The law that allows for assisted suicide will go into effect in one year's time. The Oceania country will become the sixth in the world to legalize the procedure.
New Zealand voted in favor of legalizing euthanasia in a binding referendum, according to results released on Friday.
Preliminary results showed 65% of voters voted in favor, and 34% against, with 83% of the vote counted, according to the Electoral Commission.
The referendum was held on October 17 during the same election that saw Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern secure another term in office.
A referendum on legalizing cannabis was much closer. Initial votes showed New Zealanders rejected legalizing cannabis in the country 53% to 46%.
There are still about 500,000 votes to be counted from special votes, which includes overseas voters. That is not enough to tip the balance in the euthanasia vote, but it could change the cannabis decision if there was a major swing. The final results are expected next Friday.
The euthanasia measure would allow assisted suicide for people with terminal illnesses, those who are likely to die within the next six months, and who are dealing with "unbearable" suffering. Some European countries, including The Netherlands and Belgium, as well as Canada and Colombia allow some form of euthanasia, as do some US states.
The leader of the ACT party, David Seymour, who introduced the bill, thanked the supporters of the law. He said it would make New Zealand a "kinder, more compassionate, more humane" country. The law will go into effect November 2021.
If passed, the cannabis law would allow adults who were at least 20 years old to buy up to 14 grams (0.5 ounces) per day and grow two plants. Four nations have either legalized or decriminalized cannabis, as well as a growing number of states in the US. Ardern has previously supported legalizing cannabis in the country.
Latest Stories
-
Biden issues 39 presidential pardons and commutes 1,500 sentences
1 minute -
“I’m good friends with Shatta Wale, I love him so much” – Andy Dosty
4 minutes -
Investors urge Ghana to address alleged unlawful expropriation of gold mine assets
27 minutes -
“I’m not afraid of anybody” – Prince David Osei warns against attacks
35 minutes -
Ghana’s high debt distress classification to be reviewed after 2028 – IMF
53 minutes -
Beyoncé gets emotional as Blue Ivy shines in ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’
1 hour -
Hearts of Oak players are more committed this season – Ouattara Aboubakar
1 hour -
Viral Ajax video: A look at the origins of the Ajax-Goldfields partnership
1 hour -
Santrofi band calls for youth involvement in highlife
1 hour -
Avoid IMF; explore other avenues for funds -Kofi Koranteng to Mahama
1 hour -
Mahama’s Transition Team caution outgoing gov’t over recruitment and payment deals
1 hour -
English-born Josh Acheampong close to signing new deal at Chelsea
2 hours -
Dampare has transformed Ghana policing; ACP Agordzo’s criticisms unfair – Prof. Gyampo
2 hours -
Europa League: Victory against Fenerbahçe ‘positive’ for Athletic Bilbao – Inaki Williams
2 hours -
Post-election violence often ignored – Criminologist laments
2 hours