Euthanasia legislation yesterday passed the New South Wales Parliament, with Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP describing it as “truly a dark day for New South Wales”. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
The Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021 passed the Upper House 23-15 just after midday, following a late-night sitting and, after minor parliamentary technicalities, was sent to the Governor for assent. The scheme will begin in the state in 18 months.
“If a civilisation is to be judged by how it treats its weakest members, the NSW Parliament has failed miserably, and has set a dark and dangerous path for all posterity, determining a new and disturbing definition of what it means to be human,” Archbishop Fisher said.
Catholic Health Australia said Catholic health and aged care providers were disappointed and saddened by the passing of a law violating almost every aspect of their daily operations.
“Our members have made it clear they cannot conscionably participate in voluntary assisted dying and yet the Parliament has passed a law that forces our aged care members to facilitate it,” said Brigid Meney, CHA’s director of strategy and mission.
Broken Bay Bishop Anthony Randazzo also expressed his disappointment after the marathon debate, saying it was an extremely disappointing situation when it is accepted that the state can determine who lives and who dies.
“Now more than ever we must ensure members of our family, friends, those who are alone, the vulnerable in our community know and understand that they are loved, that we will be with them in their journey, and that they are not a burden.”
FULL STORY
Euthanasia victory a dark day for NSW: Archbishop Fisher (By Adam Wesselinoff, The Catholic Weekly)
RELATED COVERAGE
‘Dark day’: Catholic Archbishop responds to ‘right to die’ laws (The Australian)
NSW falls in line on assisted dying law (The Australian)
State Assisted Suicide - Bishop expresses disappointment as bill passes upper house (Broken Bay Diocese)
Statement on the passing of voluntary assisted dying laws in NSW (CHA)
