Australia – COVID-19 vaccine: Archbishop Anthony Fisher condemns Oxford vaccine

Australia’s most powerful Catholic Archbishop has penned a letter warning a COVID vaccine presents an “unacceptable ethical dilemma”.

Samantha Maiden
August 24, 2020

Australia’s most powerful Catholic Archbishop Anthony Fisher has sparked outrage after suggesting the COVID-19 vaccine could create an “ethical dilemma” for Catholics who may refuse to take it because it uses a cell line from an aborted foetus in the 1970s.

The Catholic leader has outlined his “disappointment” in correspondence with Prime Minister Scott Morrison that has sparked fears it could encourage Catholics to refuse to take the vaccine on religious grounds.

Continued: https://www.news.com.au/world/coronavirus/australia/covid19-vaccine-archbishop-anthony-fisher-condemns-oxford-vaccine/news-story/7b94e83a5491b6a76964d9bddfcb495d

Australia – Liberal MPs tell Premier they will defect to crossbench over abortion bill

Liberal MPs tell Premier they will defect to crossbench over abortion bill

By Alexandra Smith
September 3, 2019

Two Liberal MPs have told Premier Gladys Berejiklian that they are prepared to plunge the Coalition into minority government if "essential amendments" are not made to the abortion bill.

Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies confirmed to a public meeting on Monday night that she has told Ms Berejiklian that she will "separate herself from the government" if amendments are not passed.

Continued: https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/liberal-mps-tell-premier-they-will-defect-to-crossbench-over-abortion-bill-20190903-p52njk.html

NSW abortion law reform: Uniting Church breaks religious ranks to back decriminalisation

NSW abortion law reform: Uniting Church breaks religious ranks to back decriminalisation
In open letter to MPs ahead of debate on bill, Reverend Simon Hansford says abortion a health and social issue

Lisa Martin
Sun 4 Aug 2019

The Uniting Church has broken ranks with other religious institutions to throw its support behind decriminalising abortion in New South Wales.

NSW is the only Australian state or territory that has neglected to modernise abortion laws.

Last week a private member’s bill co-sponsored by 15 MPs from across the political divide was introduced to state parliament. It was expected to be debated as soon as Tuesday when parliament sits.

Continued: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/04/nsw-abortion-law-reform-united-church-breaks-religious-ranks-to-back-decriminalisation