A ‘Lightning Rod’ for Vilification: Australian MP’s Experience Opposing Euthanasia

West Australian Liberal MP Nick Goiran speaks to the media during a press conference outside the Parliament of Western Australia in Perth, Australia, on Nov. 24, 2020. AAP Image/Richard Wainwright

West Australian Upper House MP Nick Goiran has said that repeated personal attacks and media vilification against opponents of proposed euthanasia laws served as the cornerstone of the campaign that ultimately won public support for the controversial legislation.

Amid acrimonious debate over the issue, Western Australia’s largest newspaper ran the following front-page headline: “RIP Democracy Died: November 22, 2019.”