Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

A question of conscience

By Paul Russell - posted Monday, 13 April 2015


It is, and should remain, a matter for the parliament.

And that is why, in the upcoming vote on the Hartland motion that may be resolved as early as next Wednesday (15th of April), at the very least, each and every member of the Victorian Upper House should be able to vote according to his or her conscience. That way one could at least arrive at a conclusion that the chamber, on balance, thought that the idea had some merit.

Make no mistake, voting on the Hartland motion is not simply procedural as some have falsely claimed. Even though members will be voting without any real chance to examine the issue themselves in any depth, they will still be voting to effectively charge the VLRC with the role of designing legislation. It is about euthanasia!

Advertisement

We welcome any genuine parliamentary inquiry. The last major inquiry of substance that did not relate to any particular bill occurred in Tasmania in 1998. That inquiry was unanimous in recommending that Tasmania not adopt any euthanasia legislation. Since that time, developments in places where euthanasia is legal have only served to reinforce those findings.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

5 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Paul Russell is the Director of HOPE: preventing euthanasia & assisted suicide www.noeuthanasia.org.au.


Paul is also Vice Chair of the International Euthanasia Prevention Coalition

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Paul Russell

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of Paul Russell
Article Tools
Comment 5 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy