Anti smacking law

A bill prohibiting parents from using physical force to discipline their children passed a key vote in the New Zealand parliament Wednesday.

It look set to win approval after the ruling Labor Party said it would vote as a block to support the bill.

If it becomes law, parents will not be able to hit their children to punish or correct them. They will be able to use "reasonable force" only to stop children hurting themselves or another child, or to deal with disruptive behavior.

The so-called "anti-smacking bill" has sparked deep opposition from some parents.

Lawmakers who support the proposed law say responsible parents need not fear arrest for giving little Johnny a tap on the leg for a tantrum at the supermarket.

Green lawmaker Sue Bradford, a supporter of the measure, said public opinion is split between those who believe violence can be used against children and those who believe children should grow up without the threat of violence.

Opponents said the proposed law would criminalize loving parents who have the right to decide how they discipline their children, and would do nothing to stop violent abuse.

Prime Minister Helen Clark today voiced her support for the bill, which was amended by a select committee, especially in light of a recent Unicef report showing high levels of child mortality and abuse in New Zealand.

"There's been a lot of work done on it with the Law Commission. I just don't think it's credible in this day and age with the Unicef report showing that our children face the worst safety conditions in the world not to support (it)."