Democratic Transparency VIII

National has finally come through with their votes on the HART Bill - kindof. Generally, National split 22-5 on the bill, with the larger faction voting in favour. The factions were:

For: Ardern, Brash, Carter, D, Collins, Connell, Goudie, Hutchison, Key, McCully, Mapp, Power, Rich, Ryall, Scott, Simich, Smith, L, Smith, N, Sowry, Tisch, Wong, Worth, Williamson.

Against: Brownlee, Carter J, English, Heatley, Te Heuheu.

Unfortunately, their disclosure has been less than full. I am still seeking answers as to whether it was always the same split, or whether some members changed their votes on some amendments, and on who was absent from the house on ocassions when the split was 20-4. But more importantly, there are a number of controversial amendments which were supported by a single National MP. One of these, from United Future's Judy Turner, attempted to redefine "embryo" to include any cell or group of cells that "has the capacity to develop into an individual" in order to bar stem-cell research. A second attempted to restrict genetic selection to the very limited purpose of preventing serious genetic disorders. The National Party has so far refused to name the MP or MPs who voted for these amendments. Which is precisely why voting records must be completely public. At least one National MP is an unreconstructed right-to-life fanatic. We have a right to know this, so we can judge them and their party accordingly.