Opposition Parties Push Euthanasia, Flogging Referendums Ahead of Elections
Taiwan’s opposition parties are pushing for referendums on major policy issues ahead of local elections this fall. One proposal would legalize euthanasia for people with incurable illnesses, while another seeks to introduce flogging as a punishment for serious crimes. Supporters say the measures address public concerns, while critics argue the issues require deeper legislative debate.
Months ahead of Taiwan’s local elections, the opposition parties are pushing for new reforms through referendums.
Among them, a call from the smaller opposition Taiwan People’s Party to legalize euthanasia, or assisted death, for people with chronic illness.
CHIU HUI-JU, TPP CAUCUS LEADER (Taipei)
We hope that those suffering from incurable illnesses can choose euthanasia according to their own free will and in accordance with dignified end-of-life laws, so that they can die with dignity.
I believe this is not the end of life, but the rebirth of the soul, allowing those who are suffering to see a glimmer of hope.
Under current laws, Taiwan only allows patients to refuse treatment to stay alive... but does not allow assisted death. Assisted suicide is considered a crime, and it would require amendments to several laws to legalize euthanasia. Lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party point out that even if the referendum passes, it would still require legislative action to change these laws.
CHUANG JUI-HSIUNG, LEGISLATOR (DPP) (Taipei)
[Legalizing euthanasia] is such a complex public policy. If it is decided solely by a referendum based on whether people agree or disagree, then our legislature would be failing in its duty.
A few voters that TaiwanPlus spoke with seemed to agree that assisted death should be an option for patients... drawing on personal experiences.
My grandmother was bedridden for 10 years. She could only move her eyes, and I could see her crying, but she couldn’t talk or turn over.
I think this is incredibly tragic, and I believe it’s something we should consider.
I'm interested in the topic of legalizing euthanasia because a family member recently had cancer and was suffering a lot.
He wanted to end his life sooner, and watching him go like that was really painful.
I feel like we should be able to respect his wishes.
But another potential referendum, proposed by the larger opposition Kuomintang, remains controversial... The party wants to legalize flogging as a punishment for severe crimes, like child abuse, sexual assault, and large-scale fraud.
But the public has mixed opinions.
I think Taiwan is too free and too conservative.
More freedom doesn’t mean more self-discipline. People are becoming increasingly unrestrained, and society is becoming more chaotic.
So I support flogging.
I think Taiwan’s current criminal law is sufficient.
I don’t think flogging alone can replace all the advantages of the current system or be an effective deterrent.
I personally think it’s too cruel.
But if you asked me whether there are perpetrators in real cases who deserve this kind of punishment, I probably wouldn’t object.
Lawmakers from the TPP say they’re not ready to make a decision yet... but say the proposal shows public dissatisfaction with how the current government has handled serious crimes.
As more lawmakers, experts and the public weigh in, voters will be on the lookout to see which issues are at stake this fall.
