Faith
Assisted Suicide Bill Risks Disabled Rights
Faith Facts
- A leading legal voice warns Scotland’s assisted suicide bill discriminates against people with certain disabilities.
- The proposed law has been called inadequate in protecting the most vulnerable, raising concerns about human rights and equality.
- Christian leaders and public officials urge lawmakers to take action to preserve dignity and the sanctity of life.
A senior legal expert argues that Scotland’s push to legalize assisted suicide puts disabled individuals at risk, undermining their God-given dignity and infringing upon cherished rights.
Tom Cross KC, in his legal analysis for The Christian Institute, states the bill would unjustly impact those with disabilities who experience suicidal thoughts, in violation of the right to life.
“The time for ensuring that the bill protects the most vulnerable is during its passage through Parliament.”
“It is inadequate, on analysis, to adopt a ‘wait and see’ approach, by which the State may come to learn in due course whether rights of its citizens have been violated. By that time the bill will be law, and the horse will have bolted.”
Simon Calvert, Deputy Director of The Christian Institute, urges members of the Scottish Parliament to heed these warnings so that the lives of the vulnerable are truly protected.
“This stark warning about discrimination against disabled people embedded in this terrible Bill must surely force MSPs into action – especially those who voted in favour of the Bill at Stage 1 earlier this year.”
He highlights that the bill fails to ensure proper assessment of whether a desire for assisted suicide is linked to a disability, making it a moral issue that demands a faith-based perspective on life’s value.
MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy and First Minister John Swinney have both voiced strong concerns, emphasizing that lawmakers must address the risks posed to disabled citizens’ rights and equality.
Now is the time for believers to pray and encourage legislators to defend life and uphold Christian principles in shaping Scotland’s future.