COUNTDOWN TO THE FIRST FIXING ROOMS

Afterwards the Bonn Coalition wants to alter the illegal drugs statute

An 'Emergency Room' will be opened in Sshwabingen next summer. The Catholic
party threatens to hold a referendum

After nearly 2 years of heated controversy, a plan for a realistic way
forward has been proposed. It hasnow been officially announced that an
emergency room could open in Schwabigen as early as next summer.

Andrea Fischer's announcement of legal 'Fixing Rooms' has sparked further
discussion. This will require altering the law as it now stands. Up to this
point such establishments in Frankfurt and Hamburg have operated in a 'grey
zone'.

The political parties are sharply divided on the issue. The red-Green
coalition see them as a means of survival for hard core addicts, a place
where they can inject themselves in a clean, supportive environment without
fear of presecution. There would be less risk of deadly infection and would
reduce the spread of AIDS and hepatitis.

The government of Upper Bavaria saw them as illegal and sought to have them
delayed until a legal clarification had been obtained. The Catholic Workers
Party refected them out of hand, saying they would be a step backcwards and
would send "the wrong message".

So the struggle continues with the possibility of protracted legal
wrangling ahead.

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Checked-by: Mike Gogulski