23 July 2003

Jim Anderton MP, Progressive Leader

Progressives are anti-drugs

Progressives have not agreed to support an easing of drug laws, Progressive leader Jim Anderton said.

Following a report that a select committee is to recommend medicinal use of marijuana and eased penalties for first time offenders, Jim Anderton stressed that the Progressive Party has not been on the Select Committee.

“We will study the Select Committee’s report, but we have our own view.

“Progressives are anti-drugs. We will campaign against a parliamentary green light for dope smoking.

“Progressive policy is that penalties for first time offenders caught in possession should not be eased unless the offender identifies the supplier and agrees to enter drug rehabilitation.

“I personally do not favour giving a green light to young people that it is OK to use drugs. While I have some sympathy for those who say young lives shouldn’t be wrecked just because someone is caught with a joint, there can’t be free passes. We have enough problems with slack alcohol laws. We don’t need to encourage more drug taking as well,” Jim Anderton said.

ENDS

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