MEDIA RELEASE
22 NOVEMBER 2006

Politicians must listen to voice of NZ’ers on anti-smacking bill

Family First is calling on politicians to listen to the voice of NZ’ers as polls and public response confirm that kiwis want s59 retained in its current form.

“2 more polls from yesterday confirm that over 80% of NZ’ers want s59 retained and that parents should be able to use reasonable force to correct their children,” says Bob McCoskrie, the National Director of Family First. “This is consistent with other polls over previous years.”

“Sue Bradford’s Bill is totally contrary to what the parents and families of NZ know is best for their children.”

“It is parents who are facing the daily challenges of raising their children, knowing what works best in terms of love, correction, protection, and boundaries. These parents are not child abusers or bad parents as implied by the supporters of repeal, and definitely shouldn’t be exposed to prosecution,” says Mr McCoskrie.

The message is quite clear to politicians –reject this Bill.

ENDS

What do the public say?
Yesterday
STUFF POLL 21 Nov 06 - Should parents be able to smack their children without fear of breaking the law?
Yes (7247 votes, 85.7% ) No (984 votes, 11.6%) Not sure (228 votes, 2.7%)

TV ONE POLL 21 Nov 06 - Do you think parents should be allowed to use "reasonable force" to discipline their children?
Yes 81% No 16% Unsure 3%

Previous
STUFF website July 2006 82%
TVNZ website July 2006 88%
Bay of Plenty Times May 2006 83%
Child Abuse Conference Feb 2006 82%
STUFF website Feb 2006 84%
Dominion Post Feb 2006 82%
STUFF website March 2005 86%
NZ Herald July 2005 71%
STUFF website June 2005 82%

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