22 MARCH 2007
Labour Decision 'Smacks' of Arrogance
Family First has been notified that the government is to give urgency to the 'Anti-smacking' bill due back in Parliament
next week.
Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First, says that if this is the case, the Labour-led government will be
showing incredible arrogance and disdain towards the views and concerns of NZ parents and families.
He says that it is unbelievable that Labour are willing to put aside far more pressing issues of health, education, and
law and order, all demanding urgent attention, to bring in a law which targets good families, and will do nothing to
lower our unacceptable rates of child abuse.
"This attempt to "stick it" to the voters should be ample evidence that this is a bill about forwarding an agenda rather
than tackling child abuse in an effective way," says Mr McCoskrie. "The government is not even willing to allow time for
an appropriate debate on a bill that invades every home."
"The government is panicking because of the overwhelming tide of public opposition, which will be further evidenced in
marches throughout NZ and the signing of the petition demanding a Referendum next week."
Mr McCoskrie says the fact that the Prime Minister is also having to 'whip' her MP's to vote for the bill shows just how
weak the bill is, and that she knows that the bill would be defeated if MP's had their say. It is believed that up to as
many as 19 Labour MP's are unhappy with being forced to vote for the bill.
"This action of riding rough-shod over the will of NZ'ers will simply energise kiwis to voice their objection to this
'wacky' bill," says Mr McCoskrie.
Family First calls on the United Future, NZ First, National and Maori MP's who were supporting the bill to immediately
withdraw their support, and for Labour MP's to demand a conscience vote as was promised to the voters before the last
election.
Petition forms demanding a Referendum on the issue of criminalising parents and tackling child abuse can be downloaded
at www.familyfirst.org.nz . Petition forms can also be obtained from major daily newspapers next Tuesday.
ENDS