Smacking bill a step backwards- ACT

Stephen Franks Thursday, 9 June 2005 Press Releases - Crime & Justice

Sue Bradford’s bill now before parliament on banning smacking is a backward step, ACT Justice spokesman Stephen Franks said today.

“Taking from parents the right and responsibility to decide how they care for their children may do more harm than good.

“It has nothing to do with reason. There is no evidence that banning smacking will save a single child from brutality,” Mr Franks said.

“Clearly stopping brutality is essential but politicians would rather chase the easy targets, ordinary, well meaning parents who have a differing opinion on how best to rear children.

“I’ve found myself the only defender of ordinary parents on many occasions, with National, Green, NZ First, Labour and United Future spokespeople all competing to describe their own ideas for repealing section 59.

ACT will strongly oppose this bill,” Mr Franks said.

ENDS

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