Swiss evangelicals: vote “no” to pre-implantation genetic diagnosis

Several Swiss organisations led by evangelical Protestants have called fellow believers to vote against a proposition which would give further rights to scientific research in the area of assisted reproduction.

It is one of the five propositions Swiss citizens will vote in the June 5, 2016 referendum (Sunday).

“The new law would miss its aim”, the Swiss Evangelical Alliance (SEA) said in a statement.

“It degrades human beings and puts limits to people with handicaps. The process of selection can lead to risky developments for our future society.”

The SEA gives “4 No” to this proposal. “No, because it puts pressure on parents, no because it will make hindered people in society suffer, no because the law is arbitrary and has no clear boundaries and no because all human beings have value for God.” Read the full Swiss Evangelical Alliance statement here.

EVANGELICAL PARTIES

There are two parties with a Protestant Evangelical background in Switzerland: EVP (Evangelical People’s party) and EDU (Confederate Democratic Union). Both also recommend to vote against the initiative.

OTHER KEY PROPOSITIONS

The June referendum (the second in 2016) has also received much international media attention because it will vote on the possibility of implementing an “unconditional basic income” of 2,500 Swiss Francs (about 2,300 Euro).

A proposition to amend the federal asylum law will also be voted.