Page 27 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 7 April 1992
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Tuesday, 7 April 1992
_____________________
MADAM SPEAKER (Ms McRae) took the chair at 2.30 pm and read the prayer.
PETITIONS
The Clerk: The following petitions have been lodged for presentation:
By Mr Berry, from 48 residents, requesting that the Assembly ensure that the present legislation relating to the possession and use of marijuana be more vigorously enforced.
By Ms Szuty, from 86 residents, requesting that the Assembly reject any attempt to permit the establishment of a free-standing abortion clinic.
The terms of these petitions will be recorded in Hansard and copies referred to the appropriate Ministers.
Marijuana
The petition read as follows:
To the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory.
We the undersigned understand that the Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory is considering the introduction of legislation to decriminalise possession and use of marijuana. How such a move could even be considered is beyond comprehension having in mind the ravages of alcohol and tobacco in the community and the current efforts to 'depopularise' them.
History has shown that marijuana has proved to be a terrible scourge wherever used. Many eminent researchers world wide, such as Gabriel G Nahas (author of "Keep off the Grass") have produced a great deal of well documented evidence condemning the drug. It produces loss of will power and a gradual disintegration of personality, ultimately leaving an empty shell. Cell damage is another of its vicious side effects.
We respectfully implore you to reject any move to make marijuana available to the public under any circumstances.
Your petitioners therefore request the Assembly to ensure the present legislation be more vigorously enforced and your petitioners will in duty bound ever pray.
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