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BRISBANE, March 12, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Queensland has become the first Australian state to authorize embryonic stem cell research using so-called “surplus” embryos from IVF clinics. Under the law, scientists will be able to experiment on all leftover embryonic humans created by IVF before April 5, 2002, with the sperm/ova donors' consent.

The bill was opposed on a conscience vote by 8 government MPs and 12 opposition MPs. But 65 government, independent and Opposition MPs, including Opposition leader Lawrence Springborg, ganged up to pass the law.

Labor backbencher Ronan Lee criticized the government for arguing that embryos are not important because they are “smaller than a full stop [i.e. a period]. We ought to look at them not as though they are worthless but with wonderment,” Mr. Lee said. “We ought to treat them with respect.”

For related coverage: AUSTRALIA SET TO ALLOW DESTRUCTIVE RESEARCH ON HUMAN EMBRYOS
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2002/apr/02040404.html

AUSTRALIAN MPS DECEIVED ON EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS BY VIDEO FRAUD
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2002/aug/02082706.html