Portrait pic of Fraser, wearing a brown jacket and blue chequered shift. He has short brown hair and glasses and smiles at the camera.

Humanist Society Scotland CEO calls for lawmakers to be “bold, brave, and compassionate” ahead of crucial assisted dying vote

May 12, 2025

With a once-in-a-generation vote on assisted dying for Scotland just hours away, we’re urging lawmakers to be bold and listen to the overwhelming public support for change.

Let’s not forget, voting against assisted dying is not a neutral position. To reject this change is to support a system that can allow people to die in pain, without loved ones present; that denies people dignity and agency; and that creates a two-tier system, with only those who can travel abroad granted choice and compassion.

Our CEO Fraser Sutherland is amongst the campaigners and leaders who will deliver speeches outside Holyrood tomorrow morning, as MSPs inside prepare to cast their votes.

Fraser says:

“We need lawmakers to be bold, brave, and compassionate. After all, voting against assisted dying is not a neutral position. We need MSPs to stand up for those in Scotland who suffer a bad death needlessly, and for the loved ones left behind, dealing with trauma and pain of their own.

“This bill is about compassion, dignity, and the fundamental right to choose. Right now, too many Scots with terminal illnesses are forced to suffer or die abroad simply because the law denies them control over their final moments. That is not humane and it must change.

“Assisted dying is not a fringe idea, it is mainstream. Liam McArthur’s bill offers robust safeguards and a compassionate way forward, supported by the vast majority of the Scottish public.”

Tell your MSP the Time is Now for an Assisted Dying law

Please help us reach every MSP in Scotland to ask them to support Liam McArthur’s Assisted Dying bill in Scotland.

Write to your MSP

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