KEY POINTS:
Sue Bradford, Green MP
Did you ever smack your children?
A Turnbull, Hamilton
I never smacked or hit my children. How I disciplined them depended on what age they were, but as much as possible, I did it by explaining things to them, by getting them to remedy the damage they'd done or by getting them to stay away from the rest of us for a while.
Did you ever imagine there would be such a strong reaction over the "anti-smacking" bill?
B. Worthington, Auckland
It is not an "anti-smacking" bill. I regret that early on the media picked up and promulgated this description, which solely reflects the views of the bill's opponents. It is, among other things, an "anti-beating" bill.
I didn't think standing up for the rights of babies and children to have the same protection against violence as we adults do would arouse quite such violent reactions.
Were you shocked by the implied threat on the CYFSWatch blogsite?
C. Patel, Whangarei
Yes, I was shocked by the talk of "NZ's first political assassination", the detailed description of an assault and the incitement implied by the threat to publish my home address.
When you leave Parliament what would you most like to be remembered for?
M Chang, Wellington
I would like to be remembered as someone who stuck to their beliefs and principles despite the potential contaminations of the parliamentary process, and as someone who stood up for those who often don't have a voice in the places of power - children, low-paid workers, beneficiaries and others left out by "mainstream" society.
You are a strong advocate of both women's rights and children's rights. Do you agree with abortion?
R Christensen, Wellington
Abortion is awkward, ugly and heart wrenching. The abortion debate is complex and there are valid points and feelings on all sides. However, I believe that there are times and reasons in women's lives when the best thing for our physical and mental wellbeing is for an abortion to take place, and this decision should be up to women and health professionals.
How many times have you been arrested? What was it like in jail?
P. Wright, Auckland
I don't know how many times I was arrested - I lost count a long time ago. Being in jail was lonely, humiliating and a massive learning curve. I am fortunate not to have ever spent much time there.
