Key squashes Boscawen's anti-smacking bill

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Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:00a.m.

Prime Minister John Key

Prime Minister John Key

By Charlotte Tonkin

A private member's bill which seeks to revisit the anti-smacking legislation in parliament has fallen at the first hurdle.

The bill which attempted to reinstate the defence of reasonable force was selected by ballot earlier today, by the luck of the draw.

For a few hours today ACT MP John Boscawen and the opponents of the anti-smacking law had something to smile about, his bill seeking to revoke the law was to get a hearing.

“Its amazing timing,” said Mr Boscawen.

Less than a day after the final results of the smacking referendum came through demanding a law change, the campaign looked like it had more oxygen.

But the Prime Minister quickly suffocated any fresh hope, announcing National would not support the bill.

Key says he has dealt with the smacking debate by signalling changes on Monday.

He says there will not be a law change unless he decides it is not working.

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Comments

21 Oct 2009 12:56p.m.

Lauren wrote:

im a 13 year old and is this smacking bill doing any good my personal opinion is that it isnt child abuse is occuring even more and that the government is spending more time on minor smacks than child abuse cases.

01 Sep 2009 02:29p.m.

Rick wrote:

I am a National party supporter and was briefly a paid up member of the party. My Key has just lost my vote. I will now support Act

26 Aug 2009 08:47p.m.

Cliff wrote:

Hi I like 2 say that if 83% of NZers said that smacking isn't a crime then can u just get over it please "Cheers"
Cliff Hallett