Abortion will no longer be a crime in Queensland after historic vote

Abortion will no longer be a crime in Queensland after historic vote

By Felicity Caldwell
17 October 2018

Abortion will no longer be a crime in Queensland, after state MPs voted on Wednesday night to remove the procedure from the criminal code.

The historic reforms were passed in the Queensland Parliament on Wednesday night via a conscience vote, with the support of LNP members Tim Nicholls, Jann Stuckey and Steve Minnikin helping to ensure its success at the second reading and final vote.

Continued: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/abortion-will-no-longer-be-a-crime-in-queensland-after-historic-vote-20181017-p50a8b.html


Threats of reprisals against Queensland MPs who voted to legalise abortio

Threats of reprisals against Queensland MPs who voted to legalise abortion

By Allyson Horn
Oct 17, 2018

Pro-life groups have threatened MPs who voted to remove abortion from Queensland's criminal code, vowing to remove them from office.

MPs were given a conscience vote in Parliament and voted 50 to 41 to reform the 19th century laws.

Continued: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-18/threats-of-reprisals-against-mps-who-voted-to-legalise-abortion/10390220


Australia – Committee recommends conscience vote on abortion

Committee recommends conscience vote on abortion

By Felicity Caldwell
5 October 2018

Politicians should be able to exercise their conscience when voting on whether to reform the state's "archaic" abortion laws, a parliamentary committee says.

However, two opposition MPs were scathing of the committee's decision to delve into the issue of conscience votes, arguing it was a party decision and anyone who needed help to understand the concept could look it up in the Oxford dictionary.

Continued: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/committee-recommends-conscience-vote-on-abortion-20181005-p5081x.html


Queensland moves to decriminalise abortion within months

Queensland moves to decriminalise abortion within months
Fierce debate looms, with no guarantee legislation to allow women to terminate a pregnancy up to 22 weeks will pass

Ben Smee
Mon 16 Jul 2018

Abortion would be removed from the Queensland criminal code under legislation that will be brought before the state parliament next month.

As revealed by Guardian Australia on Saturday, the proposed laws will make abortion available up to 22 weeks and provide safe access zones around abortion clinics.

Government MPs will be allowed a conscience vote, while the opposition Liberal National party has said it will scrutinise the detail before deciding how to proceed. The bill will be tabled in August, with a vote expected in October.

Continued: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/16/queensland-decriminalise-abortion-within-months