Fed: Downer won't reveal his position on stem cell research

AAP General News (Australia)
08-16-2006
Fed: Downer won't reveal his position on stem cell research

CANBERRA, Aug 16 AAP - Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has refused to declare his
position on stem cell research, but says he will consider any private member's bill on
the issue.

Prime Minister John Howard yesterday promised his MPs a free vote on any changes to
embryonic stem cell research laws.

While the government is not planning its own changes to the controversial laws, it
could allow a free vote on a private member's bill.

Mr Howard's announcement marked a retreat from cabinet's decision in June to maintain
a ban on therapeutic cloning for stem cell research.

Mr Downer said he would examine any proposed legislation, but gave no hints about which
way he would vote.

"If a bill comes forward, I'll have a look at it," he told reporters.

"If people want to have a debate on stem cell research, there can be a debate - it's
a free world."

An independent committee has recommended the government allow scientists to harvest
embryos for the purpose of producing stem cells, instead of present laws that restrict
research to spare IVF embryos.

AAP rp/sb/srp/sp

KEYWORD: STEMCELL DOWNER

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