New Zealand MPs have approved an ‘End of Life Choice’ bill, paving the way for a referendum on euthanasia to take place next year.
The bill passed 69 to 51 last night and was met with protest both inside and outside of Wellington’s Parliament.
A number of MPs expressed personal experiences in favour of the bill, including Labour MP Willie Jackson, who says many high profile Maori leaders support the decision.
"They all said they were tired of hearing that this was against our culture [tikanga]. Tikanga evolves and there is no one Tikanga,” Mr Jackson said.