Euthanasia !

At last a benefit is emerging from the mix of independents keeping the Federal government in office.

When the government of the Northern Territory voted to allow euthanasia in approved circumstances, the Federal government applied laws that only applied to " territories " to overturn that decision. In effect, those people to our north were denied the right to manage their own affairs.

The Greens and the two independents have combined to force Julia Gillard to allow a conscience vote - and there is every chance that euthanasia will again pass into law if that is the wish of the people concerned.

This will be hotly contested by the churches - with their " make them suffer until their last breath " approach to death. It seems that they value human life more than that of animals. We face punishment if we let a dog or a cat suffer an agonising death, but deny a comforting needle to any human suffering a similar fate. Surely that decision is up to the individual !

In this country church and state are separated - and yet it is the influence of the churches that have kept euthanasia from becoming law. This conscience vote will only pave the way for the territories to access what can be implemented by the states under existing laws.

What remains to be done is a referendum to allow the wishes of the people to be determined on euthenasia - and for the politicians to abide by the outcome of that vote.

Perhaps this concience vote is the first step in a merciful journey !