Key backing gives boost to euthanasia bill

NZ Herald 15 October 2015
A push to legalise voluntary euthanasia has been boosted by the Prime Minister’s endorsement.

John Key said he would support a new member’s bill lodged by Act leader David Seymour yesterday if it was drawn from the ballot.

“In all probability if it’s drawn I will vote for it,” he said.

The Government would not pick up the bill, meaning it could be years before it comes before Parliament.

But Mr Key’s endorsement could play an important role in changing minds on the contentious issue.

On the last conscience vote to be held in Parliament, for the legalisation of same-sex marriage, the Prime Minister also confirmed early in the process that he would support the legislation, which later passed easily.

Mr Seymour began work on his End of Life Choice Bill after another bill, originally sponsored by former Labour MP Maryan Street, was removed from the ballot.

His bill had stricter safeguards than Ms Street’s bill, including a requirement that a person was likely to die within six months, instead of 12 months. They would also need to have approval from two doctors.

If the bill was pulled from the ballot, MPs would cast a personal vote instead of voting along party lines.
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