Bishops want bill dropped

The Catholic Church opposes moves to introduce voluntary euthanasia, saying it is contrary to society's morals.

Parliament will debate whether to have the issue considered by a select committee, after New Zealand First MP Peter Brown's "Death with Dignity" member's bill was drawn from the ballot last week.

The Catholic Bishops Conference said considering the legislation brought society to "a critical juncture".

The bishops believed life was a gift that people should have no control over, and urged the community to lobby their local politicians to stop the legislation.

Catholicism denounces any kind of suicide as a serious sin.

- NZPA