Jury Decision Devalues Life

Christian Heritage NZ leader Ewen McQueen said today that the decision of a Nelson jury to acquit a man of killing his daughter was a dangerous precedent that devalued human life. He acknowledged that it was a tragic case and that all New Zealanders would feel for the family involved. However the outcome of the case raised some serious concerns. Mr McQueen stated

“The jury’s decision does raise questions about what value we place on human life. There has been a lot of focus on the father in this case. However we need to remember that a little girl has been killed. Yes she was severely handicapped, but she was still a precious human being made in the image of God, and entitled to the full protection of our legal system. Unfortunately in this case that system has failed. The jury decision effectively says her life does not count.”

The CHNZ leader said the law must continue to affirm the sanctity of all human life. He also stated that even if this case did not set a legal precedent it set a very strong cultural precedent. He noted

“It has been stated by some media covering the trial that this case would not be used to promote euthanasia. However the reality is that the jury’s decision has already made a clear statement about the value of human life, and that in itself will fuel the euthanasia cause. It has reinforced the key concept underlying the euthanasia movement - that there is such a thing as a life not worthy to be lived.”

Mr McQueen went on to say that when such thinking gains a foothold in our society, a number of vulnerable groups are placed at risk, including the sick, the elderly and the handicapped.

Ewen McQueen
Leader, Christian Heritage NZ

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