The Isle of Man’s Assisted Dying Bill has been sent for Royal Assent for a second time. Humanists UK is calling on the UK Government to swiftly grant Royal Assent and avoid a constitutional crisis.
Yesterday, Tynwald, the Isle of Man’s parliament, voted in favour of further amendments to the Assisted Dying Bill, requested by the UK Government. It approved the amendments by 16 votes to 6 in the House of Keys, their lower chamber, and 5 votes to 1 in the Legislative Council, the upper chamber.
The amendments were brought forward after the UK Government blocked the legislation, arguing that further changes were needed to be made explicit on the face of the Bill before it could be recommended for Royal Assent. Humanists UK questioned how a challenge to the Bill on European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) grounds could be possible, given that nine European countries allow legal assisted dying in some form, all of them having more permissive systems than the Isle of Man’s proposed law.
If granted Royal Assent, the Bill would give terminally ill Manx residents, with 12 months or fewer to live, the choice of a safe and compassionate assisted death under strict safeguards. The Bill proposed in Westminster is limited to people with six months’ life expectancy or less.
Nathan Stilwell, Spokesperson for Humanists UK, said:
‘After a year of delay, Tynwald has worked constructively with the UK Government to include the additional measures it requested. There is now no further need for delay, and Royal Assent should be granted swiftly. Terminally ill people do not have time on their side. The Bill was passed democratically, commands strong public support, and should be enacted as soon as safely possible.’
Vicky Christian, Organiser of My Death, My Decision Isle of Man, said:
‘We are delighted that Tynwald has today voted in favour of amendments to the Assisted Dying Bill. Hopefully these amendments meet the requirements for the Bill to receive Royal Assent, after which we will be able to begin planning the organisation of the service, which has the support of so many Island residents.’
The vote comes as momentum for assisted dying reform builds again across the British Isles. An assisted dying law was passed in Jersey and is similarly awaiting Royal Assent. An Assisted Dying Bill has been reintroduced in Westminster, after the House of Lords outrageously filibustered the previous Bill.
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Head of Press and Campaign Communications Nathan Stilwell at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959 (media only).
Humanists UK is making the following photos available to the media to use – credit to Simona Sermont/Humanists UK – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Humanists UK has people and their loved ones who would be affected by this change available for the press.
If you have been affected by the current assisted dying legislation, and want to use your story to support a change in the law, please email campaigns@humanists.uk.
Humanists defend the right of each individual to live by their own personal values, and the freedom to make decisions about their own life so long as this does not result in harm to others. Humanists do not share the attitudes to death and dying held by some religious believers, in particular that the manner and time of death are for a deity to decide, and that interference in the course of nature is unacceptable. We firmly uphold the right to life but we recognise that this right carries with it the right of each individual to make their own judgement about whether their life should be prolonged in the face of pointless suffering.
We recognise that any assisted dying law must contain strong safeguards and the international evidence from countries where assisted dying is legal shows that safeguards can be effective. We also believe that the choice of assisted dying should not be considered an alternative to palliative care, but should be offered together as in many other countries.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.
Humanists UK and My Death, My Decision are both members of the Assisted Dying Coalition, along with Friends at the End, Humanist Society Scotland, and End of Life Choices Jersey.