LegCo Abortion Bill first reading delayed

Wed, 09 May 2018

Bill Henderson MLC

The Member of the Legislative Council responsible for moving the Abortion Reform Bill in the upper chamber says members didn't get an up to date copy of the proposals in time for this week's sitting.

The House of Keys finished its business with the Bill last week, so the proposals could have been considered for their first reading in the Legislative Council this week.

However, Bill Henderson made a statement at the sitting, revealing members were initially supplied with a copy for the Bill which didn't include all the amendments agreed in the House of Keys.

As a result, he decided to delay LegCo's first reading in order to give members more time and allow him an opportunity to meet with the legislative drafter.

Mr Henderson also revealed the Bill won't receive Royal Assent until October this year, before being promulgated on Tynwald Day next year.