[Right_to_die] Referendums in Swiss cantons about assisted suicide practices

[World right-to-die news list (nonprofit)]

GenevaLunch.com reported on 17 Aug 09:

Zurich, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) - Two popular initiatives, both 
dealing with assisted suicides,  have gathered enough signatures to call 
for a vote in canton Zurich. No date has been scheduled for the votes.

The first calls for the canton to allow assistance but only for people 
who have been resident in the canton for at least a year. The second 
calls for the canton to insist on a change in Swiss federal law by 
banning all encouragement of and assistance to people committing suicide.

Both initiatives were started by the UDC, Switzerland’s right-wing 
party. Swiss citizens vote several times a year, at all three political 
levels (communal, cantonal, federal) on grassroots or political party 
initiatives that have gathered a minimal number of signatures.

Suicide assistance is not a crime in Switzerland, but it is strictly 
regulated. Several cases have received media attention in recent months, 
particularly where people from other countries have been involved. The 
most recent publicized death was that of British musician Sir Edward 
Downes and his wife Joan at the Zurich clinic Dignitas.

Zurich has traditionally been a predominantly Catholic canton and 
suicide is considered a mortal (serious) sin by the Catholic Church.