The Canadian federal government announed that it will appeal the B.C. Supreme Court decision of Carter v. Canada that struck down the law against physician assisted suicide and euthanasia. [Globe and Mail]
US House of Representatives votes to repeal Affordable Care Act
By a margin of 244 sto 185, the Republican controlled House of Representatives has voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, the federal health care reform legislation recently upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Act is the basis for the administration’s plan to force employers to pay for insurance for contraceptives, embryocides and sterilization, despite moral or religious objections. [WENY-TV]
Lutheran Church in Missouri supports freedom of conscience
Although the Lutheran Church does not object to contraception, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has announced support for Catholics who oppose federal guidelines that would force employers to pay for insurance for contraceptives, embryocides and sterilization, despite moral or religious objections. The he 2.3-million-member synod does oppose products that have an embryocidal effect. [State Journal Register]
Global Charter of Conscience published
A Global Charter of Conscience has been drafted and published, introduced by the following explanation:
Freedom of conscience underpins many of the other human rights that we all enjoy. This is why the right to express your belief is enshrined in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. However, this freedom is being marginalised.
The Global Charter of Conscience will bring religious tolerance back to the centre of public debate, and it will help future generations engage freely in the public life of their nation.
The Charter has been drafted by people of many faiths and none, politicians of many persuasions, academics and NGOs, all committed to a partnership on behalf of “freedom of thought, conscience and religion” for people of all faiths and none.
British Medical Association affirms stand against euthanasia
Despite claims that 80% of the British population supports euthanasia and assisted suicide, and that 40% of physicians do so, the British Medical Association has voted against supporting a euthanasia bill being proposed in the Scots parliament. Strong views were expressed by those on opposite sides of the issue. [The Scotsman]