Fed: MPs continue stem cell debate
CANBERRA, Aug 21 AAP - MPs will continue debating a controversial bill to allow embryonicstem cell research today, as the focus shifts to hiving off the part of the legislationthat bans human cloning.
Liberal backbencher Bruce Billson, a supporter of the legislation, has flagged a moveto split the bill, giving opponents an opportunity to support the ban on human cloning.
"The idea of a conscience vote is something I think needs to be treasured and respected,"
Mr Billson told parliament last night.
"For that reason, I will signal tonight that if not I, someone with my active support,will be moving a splitting of the bill."
MPs voting against embryonic stem cell research would in effect be voting for humancloning as the bill, in its current form, allows embryonic stem cell research but banshuman cloning.
Opposition Leader Simon Crean last night kicked off debate on the issue, which willallow MPs and senators a rare conscience vote.
Prime Minister John Howard introduced the Research Involving Embryos and Prohibitionof Human Cloning Bill 2002 in June following agreement between the commonwealth, statesand territories in April.
Mr Howard supports embryonic stem cell research but his deputy, John Anderson, is opposedto the bill.
Mr Anderson told the parliament it was dangerous to take a position which viewed embryosas non-human.
"Not long ago in the history of our own culture ... only a couple of hundred yearsago (people) fought long and hard to have slaves, blacks recognised as fully human," hesaid.
"They were mapped outside the circle of humanity.
"We ought not to forget that for a long time there were those who saw the indigenouspeople as less than human," Mr Anderson said.
AAP so/tnf
KEYWORD: STEMCELL DAYLEAD
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