All night prayer vigil planned ahead of assisted dying debate

Tuesday 15 May 2018

A film on euthanasia is be screened this evening ahead of an overnight prayer vigil, before the States debate introducing legislation allowing assisted dying in Guernsey.

The film by Kevin Dunn, called 'Fatal Flaws; Legalising Assisted Dying', will be screened at Beau Sejour from 19:00 with a question and answer session with the director afterwards.

The organisers have said the film is absolutely open to everyone and it's free entry.

They said "the aim of the screening is to promote public awareness of the real consequences of euthanasia legislation. The director wanted to do this himself as he became more aware of its effects on the one hand, and of the lack of onesideness of the publicity on the other. So our aim is to bring that to the Guernsey public's attention."

As well as the film screening, a second event held tonight is backing the "assisted living" side of the debate.

An all night prayer vigil is being held the night before the States are due to debate "assisted dying". It has been arranged by "various parish groups" and is being held at St Joseph's Church from 21:30. Patrons are invited to spend as long or as little as they like at the event.

It has been described as a time of "adoration with silence, music and reflections" and will end with Mass at 07:30 at St Joesph's Church.

The States meeting scheduled for this week is due to start on Wednesday 16 May at 09:30. A campaign group which is backing the "assisted dying" side of the debate is expected to gather outside the States Chamber. Deputy Gavin St Pier's Requete is the most controversial item due for debate this week by far, but in his committee role as President of Policy and Resources he is also expected to give the island an update on anti money laundering action.

Pictured: Deputy Gavin St Pier

The Requete has been amended numerous times already, including by its proposer; Deputy St Pier. He has bowed to criticism and ensured that if the States back moves to look at legalising assisted dying in Guernsey, it will not replace any of the States current agreed 23 priorities.

Amid continuing concerns over the effect of any legislation allowing assisted dying on vulnerable members of society, a further amendment has since been laid by Deputies Sarah Hansmann Rouxel and Jennifer Merrett asking for extra confirmation that no new regime can be introduced until such a time that legal frameworks have been drawn up ensuring the non-discrimination and equality for people with disabilities is in force.