Teams of ACL volunteers gathered recently to letterbox thousands of homes in Tasmania ahead of voting in the Upper House for the Mike Gaffney Assisted Suicide Bill.

On 11 November we remember those who died so that we might live. The Tasmanian Upper House has just voted to enable those who live to encourage people to die.

Tasmania is one step closer to allowing its citizens to end their own lives after the assisted suicide legislation passed in the Upper House yesterday. This is not something to celebrate.

The push for euthanasia continues around the country. So, what’s wrong with helping people end their suffering?

If Mike Gaffney MLC is alarmed by arguments that his assisted suicide bill is a slippery slope to tragedy, he need look no further than the strong voices pointing out serious problems with his bill.

End of life issues are complex and need thorough consideration as they concern the most vulnerable people in the community. The Mike Gaffney Bill which encourages assisted suicide is rushed, ill-considered and fundamentally flawed. It must be rejected by the Tasmanian Parliament.

The anti-discrimination system in Tasmania is a wrecking-ball to free speech, as a farcical situation surrounding Tasmanian Senator Claire Chandler has demonstrated. The Senator’s opinion piece for the Hobart Mercury, advocating that women and girls’ sport should only be for the female sex, now sees her effectively gagged and dragged before an anti-discrimination tribunal.

From 24-26 August, Professor Ian Olver AM and I had the unique opportunity of speaking to most Tasmanian MPs in relation to Mike Gaffney’s assisted suicide Bill.

Parliament should always legislate clearly and give hope and confidence to Tasmanians.

From 24 August, Professor Ian Olver and I will be attending a number of meetings with Tasmanian Upper and Lower House MPs to brief them in relation to the so-called Gaffney Bill. We have a meeting with the whole of the Legislative Council and with members from all parties, as well as the Independents. Please pray for us, that hearts and minds would be changed.