Grand Coalition Unites To Repeal Section 59

Wednesday, 2 May 2007, 11:32 am
Article: Kevin List

This morning the media and assorted onlookers were treated to the rare sight of a joint press conference involving both the Prime Minister Helen Clark and the Leader of the Opposition John Key. The reason behind this unlikely podium sharing was that Mr Key was announcing he would now be supporting Green MP Sue Bradford's Bill which repeals the Section 59 defence allowing some parents to get away with hitting their children.

Mr Key had been concerned that high quality parents who lightly redden their child's behinds with lovingly administered smacks may find themselves hauled before the courts should the Bill pass in its original format. Thankfully for these potentially 'at risk' parents the Prime Minister had also given the matter some thought and after consultaion with s legal luminaries such as Sir Geoffrey Palmer a way forward has been found. Words will be inserted into the contentious legislation which mean that the Police will only prosecute should it be 'in the public's interest'.

United Future Leader Peter Dunne is tasked with the job of scurrying down to the Bill's office with these problem solving amendments. The repeal of Section 59 is likely to be passed by a large majority in the House a day before the 2007 Budget (May 16).

As Scoop Media departed Parliament with this news a large crowd was gathering on parliament's forecourt blissfully unaware of the consensus politics going on inside the Legislative Council chamber. The denizens gathering outside were preparing to protest for the rights of parents to caringly and potentially 'God fearingly' smack their children – many no doubt from the Destiny Church aware that if the rod is spoiled the devil may very well spoil the child.

Listen to the full press conference

Scoop Streaming Audio: John Key And the PM on their mutual support for S59 repeal

Click here to download file (mp3)

ENDS

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