Parents Know Better Than Children’s Commissioner
MEDIA RELEASE: 20 November 2009

The March for Democracy happening this Saturday, Queen St at 1:30pm, came under fire from the Children’s Commissioner today who suggested the March was not in children’s interests.

“Parents know better than the Children’s Commissioner what’s best for their children” says Colin Craig the March organizer “and we expect to see lots of families out tomorrow enjoying the family atmosphere of the event to prove him wrong. In fact I call on all families who feel strongly on the issue of democracy to come out and join the march.”

“What worries me is that this tax paid bureaucrat is trying to dictate once again to good parents what is best for their children. He needs to wake up and realize that 87.4% of New Zealander voters have enough common sense to know he is wrong, and have already decided this matter in the recent referendum.”

The March for Democracy is focusing on the government failure to respond to three citizens initiated referendums:

1. Reducing the number of MP’s (82% support),
2. A more victim-centered justice system (92% support) and
3. Amending the “anti-smacking law” (87% support).

The march will be endorsing the following statement:

1. We the citizens of New Zealand affirm that the people of New Zealand are to be valued and respected as individuals who count in a democratic society.
2. We the citizens of New Zealand demand that the government employ the principle of democracy; enacting laws in accordance with the wishes of the majority.
3. Accordingly, we demand immediate amendment of the law so that a parent correcting a child with a light smack will not be committing a criminal offence.
4. We also demand that the wishes of citizens expressed in prior referendums by a clear majority be honoured.

The March for Democracy will be held at 1:30pm on Saturday 21 November starting at the bottom of Queen St. Full information including details of free shuttle bus services are on the website www.themarch.co.nz .

ENDS

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