Close Call as South Australia Rejects Euthanasia

South Australia has rejected legalizing euthanasia as an MP had a last minute change of heart. From the story:

A bill to legalise voluntary euthanasia in South Australia has been defeated in State Parliament when a supporter had a late change of heart. A conscience vote was poised to finish at 10-all with the president of the Legislative Council, Bob Sneath, to make the casting vote in its favour. But Liberal MP David Ridgway rose just before the vote to withdraw his support and the bill was defeated 11 votes to nine. Mr Ridgway told parliament he rethought his position in light of his mother’s death last week. “I don’t come to here with any great religious disposition as some members who are opposed to the bill or any other real position,” he said. “I just, at this point in time, don’t feel comfortable supporting the bill. There are some parts of it that … my conscience just won’t allow me to support so with those few words I indicate I won’t be supporting the bill.”

That’s what conscience is for.  Good for MP Ridgway.