Archbishop Adrian Doyle of Hobart has raised concerns about a euthanasia bill that appears to have the State Government's endorsement.Archbishop Doyle has urged respect for "the sacred nature of human life"
Public support for euthanasia "doesn't make it right", he told the Catholic Weekly, adding that "having this mistaken sense of compassion isn't certainly respectful of human dignity".
Greens leader Nick Mc Kim's Dying with Dignity Bill was resoundingly defeated in the Lower House last November.
"I am concerned by the fact that despite being rejected less than a year ago by the Parliament of Tasmania, that the Attorney-General (Lara Giddings) has chosen to raise this issue again in conjunction with Mr McKim," said Archbishop Doyle.
"There are many consequences for all Tasmanians, especially those working in the health and aged care industries with the previous Private Member's Bill failing to adequately address these wider concerns.
"It is concerning that there is a perception in our community which claims that euthanasia as being a dignified death, promoting the premise that any other avenue of death is 'undignified' and euthanasia (or medical assisted suicide) as the only method of a dignified death."
SIC: CTHAUS