A.L.R.A.N.Z. opts for referendum

Press, 15 April 1978, Page 2

A.L.R.A.N.Z. opts for referendum

The Christchnrch branchy of the Abortion Law Reform) Association has .supported the Leader.of the Opposition Rowhngyin hig’ : rejection of ’teonseierica., vtQtes” in Parliament. ' ■ Z'Mr Rowlthg said in Christchurch on Thursday that where a political party failed to reach a decision within its own ranks there was a deity to take the issue directly to the people. He Wad been forced to the conclusion that when .rail else failed the referendum was the only answer. Mrs J. Steincamp, chairwoman ■of A.L.R.A.N.Z. in Christchurch Said that (Chile the association shared

Mr Rowling's concern about the drawbacks of referenda it believed this course was now the only democratic and practical way to solve the problem; “Aheferendum also allows 4 the possibility of a change from the previous legislation which was, of course, the reaioh for the calling of the Royal Commission,” said Mrs Steincamp. “We urge the Labour Party to adopt, repeal and referendum as part of its platform policy?? with the objective of initiating bdth as soon as humanly possible should the party win the election.” While A.L.R.A.N.Z. sup-! i ported the Repeal organisa-

:ltion it did not believe its i'objectives went far enough. ; “Simple repeal will only 11 replace the present unworkable, unpopular and undemocratic. legislation with i the former unsatisfactory ' situation.” i A remit from the Shop > Employers Association to s the Federation of Labour Annual conference next month calls for the removal • of legal, financial and mediI cal restrictions on abortion, ; contraception and sterilisation, reports the Press II Association from Auckland, lit also asks that sex etfuca-l ' tion and birth control advice Ibe freely available “to all