By Dan Satherley
Lobby groups have blasted the Government for last night rejecting a bill that would have effectively repealed the so-called 'anti-smacking law'.
The bill, drafted by John Boscawen and sponsored by David Garrett – both ACT MPs – was voted down 115-5.
"Parliament has tonight shown utter contempt for the people of New Zealand," The Kiwi Party's Larry Baldock wrote in a statement titled, "Real democracy in NZ steps closer to the Grave".
"We're pretty gutted by the 'spit in the face of voters' - as ACT MP David Garratt (sic) said," wrote Family First's Bob McCoskrie.
Mr Baldock pointed to last year's referendum as evidence "our elected representatives have turned their backs and blocked their ears to the clear voice of the people of New Zealand".
The referendum's wording – 'Should a smack as part of good parental correction, be a criminal offence in New Zealand?' – was criticised at the time for being badly-worded.
Prime Minister John Key said it was "ambiguous" and "ridiculous", and both he and Leader of the Opposition Phil Goff said they were not going to vote.
Child welfare agency Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand noted it was possible to support the law, and vote yes or no.
Groups supporting the law as it stands applauded Parliament's stance.
‘It is time the pro-hitting lobby accepts that their point of view is unacceptable today and will never again be enshrined in New Zealand legislation," wrote Deborah Morris-Travers of Every Child Counts.
"Regular reporting by Police and Child Youth and Family over the ensuing period has found no evidence of harmful impacts from the law.
"In addition, a special inquiry instituted by the Prime Minister in 2009 found that the law was working as intended and there was no ill-effect on parents or children."
The pro-smacking lobby however haven't given up.
"[Last night] Parliament failed its core democratic duty," wrote Mr Baldock. "I suggests the title ‘House of Representatives’ is no longer appropriate."
Ex-Green Party MP Sue Bradford, who backed the original law change, has yet to comment., but current Green co-leader Metiria Turei on Twitter wrote, "David Garrett's child beating bill (went down in flames)".
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