Euthanasia and marijuana: a conflict in New Zealand
Introduction
Neozylalands voted to legalize euthanasia in a binding referendum, but the preliminary results published on Friday showed that they would probably not legalize the recreational use of marijuana. With approximately 83% of the votes counted, Neozylalands emphatically supported the measure of euthanasia, with 65% voting in favor and 34% against. The vote on marijuana was closer, with 53% voting against the legalization of drugs for recreational use and 46% in favor.
That left a small possibility that the measure could still be approved once all the so -called special votes, including those cast by foreign voters, were counted next week, but would require a great change. The two referendums represented significant potential changes in the social fabric of New Zealand, although each one’s campaigns ended up being eclipsed a little by the Covid-19 pandemic and a parallel political career.
Developing
In which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her Liberal Labor Party won a second term. In a historical landslide. The defenders of the legalization of marijuana felt frustrated because Ardern would not reveal how he intended to vote before October. 17 balls. Many believed that Ardern’s support could boost custom support, but she said she wanted to leave the decision to the Neozylalands. On Friday, after the results were published, Ardern revealed that he had voted in favor of both legalizations.
The conservative legislator Nick Smith, of the National Party opposition, welcomed the preliminary result of marijuana. You may be interested: this is a victory for common sense. Research shows that cannabis causes mental health problems, reduces motivation and educational achievements, and increases roads on roads and workplace. They said. "Neozylalands have rightly concluded that the legalization of recreational cannabis would normalize it, it would make it more available, it would increase its use and cause more damage".
But the legislator of the Green Party, Chloe Swarbrick, said she hoped that the special votes still allow the legalization to be approved. “We have said from the beginning that this would always be reduced to the participation of voters. We have had a record number of special votes, so I’m still optimistic, ”he said. "New Zealand has had a really mature and constantly evolving conversation about drug laws in this country, and we have gone far in the last three years".
The defenders had argued that the measure would reduce gang profits and improve social and legal results for the New Zealand indigenous community, the Maori. The measure of euthanasia, which would allow assisted suicide and will enter into force in November 2021, would apply to adults who have terminal diseases, they are likely to die within six months and are supporting "unbearable" suffering "unbearable".
Other countries that allow some form of euthanasia are the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Canada, Belgium and Colombia. We recommend you. It is a victory for all New Zealand as we become a more compassionate and human society.Legislator David Seymour of the Libertarian Party Act said. "Thousands of New Zealanders who could have suffered atrocious deaths will have choice, dignity, control and autonomy over their own bodies, protected by the rule of law".
conclusion
But dr. John Kleinsman, a specialist in Ethics of the Catholic Bishops of New Zealand, said that the vote put vulnerable people on a dangerous path. They obtained the marine option that euthanasia would be a burden and press many sick people and their families, as well as health and religious workers. The marijuana measure would allow people to buy up to half a day and grow two plants.
It was a non -binding vote, so if the voters approved it, legislation should be approved to implement it. Ardern had promised to respect the result and present the legislation, if necessary. Other countries that have legalized or decriminalized recreational marijuana are Canada, South Africa, Uruguay, Georgia and several US states. UU.
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