BAPTISTS SUPPORT BLOOD TESTS

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31085, 14 June 1966, Page 10

BAPTISTS SUPPORT BLOOD TESTS

Support for a national referendum in licensing hours and legislation making blood tests for persons suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol compulsory was given in resolutions passed by the annual meeting of the Canterbury - Westland Baptist Association at the Oxford terrace Baptist Church. More than 100 delegates from the 22 Baptist churches attended the meeting which installed the Rev. A. H. MacLeod as president Mr F. C. Collins, of Greendale, is the president-elect Although there was growing pressure against a referendum discerning the will of the people on licensing hours, it believed a referendum was necessary, the association said in a resolution. “We reaffirm our belief in individual freedom of thought and speech. We are opposed to discrimination and suppression of minority groups that

is contrary to civil liberties and human rights. But since we live in communities, such freedom must be balanced by a sense of responsibility. It is wrong for any person to live selfishly and with little or no regard for his fellow men,” said, another resolution. “Because of this belief we urge that legislation be passed making it compulsory for blood tests to be taken and analysed in cases where a person is suspected of driving under the influence of drink. In the setting of an arbitrary percentage of alcohol content in the blood, we would further urge that such a decision be arrived at in conjunction with medical evidence, and the Transport Department’s policy of safety on the roads.” Copies of the resolutions have been sent to the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and local members of Parliament.