Victorian Parliament Endorses Massacre of the Unborn Margaret Tighe
The infamous Abortion Law Reform bill 2008 sailed through the Upper House of the Victorian parliament on Friday, October 10.
The second reading vote, which is agreeing to the bill in principle, was passed in a vote of 17 to 23. Following that, during the committee stage, approximately 60 amendments were put forward – but all were defeated – in particular one being partial birth abortion; one concerned with foetal pain during the procedure; one about born alive victims of abortion, and one that would have allowed conscientious objection on the part of health professionals i.e. doctors, nurses and pharmacists.
Debate in the Lower House took place prior to that in the Upper House with the same dismal result. And all amendments were rejected.
Speeches in support of the bill were appalling. No speaker mentioned that there was a baby’s life hanging in the balance. It was as though the legislation only affected women and doctors. That must make those who voted for this prenatal infanticide feel more comfortable.
Bernie Finn Liberal MLC Western Metropolitan and Peter Kavanagh DLP Western Victoria made outstanding speeches in opposition to the bill, of some five and three hour’s duration respectively.
We congratulate them on their principled stand and also commend those other MPs! who voted against the bill.
Right to Lifers filled the galleries, as did the pro-abortion lobby led by former premier Joan Kirner.
Ultimately though, blame lies at the feet of the Brumby government. Of 68 Labor MPs, in both Upper and Lower House, only 13 voted against it. Despite the much vaunted conscience vote, the reality is that Premier Brumby wanted the bill passed. After all, it was a government measure.
Liberal leader Baillieu voted and spoke in support of the bill, as did his deputy leader, Louise Asher.
However, the vast majority of coalition MPs did oppose the legislation.
Although this was a major, major set back for the right to life movement, we shall not cease our opposition to abortion and other attacks on human life.
Thanks are due to all the wonderful people who did their utmost to prevent the passage of this bill by letters, emails, phone calls and visits to MPs. We commend you for putting up such a wonderful fight for the most basic of human rights, the right to life itself.
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