Opponents of the ACT’s voluntary assisted dying legislation gathered outside the territory’s Legislative Assembly on Monday, marking the first day the controversial law came into effect. Source: Catholic Voice.
The rally, organised by ACT Right to Life, featured strong condemnation of the bill from community leaders, including Canberra-Goulburn Archbishop Christopher Prowse.
The VAD bill, which passed through the Territory’s Legislative Assembly in June last year, has been a point of significant debate. As the law officially commenced, a solemn gathering of protesters assembled to hear speakers voice their opposition and call for a renewed focus on a “culture of life.”
In a prepared statement on the Legislation’s enactment, Archbishop Prowse said: “Legislation of this dire nature is misguided and thoroughly contrary to the common good. It does nothing to advance a culture of life in our society. We must be able to consider legislation beyond simply subjective considerations.”
John Kennedy, President of ACT Right to Life, addressed the rally, framing the new law as part of a broader cultural shift.
“The takeover of Calvary was part of that. The abortion industry is part of that. But this, this law today, just adds another layer to it all,” Mr Kennedy said. “It’s a cultural change … and we need to be speaking out against it.”
He described the law as offering a false sense of hope.
“Unfortunately, we gather around a law that speaks about hopelessness,” he said.
Concerns were also raised about the future of safeguards and the potential expansion of the law. Mr Kennedy expressed deep apprehension, particularly regarding minors.
“We’ve seen that in Victoria and other places that they promise at the outset, certain protections and they diminish, one at a time,” he warned.
“We are very concerned … about the possibility of expanding this bill to include minors … that’s a desperate situation, if it happens for parents.”
Legal graduate, PhD candidate, and ACT Right to Life member Minny Jackson called on professionals and young Canberrans to speak out.
“Just because the law has been put in place doesn’t mean you can’t speak up,” she said.
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ACT Right to Life holds Rally on first day of controversial Euthanasia Law (By Jeanine Doyle, Catholic Voice)
