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The VE Bulletin Excerpts
'No price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself' Rudyard Kipling
Voluntary euthanasia activist denied humanitarian award
Lee Davis, a veteran campaigner for voluntary euthanasia law reform, and a member of a voluntary euthanasia society, was denied the Maroochydore Shire’s Humanitarian of the Year award for her work in advocating for choice-in-dying. Mayor Natoli, who opposes voluntary euthanasia on religious grounds, intervened to veto Ms Davis’ nomination by a panel including the deputy mayor, Zrinka Johnston, Sunshine Coast Daily assistant editor Bill Hoffmann, University of the Sunshine Coast vice chancellor, Paul Thomas, and academic Karen Brooks.
The panel was unaware of Mr Natoli’s veto powers and expressed extreme disappointment at the devaluation of the contribution made by a person ‘who had shown courage, foresight, dignity and authority on an issue once thought taboo’. Mr Hoffman has resigned from the committee in protest.
In a similar vein, SAVES had been a participant in the annual Australia Day Grand Parade, but has now been barred, without proper explanation. This of course raises questions about the spirit of democracy which is at the heart of what it means to be an Australian citizen, and expressed through these examples of democracy in action.
Reference:
Carolyn Tucker, ‘Mayor vetoes award choice’, Sunshine Coast Daily, 29th January 2007.
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