Parenting and Spanking

Full Version: MP wants referendum on NZ anti-smacking law
You're currently viewing a stripped down version of our content. View the full version with proper formatting.
Pages: 1 2
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters wants referendum on anti-smacking law
Monday, 27 March 2017 - NZ Herald

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters wants a referendum on smacking laws to go to the people.

Peters said in a speech on Friday the party's policy was to hold a referendum on the anti-smacking law.

"From the word go, we said this matter should go to a referendum with New Zealand people who are far more reliable and trustworthy on these matters, rather than a bunch of temporarily empowered parliamentarians," he told Newstalk ZB.

"I said very clearly that we've got young people running amok up here and around the country. They can't be touched. There's a hundred reasons given by sociologists and apologists for what's happening, but these people know what's wrong, know what they're doing is wrong, know they can't be touched, know there's no consequences."

The anti-smacking bill was introduced in 2007.

"What's happened since then has been an explosion in violence towards children, the very antithesis of what these people argued would happen," Peters said.

The party's policy was to put the matter to the people and repeal the law, he said.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/...d=11826327
I think it would be a close vote. In Canada just over 50% of parents spank. Since 2003 spanking has been outlawed in all institutions and for children over 12 or under age 2 can not be spanked. Personally I can live with the restrictions but I think if they made it completely illegal many parents would ignor the law and still spank! I would allow spanking but I think it is also a good idea for parents to use alternative methods of discipline as well.
I want such a referendum in germany too. But there would only be a minority for changing the anti-spanking-law. But i support the arguments.
(03-27-2017, 02:45 PM)Casey Wrote: [ -> ]New Zealand First leader Winston Peters wants referendum on anti-smacking law
Monday, 27 March 2017 - NZ Herald

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters wants a referendum on smacking laws to go to the people.

What is your own opinion about this, Casey?

Should not any referendum take account of the views of the spanked?
(03-27-2017, 05:39 PM)Frankie Wrote: [ -> ]
(03-27-2017, 02:45 PM)Casey Wrote: [ -> ]New Zealand First leader Winston Peters wants referendum on anti-smacking law
Monday, 27 March 2017 - NZ Herald

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters wants a referendum on smacking laws to go to the people.

What is your own opinion about this, Casey?

Should not any referendum take account of the views of the spanked?

Its an election year - its all political talk. Doubt there will be a referendum as that has to be supported by Parliament and referendum's cost money. After the flag debate which cost millions just for status quo doubt they will want to go through that again.

You have be 18 to have a say. So any 18 year olds that are spanked could vote
(03-29-2017, 04:01 AM)Casey Wrote: [ -> ]Its an election year - its all political talk. Doubt there will be a referendum as that has to be supported by Parliament and referendum's cost money. After the flag debate which cost millions just for status quo doubt they will want to go through that again.

You have be 18 to have a say. So any 18 year olds that are spanked could vote

I understand, and I agree with your analysis, Casey. But I still think anyone who is spanked should be able to express a view.

And I wonder what the majority of under-18s would say. When I was a teacher, most of my pupils were in favour of banning corporal punishment, until they realised what the alternatives could involve. Then there was a good bit of rethinking, as they weighed up loss of privileges, pocket money, detention, etc etc against the temporary discomfort of a stinging bottom.
Hi Casey,.
I think you are right , after the election it will be quietly forgotten.
As you say, refareda cost money.
Please keep us posted

Much respect, Bs
they actually already had referendim on this a few years after law pass. i think i was like 12. i 10 when law first passed.

Anymouse

I would assume this referendum would pass, and corporal punishment would be allowed again; have views already changed that much in NZ?
Politically I don't understand the big movement to decide things through referendum. They are expensive, if you ever take a political theory course you realize that they are not as accurate as they pretend to be, and meanwhile don't we all elect leaders to do a job for a reason? And un-elect them when they make what we see as bad decisions?

As for minors having a say, I certainly think people should talk to them and take what they have to say in consideration, but not a vote. If we all really believed that minors were experienced and mature enough to have an equal say in decision making......we wouldn't all be on a board that assumes minors need rules and consequences. I'm all for not treating teens as kids, but when we start treating them like adults (rather it be a vote in a referendum or trying them as an adult when they commit a crime) we are basically saying they are fully "formed"......that's an argument one can make, but then one had better not believe in giving them any rules or consequences that are different from a 50 year old.

As it is, I'm not sure 18 = fully "formed", but its the internationally agreed upon age for voting in 90% of democracies, so let it be so.

Sure spanking impacts minors. So does climate change, international trade, and everything else (even if they don't realize it). But we wouldn't let them vote for that....
Pages: 1 2