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The voice of Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector

Published by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

TFN is published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BB. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registration number SC003558.

Charity backing for anti-smacking bill

This news post is over 6 years old
 

Legislation would remove the defence of “justifiable assault” on children

Charities have got behind a new law which would ban the smacking of children.

Third sector groups are among those who have responded positively to Green MSP John Finnie’s consultation on a bill which would outlaw hitting kids.

The proposed legislation would remove the defence of “justifiable assault” which allows parents to use physical punishment to admonish a child.

Finnie said that almost 75% of respondents are supportive of the change.

They include Rape Crisis Scotland and NSPCC

Rape Crisis Scotland said: “Without legal reform, some children will have less protection than others, depending on whether their parents use physical punishment.”

Finnie said: I am grateful to all organisations and individuals that contributed to the consultation.

“It is clear from the responses that there is overwhelming support for the proposals.”