Plunket endorsement of Section 59 bill welcomed

Green Party Children's Issues Spokeswoman Sue Bradford has applauded Plunket's decision today to get behind her campaign to repeal Section 59 of the Crimes Act.

Ms Bradford's private members bill - the Crimes (Abolition of Force as a Justification for Child Discipline) Amendment Bill - was pulled from the ballot last week. It seeks to repeal a section of the Crimes Act that allows parents to use 'reasonable force' to physically punish their children.

"I'm thrilled by Plunket's endorsement of the Bill. The full repeal of Section 59 is being hotly debated and it is significant that such a well-respected organisation should choose to publicly state its support for removing the section from our books.

"Plunket has joined many voices from other organisations and individuals who are seeking an end to a law that has allowed parents to get away with beating their children with whips, canes and pieces of wood.

"I call on MPs from Labour and National to support the Bill at least to its first reading. I know a number of MPs in those parties believe that it's time to reduce the culture of violence against children that seems to be all too prevalent in this country," Ms Bradford says.

The Bill is expected to get its first reading on July 27.

ENDS

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