Although passed as a reaction to the situation in the Northern Territory, the "Euthanasia Laws Act 1997" made similar amendments with respect to Australia's two other self-governing territories, the Australian Capital Territory and Norfolk Island, also preventing them from passing a law permitting euthanasia. The "Euthanasia Laws Act 1997" has no effect on the power of an Australian state to pass any law permitting euthanasia, and it expressly leaves open the possibility of a territory passing laws regarding the withholding of life support.