Act leader David SeymourMore than 90 percent of public submissions oppose the euthanasia bill currently going through parliament. The Care Alliance, which represents some groups opposed to euthanasia, analysed the nearly 38,000 submissions made to the Justice Select Committee on the End of Life Choice Bill. Care Alliance Secretary Peter Thirkell said it was a record number of submissions for any bill, and more than 90 percent were opposed. "I think opponents [to the bill] have done a very good job getting people to submit, perhaps believing that select committee submissions create a de-facto referendum on a piece of legislation," he said. If the bill passes a second and third reading on a conscience vote in parliament, a public referendum is likely to be held.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 31, 2019 00:56 UTC