Edge of Extremism

This week, common sense and progress won. But only by a narrow margin.

In a controversial series of votes, some people with their own agendas used a weakened Prime Minister and divided party to try and introduce some amendments to the parenting, embryo and abortion laws this week.

Considering the implications, the votes went the right way. But it was a lot closer than it should've been. In my mind, some of these were the thin end of the wedge. Either you have policies put in place by science, or you don't. You don't justify using rhetoric.

Those who attempted to cut the abortion limited with no scientific or medical backing had no justification. Considering how often people in this country have sneered across the Atlantic at similar policies, to have the retained law passing by a narrow majority is disheartening.

The 'father figure' IVF vote had the potential to be just as bad. Clad in concern for 'traditional' society, this was only going to affect all-female couples. Whether or not the intention, the homophobic undertones of the message were clear. I'm unsure whether this act itself would have been legal under discrimination legislation. Again, it was defeated, with the phrase 'supportive parenting' correctly applied. But not convincingly.

Both votes here went the right way. But it spells worrying messages for what the next government might bring if this is what they're displaying.