A number of Catholic NSW MPs believe they know the church's position on stem cell research better than the Pope, says Liberal right-wing powerbroker David Clarke.The upper house Catholic MP spoke against a bill currently before parliament that would scrap a ban on therapeutic cloning.
Members from all parties and in both houses have been given a conscience vote on the stem cell research legislation, which passed the Legislative Assembly earlier this month.
Members of the upper house are now debating the bill ahead of a vote, expected to take place within the next week.
The debate attracted additional attention after Cardinal George Pell warned there would be "consequences" for Catholic members of the NSW parliament who voted in favour of the bill.
Mr Clarke said the cardinal had every right to voice his view, saying it was his duty to give the church's stance on the issue of stem cell research.
"There may be (MPs) walking around thinking they know what the doctrine of the church is or should be, better than bishops, better than the cardinal, better than the Pope himself," he told parliament.
"They think they may know, but they don't."
Mr Clarke said it was up to those MPs who have a different view to reconcile their differences with the church.
"But don't whinge and whine because Cardinal Pell enunciates what the church's stand is and what they need to consider to remain in harmony with the church," he said.
Cardinal Pell's comments will be investigated by the upper house Parliamentary Privileges Committee, which will examine whether his remarks were in contempt of parliament.
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