A Catholic bishop in Scotland has written to Parliament members, complaining that the Labor government has "lost its ethical credibility." His charge could have an impact on a critical by-election in Glasgow.

Bishop Joseph Devine of Motherwell assailed the government for its support of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, which would allow for the creation of human-animal "hybrid" embryos and broaden the rules on embryo research and artificial reproduction. The Labor government has also shown its sympathy for proposed amendments that would allow more late-term abortions. The bishop said that the legislation is clearly at odds with natural-law morality.

Bishop Devine made his comments less than 2 weeks before an election for an open parliamentary seat in the Glasgow East district, which lies inside the Motherwell diocese. The district is among the most heavily Catholic constituencies in Scotland.

Although Glasgow East is generally regarded as a safe seat for the Labor Party, Prime Minister Gordon Brown was thought to have the by-election in mind when he announced a postponement of final parliamentary debate on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill. That debate will now come after the election.


Source : CWNews.com

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