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The VE Bulletin Excerpts
'No price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself' Rudyard Kipling
SAVES - recent activities
Over the last few months SAVES has been 'out and about' raising the community's awareness of the society's aims. The Shirley Nolan Rally and Rundle Mall Information Day were held in March. SAVES also provided a speaker to an Adelaide Hills community group that has an interest in contemporary social affairs. In April another information day was held at the Modbury Triangle Shopping Centre with members 'staffing' the mobile display and providing information leaflets to passing shoppers. Frances Coombe also gave a series of radio interviews as a result of a media release concerning the draft legislation (discussed above) which could have an impact on the society.
Also in April The Advertiser published a large feature article, in the 'Looking Forward' section, with information provided by Frances Coombe. This explored a range of issues and discussed the ways in which barriers to choice for voluntary euthanasia are being challenged throughout the world. An article was also published in Blaze, (the fortnightly newspaper of the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender community), to seek support from their readership for the Dignity in Dying Bill. Blaze readers were also reminded of the historical significance of the issue of voluntary euthanasia to the gay community and relevant recent publications that may be of particular interest (1).
In May SAVES committee members attended a public forum entitled 'Caring for someone with a terminal illness' - exploring the issues faced by carers. SAVES also attended a debate entitled 'Euthanasia' at the College of Divinity Centre for Theology, Science and Culture, with speakers Dr Ian Hunt (Flinders Philosophy) and Ms Lorna Hallahan (Flinders Theology).
(1) References:
O'Reilly, J (ed) The Final Choice-considerations on choosing to die, Liberty Victoria, The Victorian AIDS Council - Gay Men's Health Centre, 1993.
Magnusson R, Angels of Death - exploring the euthanasia underground, Melbourne University Press 2002
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