Smacking bill passes second reading

Sue Bradford

Sue Bradford's bill to ban smacking passed its second reading on a 70-51 conscience vote in Parliament tonight.

The bill removes the defence in the Crimes Act of "reasonable force" against assault on a child, and it would be illegal for parents to hit their children to punish or correct them.

They could still use "reasonable force" to protect them, stop them hurting another child or to control disruptive behaviour.

Despite the majority on the second reading the bill could still fail because National wants to amend it so that parents could still lightly smack their children.

Ms Bradford says she will withdraw the bill if the amendment is passed. That vote will be taken during the bill's committee stage in two weeks time.

- NZPA