Members of Parliament are blind to the damage done to families by our social policy and law that is skewed away from ‘parent equality’, said Ministry of Men’s Affairs spokesman, Kerry Bevin.

“Father’s Day has become a tragedy for many families as de-fathering has continued for decades.”

Mr Bevin said that the father and child bond is critical to the development of children.

“Fathers foster responsibility and discipline. Fathers encourage active participation and fathers role model masculinity for their children.”

According to Mr Bevin, research shows that children who are alienated from their father are at increased risk of low achievement and serious life problems including suicide, violence and criminal behaviour.
The Ministry of Men’s Affairs claims political parties neglect ‘parent equality’.

“Labour feminism has undermined male roles and father participation. National’s indifference to legal alienation of fathers is shameful. Greens support for benefit fraud by sole parents is disturbing.”

Mr Bevin said New Zealand First offers important support with perinatal care for fathers.

“Act needs to revive Muriel Newman’s progressive Shared Parenting Bill that respects parents and children’s rights.”

Mr Bevin invited Members of Parliament to own ‘Parent Equality’ with positive fathering policy at the Fathers at Parliament Event on the lawn at parliament on Friday 1 September.

The Ministry of Men’s Affairs is a community group because successive governments have neglected the voice and welfare of New Zealand men and boys.

For further information, Please contact the Ministry of Men’s Affairs
022 594 8093; 027 479 9745.