In a push for legislative change in New South Wales (NSW), the Archbishop of Sydney has urged lawmakers to endorse a bill intended to ban abortions based on the unborn child’s sex, emphasizing its potential for bipartisan support.
Archbishop Kanishka Raffel has actively reached out to key political figures, including NSW Premier Chris Minns and Legislative Council leader Penny Sharpe, to express his support for the Abortion Law Reform Amendment (Sex Selection Prohibition) Bill 2025. This bill, introduced by Libertarian MP John Ruddick, seeks to make sex-selective abortions illegal.
While the Anglican Church traditionally opposes abortion, Archbishop Raffel suggested that the current legislation should be viewed independently of the larger abortion debate. He stated: “We hold that abortion is not a neutral moral choice but involves the loss of defenceless human life. Nevertheless, we grieve for mothers who see no other option, affirming that in our loving God, there is forgiveness and boundless goodness and mercy.”
The Archbishop believes the bill should unite lawmakers against sex-selective abortion, which he claims disproportionately affects unborn girls. He referred to research by Edith Cowan University and Curtin University indicating the practice occurs in NSW.
In his communication with government officials, Archbishop Raffel appealed to those supporting abortion rights, urging them to back the proposal on the grounds of dignity and equality. He criticized sex-selective abortions as cultural discrimination rather than true female empowerment.
The Archbishop’s advocacy is grounded in the Christian belief in the inherent dignity of all human life and the equality of men and women, as created in God’s image.
According to the Guardian, Barnaby Joyce, a former Deputy Prime Minister and One Nation MP, spoke at a rally outside NSW Parliament organized by anti-abortion groups in favor of the bill. He emphasized the need to “keep that fire burning for those people who can’t stand up for themselves,” affirming, “they’re not foetuses. They are people.”
Joyce highlighted the political pressure from constituents, noting the influence of organized voters. The rally, coordinated by anti-abortion advocate Dr. Joanna Howe, marked the bill’s passage as a significant test for the pro-life movement, with potential legislative advancements on the horizon.
Critics of the bill, however, caution that it could set a precedent for more extensive abortion restrictions. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park, speaking to ABC Radio, argued there is no evidence of sex-selective abortions in the state and opposed bringing abortion offenses back into the criminal code.
The bill is currently under consideration in the NSW Legislative Council, with members from various parties, including Labor and the Coalition, given the freedom to vote according to their conscience. If the bill passes the upper house, it will move to the Legislative Assembly for further deliberation.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
