10 August 2006
Porirua City Council steps up on S59
Green Party MP Sue Bradford has congratulated the Porirua City Council for its unanimous resolution to support the full
repeal of Section 59 of the Crimes Act.
The Council last night became the first in the country to back Ms Bradford's Crimes Amendment (Abolition of Force as a
Justification for Child Discipline) Bill, which is presently before a select committee.
If passed, the Bill will remove the part of the Crimes Act that allows people to use a defence of 'reasonable force' if
charged with assaulting their children.
"I would like to acknowledge the courage of Councillor Sue Dow, who drafted the motion, Mayor Jenny Brash and other
councillors for taking a clear stand on such a controversial issue," Ms Bradford says.
"Violence against children is an issue for every community. I congratulate the Porirua City Council for taking a stand
on this and issuing a challenge to other councils around the country to follow suit."
ENDS