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DNA powers raise ethnic profiling fears

28/10/2009 13:36:03

Fears are being raised ethnic profiling could result from the police being given more powers to take DNA samples from the public.

Parliament has passed a bill that allows police to collect samples from any person they intend to charge with an imprisonable offence.

Maori Party MP Rahui Katene believes there is a risk the DNA database could be misused for unethical research. She fears it could be used to make population statements about certain ethnic groups having a criminal gene.

The bill passed 108 votes to 14 with National, ACT, United Future, Labour and the Progressives supporting it.

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