Press release

For Immediate Release

Clark leads the way on sensible resolution to section 59 debate

Wednesday 2 May 2007

The announcement today that an amendment devised by Rt Hon Helen Clark and Sir Geoffrey Palmer will ensure cross party support for repealing Section 59 is welcomed by Young Labour. Sue Bradford's Private Members Bill seeks to remove the legal defence for abusing children that has seen parents get away with hitting their children with hosepipes and horsewhips.

The Young Labour spokesperson for Section 59 repeal, Sonny Thomas, said he was delighted that the result of this amendment would be support for the most vulnerable members of society. "It is fantastic that Helen Clark has prioritised ensuring children get the same protection under the law from physical violence as adults. The amendment reaffirms existing guidelines that the police have for prosecuting cases and does not detract from the intention of the Bill".

Clark's amendment, constructed with the aid of Law Commission President Sir Geoffrey Palmer, does not seek to define the level of force that is considered reasonable unlike previous amendments. It instead underlines the current discretion that police have over prosecuting when insignificant occurrences come to their attention.

Mr Thomas also highlighted Clark's ability to cut through the political flip-flopping of the opposition and produce the best outcome for New Zealand with this amendment. "John Key did a u- turn last week when he realised he was again aligning himself with radicals like Family First and Brain Tamaki. After months of largely staying away from the debate for fear of political damage it is ironic to see him attempt to claim credit for a solution the Prime Minister devised."

"It is excellent to see our country's leader take charge of a situation that was being dominated by misinformation and television personalities. If New Zealand want's to get serious about changing its attitudes to child abuse and domestic violence then Bradford's Bill with Clark's amendment is an excellent place to start."

Young Labour was pleased to see the Anglican Bishops come out in support of the Bill last week. Young Labour in Wellington today joined the Anglican Bishops church service that supported the repeal of Section 59 and called for 'peace in our families'.

ENDS

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