Churches take to streets over smacking bill

Brian Tamaki. Photo / Daily Post

Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki hailed the last-minute changes to the anti-smacking bill as a "glorious victory".

An estimated 800-1000 people gathered outside Parliament at 12.30pm today to protest against the bill and hear Mr Tamaki speak.

The gathering was organised to "maintain public opposition to the passage of the anti-smacking bill", however the wind was knocked out of its sails somewhat by this morning's eleventh-hour change when Labour and National reached an agreement.

The proposed amendment makes it clear police have the discretion not to prosecute complaints against a parent where the offence is considered "so inconsequential" there is no public interest in it going ahead.

To huge cheers, Mr Tamaki told the assembled group the amendment was a glorious victory for every good, caring Kiwi parent.

He said it was no surprise to hear the "breaking news" just before today's gathering at Parliament.

"It just happened to be on the same day this rally is happening on their doorstep."

He claimed it was "the voice of the people that had caused the Government to back down".

Addressing the cross-party agreement, Mr Tamaki said: "Why did it take so long to see common sense that most good families already knew?"

Mr Tamaki referred to himself as "an ordinary Kiwi boy that cares for family".

The crowd responded enthusiastically as he spoke, frequently cheering, clapping and affirming him with cries of "That's right".

Some supporters held placards, reading: "A little smack is not abuse it's for safety and respect, it's not a beating"; "Peace in our families -- repeal section 59"; "Bradford's bill is like Ribena" and a "Good parents will not be prosecuted ... yeah right".

Mr Tamaki criticised the amendment to the bill which he said put the onus on "already over-stressed police" to make judgement calls on whether or not to prosecute parents.

He asked how police were to determine when a smack had crossed the line.

"If they think that's going to curb our abuse problems we need to change who's up there," he said, gesturing towards parliament.

"Suspend parliament for a day and every good parent should have the right to go and smack every errant politician," he suggested.