Faith Communities Compelled to Assist Suicide After NSW Upper House Blocks Protections

Faith-based aged-care providers in NSW will continue to be compelled by state law to act against deeply held beliefs. This follows the Legislative Council’s 23–16 vote this afternoon opposing a Bill that would have allowed facilities to decline participation in facilitating Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) onsite.

This outcome comes despite 42 faith leaders, representing hundreds of thousands of people of faith, signing a joint statement urging support for the Bill. The proposed change would have brought NSW into alignment with VAD laws in every other state and territory. It would have struck a reasonable balance between the right to access VAD through a routine transfer process and the right of faith communities to uphold their convictions in the provision of care.

Joshua Rowe, NSW/ACT Director of the Australian Christian Lobby, said the result was deeply disappointing:
“Respect for our diversity, especially amongst faith communities, doesn’t finish with mere conversation. Legislators must take action to protect religious freedom”.

“Members had a conscience vote, and the majority chose not to protect the conscience of faith-based providers and communities.”

The ACL commends the members who spoke and voted in favour of the Bill. It remains committed to advocating for a future in which the sincerely held beliefs of faith communities are properly respected in law.