In the year’s I have published this web site aimed at informing people about my opinions about my end of life, I have received both positive and negative feedback.
As I have always maintained, it is MY belief and opinion.
I am not selling my opinion or stating that it is right for anyone except me.
With that in mind, it never used to bother me when the PRO life lobby came knocking at my door.
They are entitled to their opinion as I am to mine.
I don’t (and never will) understand how a human being can justify allowing a loved one to endure pain, suffering and hardship.
It is quite simply, beyond me.
Now I see the church has waded into the Victorian debate.
Which part of the PRO life lobby and the church does not understand that it is a personal conscience choice?
personal conscience = the “person”, their choice.
Many moons ago, Paul Russell from HOPE contacted me suggesting authorities might have an issue with MRTD linking to The Peacefull Pill Handbook.
It’s up to the individual to make their own life choices and express their own opinions.
People can only make a personal conscience choice if they are aware of the options available to them.
The PRO life lobby and the church are attempting to hide the views that oppose their own.
The following article appeared in the June 18 issue of The Age Digital Edition.
Church blocks MP’s forum on euthanasia
A Catholic church has blocked an Andrews government minister from holding a community forum on voluntary euthanasia.
In the latest sign of religious discontent over the state’s plans to introduce assisted dying laws, Labor MP Martin Foley had to reschedule an event with high-profile campaigner Andrew Denton after being told he could no longer use the local parish hall.
Mr Foley, who represents the seat of Albert Park, had booked the hall at St Peter and Paul’s Church in South Melbourne about a month ago.
But after sending out 40,000 letters to his constituents informing them of the forum, he was surprised to learn this week the hall would not be available – unless the church or other opponentswere given a platform to share their views.
Father Julian, who runs the parish , said that given assisted dying was such a controversial topic – and Mr Denton was such a well-known advocate for reform – the church simply ‘‘ wanted somebody of equal standing to present the other side’’ .
But Mr Foley – who will now hold the event at the Port Melbourne Town Hall on Thursday – was unimpressed by the last-minute intervention , saying the forum was simply designed to explain the government’s plans and hear the views of the community.
‘‘ This is a matter of personal conscience in the coming vote. I felt the issue was of such importance to everyone in our community that it deserved a respectful and nonpolitical approach. That is still my goal,’’ he said.
The latest development comes as Premier Daniel Andrews prepares to introduce assisted dying legislation into Parliament this year.
As The Sunday Age reported last week, opponents of the shift – including Right to Life and the Australia Christian Lobby – are already campaigning to prevent the bill from passing . Others, however, are in favour of reform, including Mr Andrews and most of his cabinet, the Greens, and the Sex Party.
Farrah Tomazin
Sources
- www.theage.com.au
- Andrew Denton slams conservative MPs over opposition to euthanasia laws in Australia
- www.facebook.com/atheistfoundation
