Liberal member Roger Jaensch has admitted to the shame he has felt for assuming the views of others when it comes to voluntary assisted dying.
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The Human Services Minister was the first to speak in the House of Assembly on Friday, pledging his support for the bill, as debate around legislation resumed.
Mr Jaensch had previously voted against the bill, but on Friday said that he had come to the position that the only way to accommodate the diversity of views in law, was to give people the right to exercise a choice - not to make it for them.
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"Our people have widely differing and sometimes surprising beliefs and experiences and opinions," he said.
"On this matter more than most, Madam Speaker, I have been struck by how many people have surprised me with their views. Both what they are and their boldness in declaring them.
"I have been ashamed of myself for at times having dared to assume what other people think, or what their life experience has been."
Mr Jaensch said most of the heartfelt messages he had received in support of the bill had come to him from older, church going, Liberal party members.
"These views have come across the socioeconomic political faith spectrum," he said.
"This is not political, this is a deeply personal thing. And I thank everyone who has made their views known to me, so I can represent them.
"When it's impossible to find comprise, the best approach is to offer choice."
Mr Jaensch said the people who had previously accused him opposing the bill on political grounds, not on conscious ones, were wrong.
He said he was confident legislation before Parliament now was different and had gone through a better journey, with fewer risks and surprised for the community.
Tasmania is expected next year to be the third Australian state to pass voluntary assisted dying legislation.
At the adjournment of second reading speeches in the House of Assembly on Thursday night, 14 members had spoke to the bill, of which three had expressed opposition.
Those opposed were Liberal members Guy Barnett and Elise Archer and independent member Madeleine Ogilvie.