GREENS leader Nick McKim last night vowed to continue his campaign to legalise voluntary euthanasia in Tasmania despite MHAs voting down the Dying with Dignity Bill.
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After a four-and-a-half hour debate, the bill was defeated 15 votes to seven.
The MPs largely voted along party lines despite being given a conscience vote, with all Opposition MHAs voting against the bill.
Franklin Labor MHAs Lara Giddings and Ross Butler, as well as Denison Labor MHA Lisa Singh, joined the four Greens MHAs to support the bill.
A respectful atmosphere took over the often-rowdy chamber as 22 MHAs spoke on the bill, with many referring to their personal experiences.
Bass Liberal MHA Sue Napier and Bass Labor MHA Michelle O'Byrne were not in Parliament and, though he voted on the issue, Speaker Michael Polley did not speak on the bill.
In one of the more moving speeches, Ms Singh said personal stories were at the heart of the debate.
"I believe in all the poetry of life, but when a person can face the world in suffering and only suffering, when that poetry is suffocated by pain and silenced by agony, then that is not life," Ms Singh said.
Just as impassioned, Braddon Liberal MHA Brett Whiteley spoke against the bill.
"Whether we like it or not, euthanasia is premeditated killing or deliberately killing of a human being albeit under the banner of compassion," Mr Whiteley said.
Lyons Liberal MHA Rene Hidding's said the Dying with Dignity Bill put vulnerable people at risk, adding that he believed that voluntary euthanasia "is pushed by people who are afraid of the dying process".
Premier David Bartlett said the euthanasia process that the legislation set was not clear enough.
"When it comes to the ending of human life we need clear and certain and information, not confusion, to carry out the heavy burden in this place when we consider legislation of this kind," Mr Bartlett said.
Braddon Labor MHA Brenton Best said the message the legislation sent out to the community could be interpreted by younger people that it was okay for someone to take a life.
A number of MPs put on the record that they had initially thought they would support the bill.
Braddon Labor MHA Steve Kons said he originally planned to support the bill.
"I'm one of the ones who has made a 180degree turn," Mr Kons said.
Denison Greens MHA Cassy O'Connor said religion should not play a part in the laws of a secular society.
In summing up, Mr McKim vowed to continue his push to legalise voluntary euthanasia.
The son of a voluntary euthanasia campaigner who died earlier this year wiped away tears as the division confirmed that the bill had been beaten.
Vice-president of Dying with Dignity Tasmania Margaret Singh was more optimistic about the outcome.
"I take great heart from the debate," Ms Singh said.
