ACT New Zealand MP John Boscawen today urged Yes Vote Campaign’s Deborah Morris-Travers to vote ‘No’ in the anti-smacking referendum given her public admission today that she doesn’t want to see ordinary parents ‘prosecuted for inconsequential physical punishment on children.
“On NewstalkZB today Mrs Morris-Travers also said ‘no one wants to see that kind of prosecution happening because it is not in the interests of the children or in the public interest’,” Mr Boscawen said.
“Mrs Morris-Travers’ views are clearly more in line with those who will be voting No in the referendum, rather than the Yes Vote campaigners she currently represents.
“As it stands today good parents are breaking the law because it is illegal to lightly smack your child for the purpose of correction – despite what Yes Vote campaigners would have us believe. That is why it is important that there is a strong ‘No’ vote and that the Government acts on it.
“Mrs Morris-Travers knows this and her comments today would suggest that she is not actually in agreement with the philosophy she is currently promoting.
“I encourage her to heed her conscience and urge her to join the sensible majority of New Zealanders who will vote no in the referendum. It’s time we gave parents certainty under the law and removed State intrusion into Kiwi homes,” Mr Boscawen said.
Tags: anti-smacking