With both the Premier and the Opposition leader giving the green light to a private members bill on doctors' conscience in abortion, the Australian Christian Lobby has urged voters to vote for pro freedom of conscience candidates regardless of party.
The Victorian Premier and Opposition Leader have both stated that they will allow a conscience vote if a private members' bill is introduced to restore freedom to doctors to decline to participate in abortion.
Denis Napthine and Daniel Andrews were responding to questions from Christian leaders at the Australian Christian Lobby's Make it Count forum at Queens' Hall, Parliament House on 23 September 2014.
Their commitments come following a question at the forum about Melbourne Doctor Mark Hobart, who faced sanctions for declining to assist a couple who wanted their baby girl aborted so they could try again for a boy.
"If a private members' bill was introduced then we would certainly allow a conscience vote," Dr Napthine said.
"My position would be to afford a conscience vote," Mr Andrews said.
ACL Victorian Director Dan Flynn welcomed the leaders' commitments to allow a parliamentary vote on whether or not doctors should be forced to participate in abortion by making a referral for an abortion.
"Victorian voters who value life are urged to vote for a pro-freedom of conscience candidate from either party at the 29 November election", Mr Flynn said.