Archdeacon Damon Plimmer, of the Upper Clutha Anglican parish, will lead a team of speakers including retired district court judge Fred McElrea and community hospice nurse Louisa Ingham, opposing the End of Life Choice Bill now before Parliament. The controversial End of Life Choice Bill, introduced into Parliament by Act party leader MP David Seymour, aims to legalise voluntary euthanasia for the terminally ill. Speaking in support of the Bill will be a representative team of senior debaters drawn from the region’s schools: Leah Kissick (Wakatipu High School), Emily Downey (Dunstan High School) and Jake Nicholson (Mt Aspiring College).
The schools team is coached by Mr Laws, an Otago regional councillor and former MP.
He said the debate would be tough for the pupils but he was confident they would hold their own.
"It’s a huge issue for 17-year-olds to take on, no matter how intelligent.
"It’s a real challenge for them but I’m confident they will acquit themselves very well.
"They’ll more than hold their own."
He said it was likely to be the first of many debates in Central Otago about topics relevant to the community.
Tomorrow’s debate will be held at the Wanaka Presbyterian Church at 3pm.
Entry is free to the public, who are invited to question the debaters at the end of the formal contest.
