Physical chastisement of children is to be banned in Scotland following the SNP government’s indication it will support a private member’s bill by the Scottish Green MSP John Finnie:
“The move would make the country the first part of the UK to outlaw the physical punishment of children.
Ministers had previously said they did not support parents using physical chastisement, but had “no plans” to bring forward legislation of their own.
But the government has now confirmed it will “ensure” that a bill lodged by Green MSP John Finnie will become law.
And it is understood that ministers will work with Mr Finnie to implement the bill in practice.
His proposals, which were out for consultation over the summer, would give children the same legal protection as adults.
At present, parents in Scotland can claim a defence of “justifiable assault” when punishing their child – although the use of an “implement” in any punishment is banned, as is shaking or striking a child on the head.”
Full report here at BBC Scotland:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/…/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-416787…
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has long called for a ban on what it terms ‘corporal punishment in the home’ and that call has now been legislated for in 52 countries.
Link:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wi…/Corporal_punishment_in_the_home
Bernard Moffatt
pp Celtic League
19/10/17