public polling, which has consistently recorded strong majorities in favour of legalisation.The referendum will be held at the same time as New Zealand's 2020 election, and another referendum to legalise cannabis, as previously agreed by the Government.
I hope this referendum succeeds.
Great leader no ones puppet 👍
Cue sad faced Jacinda Ardern....
And because they’re so much more mature and grown up than Australia they’ll pass it quickly and easily and there won’t be endless holdups & scaremongering by religious nutters. And because they know it’s the decent, ethical thing to do.
Good on them.
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