A generation-long battle to legalise euthanasia has resoundingly won, and an apparent one-off chance to legalise recreational cannabis has almost indisputably lost.
For decades the terminally ill have shared evocative stories in a campaign to end their lives legally, and the preliminary result of two referendums released on Friday showed the public was finally convinced – 65.2 per cent voting “yes”.
A campaign to legalise cannabis, the most commonly-used illicit drug in New Zealand, gained 46.1 per cent of votes at the referendum and prohibition will continue. The incoming Labour Government will no longer pursue legalisation or decriminalisation of the drug.
“What a great day to be a Kiwi,” ACT leader David Seymour said, in front of celebrating supporters of the End of Life Choice Act in Parliament’s Grand Hall on Friday afternoon.
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