Vancouver, B.C. – Following a presentation from the BCCLA last night, the Vancouver Public Library Board has agreed to revisit a decision by VPL management to bar the right to die group Exit International from presenting in library meeting rooms.

“Exit International had proposed to have a discussion with seniors and the terminally ill about their right to die with dignity and ways to have control over their own time of death,” said Jason Gratl, Vice-President of the BCCLA. “Nobody is encouraging suicide at this workshop, nor are they providing the tools to commit suicide, both of which would be illegal. This is information that is already available on library bookshelves.”

An e-mail from Chief Librarian Paul Whitney received by the BCCLA last night after the meeting indicates that the staff of the library have been directed to seek further legal advice and report back in two weeks. Exit had hoped to host the workshop at the library on the evening of November 3.

“This is a proposal that citizens be able to gather at the library and discuss material in books that are freely available to be borrowed from the library without restriction,” said Gratl. “We would hope that the library would recognize the importance of its role in facilitating these kinds of discussions, even about very difficult topics.”

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jason Gratl, Vice -President, (604) 317-1919
David Eby, Executive Director, (778) 865-7997