SW News:

In Australia, the Archdiocese of Brisbane is all prepared to oppose the bill that decriminalizes euthanasia and assisted suicide in Queensland state. Ahead of the vote on the legislation in early September, the archdiocese is appealing to believers to voice their opposition to lawmakers. 

The archdiocese has exhorted the faithful to write, email, call and meet their respective parliamentarians ahead of the vote and voice their protest against the proposed bill. Already, information packs have been sent by the communications team of the archdiocese to parishes with links to websites that can be used to email or arrange meetings with lawmakers. 

An advocacy flyer sent to parishes mentions that it is imperative all sectors of the community affected by this bill such as first nations people, disabled people, palliative care providers, multi-faith groups are heard. 

“‘Euthanasia’ and ‘assisted suicide’ are not only contrary to the teachings of the Church, but also the principle of ‘do no harm’ which has governed the medical profession. 

“We support the many health professionals who say we should do all we can to protect Queenslanders rather than assist them in dying. We believe every Queenslander has a right to high-quality palliative care,” says the flyer. 

The packs sent to parishes contain fact sheets and editorials that have already appeared in prominent national dailies. The contents of the packs can be put on bulletin boards around the parish, distributed to parishioners and sent as emails.