Luxembourg: pro-lifers seek referendum to avert legal euthanasia

February 23, 2009

Pro-life activists in Luxembourg have launched a drive for a nationwide referendum that could forestall the legalization of physician-assisted suicide. After last week's parliamentary approval of a bill allowing the practice-- despite the active opposition of Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker and his Christian Social Party-- pro-life forces are looking for a referendum that would stop implementation. The key issue is the authority of Grand Duke Henry, who has refused to ratify the law, citing his moral opposition to suicide and euthanasia. The government has proposed a constitutional amendment that would allow a law to go into effect without the Grand Duke's formal approval. To bring about a referendum on the question, pro-lifers will need to collect 25,000 signatures: a daunting task in a country of under 500,000. Otherwise the new law would go into effect in March.

 

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Further information:

• Luxembourg parliament adopts euthanasia law (Reuters)
• Just 796 signatures received for referendum call (Station)
• Luxembourg Parliament Passes Euthanasia Bill (LifeSite News)