MPs debate discipline on last day

Parliament will debate smacking legislation during the last members' day of the term today.

Green MP Sue Bradford's bill to repeal section 59 of the Crimes Act is expected to make it through to the select committee stage.

The bill will remove the legal defence allowing parents to use "reasonable force" to punish their children.

Labour has said it will support the bill to select the committee to allow the issue of the physical disciplining of children to be debated.

The Greens and Progressives will vote for the bill, providing the required numbers, and Ms Bradford was hopeful that some New Zealand First members would also vote for it.

National has said it will oppose the bill because does not want to make criminals out of law-abiding parents administering mild discipline.

Act MP Ken Shirley's bill to allow nuclear-propelled ships into New Zealand ports, and United Future MP Larry Baldock's bill to amend the Marriage Act so same sex couples cannot marry, are also expected to have their first reading in Parliament.