Recent ‘Classic Quotes’ regarding the Anti-smacking law and the upcoming Referendum

The anti-smacking Referendum has been confirmed to be held between 31 July 2009 and 21 August 2009. It will be a postal ballot.
We thought that we would feature some recent ‘classic quotes’ from politicians and leaders who have ignored the weight of public opinion and lobbied and voted for a flawed law that has impacted on good families – so sit back and be astounded!

Phil Goff – Leader Labour Party
Interviewer: Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?

Phil Goff: Well my answer to that is no it shouldn’t be a criminal offence
Q+A’s Paul Holmes interviews Labour’s Phil Goff TVNZ Sunday 12 April 2009
Family First Comment: But with respect Mr Goff, you voted for a law that made it a criminal offence. But at least he did answer the question, unlike….

Bill English – Deputy PM
INTERVIEWER: Well, did you think – do you think a smack should be allowed as part of good parental correction?

BILL ENGLISH: Well, look, I think the law, as it is, is the law of the land and needs to be enforced in a sensible way. And…
INTERVIEWER: But do you think a smack should be allowed as part of good parental correction?
BILL ENGLISH: I – I think the law, as it is, is the law of the land that should be enforced. If there is evidence that it is being enforced in instances where it’s – where it’s inappropriate because the event is trivial or [indistinct]…

INTERVIEWER: No, no. Sorry, Minister, I just wanted to know whether you could answer that, that should – do you think a smack should be allowed as part of good parental correction?

BILL ENGLISH: Look, it’s a matter of complying with the law of the land.
Radio Live 14 April 2009 READ Full Transcript

Family First Comment: Mr English is asked five times a simple yes or no question. He refuses to answer it five times! Unfortunately he has the unenviable task of defending the indefensible.

Cindy Kiro – Children’s Commissioner
The Wellingtonian newspaper: Did you smack your kids?

Kiro:I tried a couple of times. When my oldest was in nappies and was showing an interest in putting things into plug-points, I smacked him. And when they got to about eight or 10, I might have tried it, but I knew it was useless and pointless.
The Wellingtonian 8 April 2009

Family First Comment: Yep – this is the same ‘Cindy Kiro’ that said “we know more about parenting and child health and development now than we did in our parents’, grandparents’ and great grandparents’ times.”!!!

Andrew Little – Labour President
He has smacked his son once or twice, “but our approach is non- violent discipline, and he is a pretty well-balanced kid”.
Dominion Post 6 December 2008
Family First Comment: So a parent can use a smack but have a non-violent discipline approach. Yep – we agree!!

Chris Carter – Labour MP
“What I’m concerned about is that good parents will be punished for the bad behaviour of their kid..”
(Chris Carter criticising National’s truancy plan Dec 08)
Family First Comment: Ironic!

What does all this tell us?
Couple of things…