22/05/02

The final passing of the HSNO Genetic Modification Amendment Bill has brought sharp condemnation from Groundswell spokesperson Tremane Barr.

Groundswell were originally opposed to the HSNO Bill because it allows for GE field trials. However, the inclusion of a supplementary order paper in late December which allows for the genetic engineering of human beings is now the issue of most concern to them.

“Our history will show that at the beginning of the 21st century that New Zealand MPs had the choice between banning the genetic engineering of human beings or permitting it to be carried out. They have chosen the latter and opened up the Pandora’s box of eugenic nightmares through the genetic engineering of human beings that this Bill allows. History will show that they were the first MPs to legitimize the possibility of a genetically engineered master race” said Tremane Barr.

The Select Committee dealing with the Bill in their report had done nothing to dispel these eugenic fears by stating that the genetic engineering of designer babies for reasons other than health would only be “less likely to be approved” under this legislation.

“This Bill implements what the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification recommended in terms of putting in place regulations to allow for the genetic engineering of human beings. Yet the genetic engineering of human beings was rejected by the vast majority of submitters to the Royal Commission. It is simply outrageous that the Government has passed legislation that even remotely allows for the possibility of GE designer babies.”

“We left Africa 50,000 years ago as the super ape Homo sapiens and since then have wrested control of virtually all the planets ecosystems and resources and now with genetic engineering a few corporate scientists have total evolutionary control over all species including humans. From now on, it is possible thanks to this Bill that a genetically engineered human super species can be brought into being that can supersede all others – Homo manipulus. Only time will tell whether the new genetically engineered human species Homo manipulus will allow the ‘naturals’ (Homo sapiens) to survive to serve them or whether the ‘naturals’ are allowed to go the same way as the Neanderthals - another out competed and failed evolutionary experiment.”

“This Bill is sheer madness and we intend to make the banning of genetically engineered human beings a major issue come election time” said Tremane Barr.

For further details contact Groundswell spokesperson Tremane Barr Ph: (03) 981-5235, Email: tremane.barr@clear.net.nz

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