LONDON, Oct 4 (NNN-XINHUA) — Scotland on Thursday became the first part of Britain to make it illegal for parents to smack their children, Xinhua news agency reported.
A new law banning smacking was agreed in Edinburgh by Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs).
MSPs voted 84 in favour and 29 against the Children’s Protection from Assault Bill.
The new law, which was put forward by former police officer John Finnie — a Green Party MSP, gives children the same protection from violence as adults.
Finnie said removing a parent’s right to hit their children would bring Scotland up to international standard.
He said: “It is staggering that our smallest and most vulnerable citizens are the only people who do not currently have this protection, and now is the time to rectify that. Physical punishment has no place in 21st century Scotland.”
He said international evidence shows smacking can have serious adverse impacts on children, and it is not effective.
Concerns were raised by opponents of the new law, citing fears it could criminalise thousands of parents for disciplining their children.
Jamie Gillies, from the campaign group Be Reasonable, told media in Scotland: “Seeking to further the protection of children is highly commendable, but a smacking ban is not the way to do it.”
BBC reported that Wales is also on the verge of introducing a similar ban but there are not currently any plans for England or Northern Ireland to follow suit.
