Church warns of law clash

A Christian movement is warning of a "clash between church and state" if parents are legally prevented from using reasonable force to discipline their children.

The Grace Presbyterian Church, representing 14 congregations around New Zealand, says the bill seeking to repeal Section 59 of the Crimes Act "clearly seeks to override our God-given responsibilities, which we as Christians find offensive".

"It forces an unnecessary clash between church and state, forcing those with deeply held beliefs to teach and act contrary to the law."

The Grace church yesterday put its case to Parliament's justice and electoral subcommittee which is hearing submissions in Christchurch on the bill promoted by Green MP Sue Bradford.

The bill's supporters say allowing parents a legal defence for hitting their children sanctions violence, but opponents say simply repealing section 59 would outlaw smacking.

Ms Bradford has said the bill was not aimed at outlawing smacking and the repeal of the act would not lead to prosecutions for smacking.

The Grace church said if the promoters of the bill were only concerned about violence in the home, they would seek to distinguish clearly between physical discipline and child abuse.