Abstract
A conscience vote (or free vote) allows an MP to consider the merits of a parliamentary bill free from the constraints of his or her political party’s typical voting requirements. A free vote therefore allows MPs greater deliberative choice. The article reviews a case study – on therapeutic cloning – in which two Catholic leaders sought to influence state Catholic MPs’ conscience votes. The Catholic leaders did so by implying that Catholic politicians might be denied the Sacraments if the MPs did not oppose legislative reforms on therapeutic cloning. The article reviews the methods chosen by the Catholic leaders to influence MPs’ conscience votes and considers the responses of MPs to the Catholic leaders’ overtures.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
