[Greens-Media] Greens MP refers Cardinal Pell *consequences* threat to Upper House Privileges Committee

[Lee Rhiannon]

Media Release - 6 June 2007

Greens MP refers Cardinal Pell *consequences* threat to Upper House
Privileges Committee

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon will ask the NSW Upper House Privileges
Committee to determine if Cardinal Pell is in contempt of NSW Parliament
for his comments about what will happen to Catholic MPs who support the
cloning bill. 

*I believe Cardinal Pell*s statement, that there will be
*consequences* for Catholic MPs who do not vote against the
cloning bill, is an attempt to coerce MPs into voting against the
therapeutic cloning bill,* Ms Rhiannon said.

*I have written to the Upper House President, Mr Peter Primrose,
requesting that he refers this matter to the NSW Upper House Privileges
Committee. 

*It is important that the Privileges Committee consider this matter
as quickly as possible as it appears that Cardinal Pell has overstepped
the bounds of acceptable lobbying practices. 

*Cardinal Pell's statement that there will be *consequences* in
MPs religious lives if they vote for the bill constitutes a threat to
Catholic MPs. 

*The fact that Cardinal Pell says a MP voting in support of the bill
might 'loosen' their bonds with the church suggests his comments are an
attempt to coerce support for his position on this issue.

"Cardinal Pell has enormous power and he should consider using it
appropriately.

"If I was a Catholic MP I would be embarrassed by the Cardinal's
comments. 

"If the Privileges Committee considers Cardinal Pell's behaviour it
would be in a position to warn Cardinal Pell that he should modify his
behaviour in future,* Ms Rhiannon said. 

Contact: Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568


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Lee Rhiannon, MLC
The Greens
Parliament of New South Wales
Macquarie St 
Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Email   lee.rhiannon at parliament.nsw.gov.au
Web    http://www.lee.greens.org.au/

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