Party split on abortion; referendum pledged

Press, 21 August 1978, Page 6

Party split on abortion; referendum pledged

The Labour Party was as divided as the community on abortion, the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Rowling) told a gathering of women supporters of the partv in Christchurch at the weekend. The recent party conference had recognised that diversity and the need for open and frank discussion, he said. The conference debate on abortion had been traumatic "but we tried to

s face the issue as squarely as vlwe could.” , Parliament had failed the people in its recent legisla1 tion on abortion. n "Whenever the conscience n vote is used. Parliament - fails,” said Mr Rowling, “not because of lack of integrity, - but because of interpretation t of conscience.” r Some members saw con-, . science as an exercise of re- - ligious conviction... others, i related their conscience to t that of the wider electorate.

-and others tried to see into the future and vote accordingly. He did not regard ihe use, of referenda as good gov-, ernment: they were an abro-; gation of responsibility. “But when Parliament fails it has no choice but to go back to the people.” said Mr Rowling. "The last election notwithstanding. I still have great faith in the good sense of New Zealanders. We will hold a referendum at the earliest possible time.”