I am utterly appalled to hear that the ACT Government intends to forcibly takeover a Christian hospital in Canberra on 3 July. This unilateral action has been taken without consultation with the Calvary Hospital Board, staff, or the community. Calvary Hospital should have the freedom to conscientiously object to intentionally taking lives through abortion and euthanasia without being “acquired” by the Government. This takeover reflects the ACT Government’s opposition to religious freedom and life. This is a shameful, and dangerous precedent to set in our nation. If this is allowed, it is fair to ask, “Who will be next?”. Please reject the bill to take over the Calvary Hospital.

It is a truly shocking move for the ACT Government to forcibly “acquire” Canberra’s Calvary Hospital. This authoritarian move does not pass the pub test and will not be forgotten by the electorate. It sets a dangerous precedent and sends the signal that further overreach by the ACT Government is inevitable. Religious institutions, including hospitals, should be free to exercise conscientious objection to procedures that are at odds with their deeply held convictions. This is shameful and wrong. Please intervene to stop this takeover. It sets a dangerous precedent and will inevitably lead to further overreach by the ACT Government.

I am asking you to reject plans to mandatorily acquire the Calvary Hospital in Canberra. This is authoritarianism in a way we have never seen before in Australia. A religious organisation should have the right to object to performing abortions and euthanasia according to their deeply held beliefs. For the Government to forcibly “acquire” this property is outrageous and sets a dangerous precedent. Please oppose the bill to take over the Calvary Hospital!