Referendum on Assisted Suicide in Isle of Man Prevented
The chief minister of the island argued that the Assisted Dying Bill ‘changes the social contract’ on the Isle of Man, necessitating a plebiscite for it to become law.
An attempt to require a referendum before an assisted suicide law could be enacted on the Isle of Man was unsuccessful.
Chief Minister Alfred Cannan contended that the Assisted Dying Bill alters the social contract and, therefore, requires a public mandate to take effect.
However, his proposal that legislation should not commence until a plebiscite had been conducted was rejected by a vote of 12 to 11 on Monday.
This development could potentially make the Isle of Man the first part of the British Isles to legalize euthanasia.
After the current clauses stage is completed, the bill will need a third reading in the House of Keys before moving to the Upper House of Parliament.
If the law receives royal assent next year, assisted suicide may be available to Manx residents starting from 2027, according to campaigners.
The Isle of Man is a British Crown Dependency with King Charles III as the head of state, but it is not part of the United Kingdom.
In May, the Channel Island of Jersey also supported drafting a law to permit assisted suicide for terminally ill adults experiencing “unbearable suffering.”
The morning session of the debate in Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man, heard opposition to the referendum from a widow whose husband passed away after developing motor neurone disease.
Sue Biggerstaff became emotional as she recalled the challenging end of her husband Simon’s life, as he became paralyzed from the neck down just two months after his diagnosis.
She cautioned against misinformation surrounding the bill, noting that members of the public appeared uncertain about who the legislation would affect.
Ms. Biggerstaff also expressed concern that a referendum might involve individuals with little experience of prolonged and difficult deaths making uninformed decisions.
Dr. Alex Allinson, a member of the House of Keys and a doctor who was granted permission two years ago to introduce a Private Members’ Bill on the issue, emphasized that this is a matter for the Parliament, not a public vote.
As it currently stands, the bill applies to adults who have resided on the island for five years, have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of no more than 12 months, and have a clear intention to end their own life.
Another debate is scheduled for July 9.
PA Media contributed to this report.
