Grey Power: Elderly Concerned About Bradford's Bill
There is a fast growing concern amongst the majority of middle class and elderly citizens of New Zealand with regards to
the “Anti Smacking Bill” bandied around Parliament recently.
“Not only are senior politicians, including the Prime Minister, unsure of the consequences of this legislation [Helen
Clark’s statement, that this Bill will not alter the present situation] but Grey Power is confident that 75% or more of
their membership are of the opinion that parents and or caregivers must retain the right to discipline children under
their care in an appropriate way, which includes smacking, if necessary”, says Hamish Perry, Grey Power’s Law and Order,
Justice spokesperson.
Grey Power definitely do not and will not condone beatings, but seriously consider this Bill will be a further stage
towards the increase in violent offending as shown in a graph indicating a steady increase in violent offences following
the introduction of similar “soft soap” legislation since 1970. Police records show 43,534 violent offences in 2001 with
a projected 682,538 violent offences in 2010.
A public Referendum would be appropriate in this case.
ENDS