There are currently opposing petitions on the UK Government petitions website:
Instead of petitions we could offer the opportunity to support the running of citizens' assemblies:
In situations like this where there are strong feelings, petitions can only serve to polarise.
A request for a citizens' assembly couched it the way it is here could offer both sides of the debate the chance to support the same thing - a rational, well-informed period of learning and discussion amongst a representative selection of citizens - and make an important initial step towards consensus.
The subsequent outcome of a citizen assembly could then help politicians take difficult decisions. Like these:
- France starts a debate on legalising assisted dying (Registration required)
Citizens’ assemblies could be a way out of the political mess we are in. We should be experimenting with them.