30 October 2020
New Zealand will legalise euthanasia, but voters look set to reject recreational marijuana use, the ABC reports.
New Zealanders voted on the issues in two referendums this month, while casting their ballots during the general election that returned Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her Labour Party to power.
With about 83 per cent of the votes counted, New Zealanders have emphatically endorsed the euthanasia measure, with 65 per cent in favour and 34 per cent voting against.
The "no" vote on marijuana was much closer, with 53 per cent voting against legalisation and 46 per cent in favour.
That leaves open a slight chance the measure could still pass once all special votes are counted next week, although it would require a huge swing, the ABC says.
The ANMF supports legislative reform so that competent adults who have an incurable physical illness that creates unbearable suffering shall have the right to choose to die at a time and in a manner acceptable to them and shall not be compelled to suffer beyond their wishes.
We also support access to cannabis for evidence-based therapeutic purposes, where the person, in consultation with their treating health practitioner/s, receives some benefit or has their symptoms alleviated.