Making Sense of the Referendum
*Media Release*
Childspace
www.childspace.co.nz
Making Sense of the Referendum
Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?
“With such a loaded question, how is the average New Zealander supposed to make sense of the question, let alone answer it?” Childspace Associate Director Natasha Kibble says, “There is absolutely no sense in the way this referendum question has been worded”
As a supporter of the Yes Vote, Childspace has always been a strong advocate for non-violent means of guiding young children’s behaviour.
“It is every child’s right to grow up in a safe and healthy environment, both physically and emotionally. Children deserve at least the same right to protection as both adults and animals and this law as it stands provides that”.
Almost two years ago, the law was changed to ensure parents could no longer hide behind it when causing serious harm and injury through physical punishment or use of reasonable force. This law was changed with an overwhelming majority in Parliament in 2007.
Police reports show that “good parents” are not being wrongly convicted as a result of this law change.
Voting YES will ensure the best possible protection for New Zealand’s youngest citizens.
ENDS