Isle of Man Referendum on Assisted Suicide Blocked

A move requiring a referendum before an assisted suicide law could come into force in the Isle of Man has failed. The island’s Chief Minister Alfred Cannan argued the Assisted Dying Bill “changes the social contract” and therefore requires a public mandate to become effective. But his amendment arguing legislation shouldn’t commence until a plebiscite had been held was voted down by 12 to 11 on Monday. The development could make the Isle of Man the first part of the British Isles to allow euthanasia. Once this current clauses stage has concluded, the bill requires a third reading in the House of Keys, before moving to the Parliament’s Upper House....