Australia lifts ban on human embryo cloning

AUSTRALIA’S parliament yesterday lifted a ban on cloning human embryos for stem cell research despite opposition from the prime minister and other party leaders.

The legislation was approved by a vote of 82 to 62 in the House of Representatives. It was passed by the Senate last month.

Supporting the legislation, Defence Minister Brendan Nelson said his generation had benefited enormously from the perseverance and judgement of these who had pioneered difficult research and legislation.