The Upper House in Victoria, Australia, has approved an amendment to their Infertility Treatment Act permitting 'therapeutic cloning', to enable the creation of embryos for use in stem cell research. The legislation, passed by 23 votes to 16, brings Victorian laws in line with federal regulation. Therapeutic cloning had remained illegal in Victoria despite Australia's Federal Parliament passing legislation to allow the technique, preventing Victorian stem cell researchers from applying for federal licenses to clone embryos.
Health Minister Bronwyn Pike, who proposed the amendment, claimed the victory as a 'very significant moment for Victoria in our long history of leadership in medical research'. 'Victoria has now become the first state to mirror the Commonwealth's therapeutic cloning legislation', she said. 'It means that our scientists are very well placed to apply for licenses under a very strict regime to continue their research'.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Victoria's Premier, Steve Bracks, has met with Californian Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, to discuss Victoria's stem cell program and the prospect of collaboration in research. 'They have a fund, a significant fund ... and they are looking for partners around the world,' said Mr Bracks. 'We are an ideal partner and I'll be putting to Governor Schwarzenegger that in terms of stem cell research Australia is one of the leaders, Victoria, and Melbourne is the centre of that'.
Emotions ran high during the debate, which lasted through the day until the evening. It was reported that hecklers from the public gallery prompted a warning from the floor that the audience would be removed. During the debate, the Upper House Leader, John Lenders, reluctantly voted against the measure saying, 'I am absolutely torn. I would rather crawl under a rock than vote'. 'While every cell in my body wants to support the bill, this whole issue of where we draw a line and the slippery slope disturbs me', he added. Outside the House, Margaret Tighe, President of Australia's Right to Life organization, was more unequivocal in her opposition arguing the amendment will create 'a class of human beings to be used for the benefit of others - the slaves of science'. 'It will be remembered as a black day in the history of this state'.
The legislation is almost identical to that which was passed by the Federal Parliament last December. Victorian Governor Professor David de Kretser, a former medical researcher, must approve the amendment before it can become law.
Sources and References
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Opponents take moral stance on Vic cloning legislation
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Stem cell bill clears upper house
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Cloning bill gets go-ahead
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Bracks to spruik stem cells to Arnie
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