Fed: Labor Senators close ranks over IVF

AAP General News (Australia)
08-17-2000
Fed: Labor Senators close ranks over IVF

Labor senators have closed ranks over IVF after the ALP national executive last night
threw out a bid to force a conscience vote on the issue.

The Labor Party has decisded to vote against government legislation allowing states
to ban IVF access to women without a male partner.

However, the possibility of some MPs and senators crossing the floor hasn't been ruled out.

West Australian Senator PETER COOK says a decision has been made, and it's time to
move on from the bickering that's dogged the party over the last week.

He says everyone's had their say at a caucus meeting on Tuesday and a national executive
meeting yesterday.

South Australian Senator CHRIS SCHACHT everyne in the party will be relieved the matter's
been resolved in favour of the position taken by Opposition Leader KIM BEAZLEY and the
overwhelming majority of the Labor party.

Union boss JOE DE BRUYN had an emergency meeting of the 21-member national executive
last night in a bid to overturn the policy announced by Mr BEAZLEY.

But the executive rejected the challenge 14 votes to seven.

AAP RTV jb/mfh/rt

KEYWORD: IVF LABOR (CANBERRA)

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