Monday, 2nd April 2007

Copeland will seek to amend Smacking Bill

United Future MP Gordon Copeland has today released an amendment to Sue Bradford's Bill to ensure that parents may take a child to 'time-out' or to a 'naughty mat'.

"I have opposed this Bill from day one," said Mr Copeland, "because it will criminalise good and loving parents and that is wrong."

"Accordingly I will continue to vote in favour of the Chester Borrows Amendment which will permit light smacking and against the Bill at its 3rd reading."

"However I feel it incumbent upon me to seek to amend the Bill to ensure that parents are not criminalised for taking their child to 'time-out', the use of a 'naughty mat' or similar activities."

"I regard the criminalisation of such actions as extreme and ridiculous."

"My amendment will thus return to parents an important disciplinary tool which, combined with hugs and kisses, can continue to have a role in the formation of the beautiful children of the next generation."

ENDS

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