Submitted by crinadmin on
In 2007, New Zealand became the first Westminster-style government (a government based on the parliamentary system first established in the United Kingdom) to ban the corporal punishment of children. Two years later, a cohort of citizens opposed to the ban launched a referendum seeking to have the law repealed, asking the question: “Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?" Although the referendum was non-binding, results showed a majority of respondents in favor of limited physical discipline. Nonetheless, citing police data that the new law has not resulted in “good” parents being prosecuted for using minor corrective force, the government has refused to repeal the law and corporal punishment remains illegal in the home.
The materials below track the activities surrounding and immediately following the referendum, and it is hoped that the national and international attention drawn to the debate will encourage other countries to follow suit in taking steps toward ending all forms of violence against children. For continuing updates and further information, visit EPOCH New Zealand or look through the latest CRIN resources on New Zealand.
Owner: Action for Children and Youth Aotearoa, Child Rights Information Networkpdf: http://www.crin.org/docs/NZ_Referendum_Corporal_Punishment.doc