LNP MPs warned over political futures if they support abortion laws

LIBERAL National MPs have been given another warning over their political futures should they support Labor’s abortion decriminalisation laws.

LIBERAL National MPs have been given another warning over their political futures should they support Labor’s abortion decriminalisation laws.

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The Courier-Mail can reveal the LNP’s Pine Rivers state electorate council emailed MPs yesterday morning, just hours before debate on the laws began, informing them they would be asking the LNP’s powerful State Council to dis-endorse any MP who backed the reforms.

Labor’s laws aim to decriminalise abortion and to allow a woman to procure an abortion on request up to 22 weeks gestation.

A woman will need the backing of two doctors after that.

Safe access zones will also be established around clinics where abortions are performed should the laws pass later today.

LNP State President Gary Spence. Picture: David Clark/AAP

The email, sent to LNP electorate offices at 8.45am yesterday by the Pine Rivers SEC secretary, included the subject line “Motion of the Pine Rivers SEC - Termination of Pregnancy Bill 2018 - Dis-endorsement of Members”.

“At last night’s meeting of the Pine Rivers SEC the following motion was debated and passed unanimously: Like all LNP members we believe our elected representatives must abide by our party’s values at all times,” the email read.

“The Pine Rivers SEC calls on State Council to disendorse elected members of the LNP who support the Termination of Pregnancy Bill 2018.”

It follows comments made to the LNP party room by party president Gary Spence earlier this year - revealed by The Courier-Mail - that MPs could face a battle to be preselected ahead of the next election if they back the bill.

The MPs may have the support of their local branch members but the LNP’s rules state that State Council “shall have the right to endorse or refuse to endorse any applicant selected by a selection committee, after consultation with the Federal Divisional Council or State Electorate Council concerned”.

It is understood the email has been referred to Speaker Curtis Pitt for his consideration as to whether it constitutes a contempt of Parliament.

A spokesman for the Speaker declined to comment on the matter.

“The Speaker does not comment on specific matters where he may be required to rule under the Standing Orders,” he said.

A vote on the Bill is expected later today with all sides of the House granted a conscience vote on the laws.

At least one MP, Jo-Ann Miller, has indicated she will vote against the changes.

At least one other may vote no or abstain.

It is understood some LNP MPs may back the changes.

The vote is expected to be tight.