Fathers shout for attention

Three protesters rallying outside a forum on proposals to ban parents from beating their children were treated like naughty boys and just ignored - for a time.

The members of the Union of Fathers mounted their small but noisy protest on a seawall outside the Marine Rescue Centre, Auckland, where the forum was held yesterday morning to prepare for the debate on Green MP Sue Bradford's private members bill to repeal section 59 of the Crimes Act.

That section provides a defence of "reasonable force" in the punishment of children.

Using a loudspeaker the men shouted objections and held signs such as "drink and pregnant legal, smacking illegal" and "no smacking = UN job for Helen".

Mereana Ruri, from the Office of the Children's Commissioner, was speaking when the racket broke out and said she would do what any good parent did when a child was screaming.

"I'll just carry on."

But the nuisance factor finally wore down Dr Ian Hassall, the first children's commissioner, who ran out of patience and went outside threatening to call the police.

He returned to tell the forum he had asked the protesters to "cease and desist" which they did, shortly after.

Dr Hassall later told the Herald the men had made "various insulting and rude remarks" to him.

"Essentially they are bullies. They want to bully their children and want to bully us, and probably got kicked out of home because they bullied their wives."

At the forum Ms Bradford had earlier said section 59 was archaic and well overdue for repeal.

She said it was not aimed at parents who lightly smacked their children.

Section 59 sent an inappropriate message that it was all right to "physically beat up on our kids".

While Ms Bradford had initially been concerned about the increased numbers of National MPs in the new Parliament, that was partly offset by the reduction of conservative MPs in United Future and New Zealand First, she said.

She was also pleased to see the back of former Labour MP John Tamihere who she said supported violence against children.

Before the election National, Act, United Future and 11 New Zealand First MPs had voted against the bill proceeding to select committee.

Labour, Progressives and the Greens had voted for the bill, along with New Zealand First MPs Brian Donnelly and Peter Brown, and Maori Party MP Tariana Turia.

Ms Bradford said she hoped MPs would be convinced by the arguments in support of the change and that National would allow a conscience vote on the moral issue.

She urged people and groups to make submissions.

The close-off date for submissions, after which the select committee process begins, had not been confirmed but could be as early as February, she said.

The Rev Glynn Cardy, the vicar of St Matthew-in-the-City, warned the forum some Christians might try to put forward the view that smacking was the will of God.

Mr Cardy said he did not believe "spare the rod, spoil the child" referred to a literal stick or was about hitting anyone.

"It means if you don't teach your child to love God and one another then you spoil him or her."

Concepts of beating the sin out of people were based on erroneous notions and humans were not born sinful, he said. "There is nothing in the Christian scriptures to support the use of violence against children."

Mr Cardy said that while some biblical verses encouraged children to obey their parents they also advised parents not to induce their children's wrath.