ABC Home | Radio | Television | News | Your Local ABC | More Subjects… | Shop

Email

MLAs urged to declare abortion views

Posted August 21, 2008 08:13:00
Updated August 21, 2008 08:30:00

The ACT Government has put abortion back on the political agenda, two months out from the election.

The ACT was the first jurisdiction to decriminalise abortion in 2002.

Government backbencher Mick Gentleman has foreshadowed a motion in the Legislative Assembly which will force Opposition MLAs to declare their views.

Chief Minister Jon Stanhope says voters deserve to know where Opposition Leader Zed Seselja stands on the issue.

"We haven't had an opportunity to learn or understand what his personal values or philosophies are on issues that are very important to the community," he said.

"I think it's important for Mr Seselja to state ... clearly and unequivocally where he stands."

Mr Seselja says he supports the status quo and would not back any moves to overturn existing laws.

"My position is that I don't see re-criminalisation of abortion as something that I would support," he said.

"But I would support better support for young women."

The motion is likely to be debated next week.

Tags: states-and-territories, abortion, act, canberra-2600

Opinion

Dr Bernhard Moeller and his family celebrate the decision

Curious inequities

Migration law must be reviewed to end discrimination against people with disabilities.

Feature

Ford workers are breathing a sigh of relief.

Cap in hand

US carmaker bosses have left the private jets at home and promised to work for $US1.

Listen

Postcard of Dame Nellie Melba

Latest release

Previously unheard recordings from one of Australia's best-known opera singers, Dame Nellie Melba.