Historic euthanasia laws pass in Australian state of Victoria
Stuff co.nz 22 November 2017
Family First Comment: “The Australian Medical Association said the passing of the legislation marked a significant shift in medical practice in Victoria. “The outcome of this parliamentary vote will cause anguish for some members of our profession, as well as the public,” AMA Victoria president Lorraine Baker said.”
Voluntary euthanasia is set to become legal in the state of Victoria in Australia after historic laws passed the upper house, despite ferocious opposition from conservative MPs.
The bill passed the upper house with 22 votes to 18, after a marathon 28-hour sitting that began on Tuesday afternoon and ended on Wednesday afternoon.
There were emotional scenes in the upper house as MPs, who had debated the bill all night, wept in their seats or got up to embrace their colleagues.
Greens MP Colleen Hartland wept into her colleague Samantha Dunn’s shoulder as the final vote was declared.
Hartland, who is set to retire at the coming election, has been a long-time supporter of a voluntary euthanasia regime.
Although the bill has already passed the lower house with a strong majority, it must go back in its amended form for a final vote.
READ MORE: https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/australia/99153494/Historic-euthanasia-laws-pass-in-Australian-state-of-Victoria?cid=app-iPhone
