X-Message-Number: 7284 Date: Mon, 09 Dec 1996 09:05:14 -0700 From: David Brandt-Erichsen <> Subject: Australia update Australian Broadcasting Company News Brief (Dec 9/96; 11:27pm AEDT) LOWER HOUSE GIVES VOL EUTHANASIA THUMBS DOWN The private member's bill which aims to over-ride the Northern Territory's voluntary euthanasia legislation has been passed by the House of Representatives. In a conscience vote, meaning MPs weren't forced to vote along party lines, 91 MPs supported the bill, 38 opposed it and 18 either weren't present or abstained. Most of the Cabinet, including Prime Minister John Howard, supported the bill, sponsored by Liberal backbencher, Kevin Andrews. A-L-P leader Kim Beazley also supported the bill, as did most of his senior colleagues. But Cabinet Ministers, Peter Reith and John Moore both opposed the bill. The Northern Territory's law has already resulted in one medically assisted death. Note added by DBE: This bill was expected to pass in the House but will face a much tougher time in the Senate in February. Meanwhile, the law will remain in effect. Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=7284