Legalising euthanasia not a priority for Labour, says Andrew Little

Stuff.co.nz 19 June 2016
Family First Comment: A record number of submissions does not mean the law has to be changed. It simply shows how controversial the issue is, and how split the public is on the issue. What will be interesting is the breakdown for those against and those for euthanasia. That may be quite revealing! 🙂

The Labour Party is supporting an inquiry into the euthanasia debate, but it’s not a priority.
A record-breaking public response to a petition to legalise assisted dying has renewed calls for politicians to take action.
The Voluntary Euthanasia Society (VES) said it has received 22,000 submissions on a the petition that sought an inquiry into public opinion and a law change. The final tally of submissions is yet to be confirmed by the Health Select Committee.
Labour leader Andrew Little said other issues such as homelessness, employment and healthcare that would be put before a euthanasia campaign.
“It would be nice to be able to do everything from Opposition but we can’t, we have to focus on those things that are about building a better nation,” he said.
“That’s gonna be our priority, I make no apology for that.”
In 2014, a bill which would legalise voluntary euthanasia was dropped at Little’s request, even though he was in favour of it.
READ MORE: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/81219380/renewed-calls-for-euthanasia-debate-as-petition-submissions-set-to-break-record