A controversial bill that would have outlawed late-term abortions in South Australia has been voted down after a night of parliamentary chaos.
The bill’s defeat came despite an apparent attempt to use a Liberal MP’s absence because of her breast cancer fight as a tool to help pass the legislation.
The parliamentary debate was marred by claims of intimidation and bullying to pressure MPs into supporting the proposed ban.
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Liberal MP Michelle Lensink, an opponent of the bill, was absent due to her chemotherapy treatment and believed she had secured a pair – an arrangement for someone with the opposite vote to remove themselves from the ballot and keep the numbers even.
But at the last minute, that deal was withdrawn, even though it was with fellow Liberal Jing Lee.
Lensink said One Nation MP Sarah Game also backed out of a similar arrangement, leaving her with no choice but to rush to the parliament in an Uber to try to make the vote – going against medical advice.
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The bill ultimately failed by a single vote after another conservative Liberal MP, Dennis Hood, stepped in to honour the pair agreement.
“In the end I give her my word I would repay the favour that had been given to me some time earlier on another conscience matter,” he said.
Liberal leader Vincent Tarzia declined to comment on the behaviour within his party.
The architect of the failed bill, Ben Hood, also remained silent.
This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
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