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Concern over 'DIY suicide' workshop
A GROUP supporting euthanasia was yesterday searching for a venue in Eastbourne for a public meeting and workshop in the face of mounting protests over its event.
Australian doctor Philip Nitschke, from the group Exit International, had planned to hold a public meeting followed by a workshop on Sunday afternoon.
The group had booked the Langham Hotel in Royal Parade, but the hotel yesterday cancelled the booking amid fears in the town that event may have broken the law.
A spokesperson from Exit International said the group was 'very disappointed' but still hoped to hold the event in Eastbourne.
"We understand the position the hotel has taken. We are now seeking another venue in Eastbourne."
The meeting would have given an overview of euthanasia and the law surrounding it. Then participants would be asked to sign a disclaimer before taking part in the workshop, when they would be given advice on how to die peacefully and shown DIY suicide kits.
Neil Kirby, manager of the Langham Hotel, was reported in the Argus yesterday as saying he had no problem with the booking and added, "It's a free country."
However, on Thursday morning, a spokesman for the hotel said, "We have decided not to pursue this particular booking."
Eastbourne Borough Council also confirmed it had refused a booking by Exit International for one of its venues.
A spokesperson said, "The council was approached by Exit International which wanted to use a council facility for a meeting. The booking was not accepted."
Local churchgoers had planned to hold a prayer vigil outside the seafront hotel during the workshop, and Eastbourne MP Nigel Waterson had made a complaint to Sussex Police as he was concerned the event might be breaking the law.
Mr Waterson said, "I have always been very much against euthanasia and a strong supporter of the hospices.
"It is absolutely right this issue should be debated but if the workshop involves instructing people in how to assist others in dying I would have thought that might be a breach of the criminal law.
"I have contacted Sussex Police and they have agreed to look into it."
Chief Inspector Dick Coates confirmed he had received a complaint from Mr Waterson and believed Dr Nitcshke would have been breaking the law by giving people advice on how to end their life.
"There is legislation against this sort of thing and offences may have been committed if people were being told how to end their lives," said Chief Inspector Coates.
Councillor Colin Belsey, who was trying to help organise a prayer vigil outside the hotel, said, "I am delighted that this event has now been told that they are no longer welcome at the hotel and I pray that no one else offers them a venue.
"As a practising Christian it is abhorrent to me that people can give out the sort of information this organisation purports."
Dr Nitschke had originally planned to hold the workshop in Bournemouth at a council-run venue, but Bournemouth Borough Council cancelled the booking, saying it was 'inappropriate'.
He then re-booked at a hotel in the Dorset town, which also cancelled.
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Weather for Eastbourne
Thursday 23 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 8 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 28 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South west
