blairmulholland - The Anti-Smacking Bill Compromise is Bollocks

The Anti-Smacking Bill Compromise is Bollocks
http://blairmulholland.typepad.com/mulholland_drive/2007/05/the_antismackin.html


The so-called "compromise" clause now being proposed on the Telling Parents How to Raise Their Children Bill is a blatant smokescreen. Let's take a look at it:

"To avoid doubt it is affirmed that police have the discretion not to prosecute complaints against parents of any child, or those standing in place of any child, in relation to an offence involving the use of force against a child where the offence is considered to be so inconsequential that there is no public interest in pursuing a prosecution."

There's no assurance there for parents whatsoever. It provides no legal defence in court. It doesn't even place any obligation on the police. It has no effect other than to save Labour's .... from a spanking and make National look like it has achieved something when it has not. And if this means that the Nats now vote for this Bill, they will have sold New Zealanders down the river with their pink Tory behaviour yet again.

I hope ACT gives them a roasting over this.