Hindu and Sikh Leaders Oppose Assisted Dying Bill in the UK, Join Multi-Faith Coalition

Hindu and Sikh leaders in the UK have joined a broad coalition of religious figures in expressing opposition to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which is set for a vote by Members of Parliament (MPs) this Friday. The bill, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, seeks to legalize assisted dying for terminally ill adults with six months or less to live, allowing them to request help from a doctor to end their life. Under the bill, two doctors must assess the request to ensure it is voluntary, and the final approval would come from a high court judge, who would authorize the prescription of a life-ending substance.

The opposition to the bill has garnered support from prominent religious figures, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh leaders. Cardinal Nichols, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby have previously spoken out against the proposal. The Muslim Council of Britain has also voiced concerns, with Welby describing the bill as “dangerous.”

Among the new signatories are Anil Bhanot, managing trustee of Hindu Council UK, Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia, spiritual leader of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, Trupti Patel, president of the Hindu Forum of Britain, and Lord Singh of Wimbledon, director of the Network of Sikh Organisations UK. The leaders have co-signed a letter emphasizing the potential risks to vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and disabled, who may face pressure to end their lives prematurely. They also reference cases from Canada and Oregon, where similar laws have not safeguarded the most vulnerable.

The signatories advocate for greater investment in palliative care instead of legalizing assisted dying. The bill’s supporters, including Kim Leadbeater, argue that the law should change to offer terminally ill individuals more autonomy and choice in their final days. However, notable political figures, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, have expressed their opposition to the bill, with Mahmood stating that “the state should never offer death as a service.”