MEDIA RELEASE
23 MARCH 2007
Anti-Smacking Bill now a Labour Bill
Bradford ‘Anti-Smacking’ Bill now Labour ‘Anti-Smacking’ Bill
Labour’s decision to attempt to ram through the ‘anti-smacking’ bill under urgency has revealed that this private
members bill is now a Labour bill in all but name.
Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First says that this action, as well as Labour MP’s being told how to
exercise their conscience, is ample proof that the criminalisation of good parents is a clear agenda of the Labour party
leadership.
“The Prime Minister can no longer hide behind Sue Bradford as sponsor of this bill,” says Mr McCoskrie. “It is unheard
of for a private member’s bill to be put into urgency, but this shows the desperation by the Prime Minister to get this
legislation rammed through before her MP’s hear the voice of their constituents during the Easter recess and change
their vote.”
Mr McCoskrie says that the Labour MP’s must be finding this incredibly difficult, especially as they campaigned before
the election that it was a conscience vote. Electorate based MP’s should be concerned about a voter backlash at the
election next year.
“It is ironic that Labour have legislated themselves to be innocent over election spending, yet are willing to pass
legislation that criminalises and threatens every good family in NZ. To make a light smack a crime shows just how out of
touch this government is.”
Family First calls on all National, Maori Party, United Future and NZ First MP’s to immediately withdraw their support
for the bill.
ENDS