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A new book charting the history of New Zealand's child discipline laws was launched in Wellington last night.
Unreasonable Force: New Zealand's Journey Towards Banning Punishment of Children by Beth Wood, Ian Hassall and George Hook, tells the 40-year history of advocacy and debate which last year led to the repeal of Section 59 of the Crimes Act 1961.
The controversial legislation removed the right of parents and caregivers to argue they had used "reasonable force" when hitting or otherwise assaulting a child.
Plunket president Carol Becker said the repeal of Section 59 was a "huge step" towards the protection of New Zealand children.
Children's Commissioner Cindy Kiro said the book was being published at a time when opponents of the law change were trying to overturn it.
"Politicians who voted for the law change are being applauded internationally as leading the way for English-speaking countries on human rights. As a nation, we should be proud of this," Dr Kiro said.
Former United Future MP Larry Baldock has spearheaded a petition seeking a referendum on the law change. Barnardos New Zealand also applauded the book, describing it as an "excellent record". Chief executive Murray Edridge said it was important for many reasons. "The public debate that so dominated 2007 raised critical questions about how we view the role of the state and the law in influencing family life; the nature of parenting; and above all, how we see children.
Green MP Sue Bradford said if Mr Baldock's appeal for a referendum was successful, it would be even more important people knew the history of the legislation. "People will need to understand why so many New Zealanders believe that the least effective and most damaging way to bring up our children is with physical force."
- NZPA
