s.59
OF CRIMES
ACT (Hitting
of Children) The undersigned Auckland Church Leaders support the call to Government to repeal Section 59 of the Crimes Act (1961) which condones use of reasonable force when disciplining children. “The expression ‘spare the rod and spoil the child’ is mistakenly used to endorse hitting children,” said Bishop Richard Randerson, spokesperson for the group. “Those words are not an accurate quotation of the biblical verse (Proverbs 13.24), which goes on to say ‘the one who loves a child is diligent in correction’. Such correction does not need to be by way of physical hitting : non-physical alternatives are available. “Ïn our experience the majority of parents want to do their best for their children. It is misguided to believe that hitting children is in their interests. The most effective way of guiding children’s behaviour is through example. This was the way of Jesus whose life role-modelled a preference for love over violence. By contrast, hitting children endorses a pattern of violence which is passed on from one generation to the next. “The repeal of s.59 removes legal endorsement for the physical discipline of children, and brings NZ law in line with Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. We understand the stresses of being a parent, and the difficult circumstances under which some New Zealanders have to raise their children. We applaud the Government’s initiative for an extensive parenting education programme. “Äs church leaders we also recognise the crucial connection between poverty and violence. The Ministry of Social Development estimates that 24% of all NZ children and young people are in households which fall below an income-based poverty line. We urge that Government give continuing attention to the adequacy of levels of support for families, housing, education and health. We strongly support a parenting allowance sufficient to make it feasible for one parent to care for children at home instead of being forced to work through financial stringency. Signed by : Bishop Patrick Dunn, Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland The Rev Douglas Lendrum, St David’s Presbyterian Church The Rev David Pratt, Methodist Church, Auckland The Rev. Ron O’Grady, Associated Churches of Christ Bishop Richard Randerson, Dean of Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral Contact : Bishop Richard Randerson, Tel (09) 373 3424 (h); (09) 303 9500 (b) E-mail : randers@ihug.co.nz |
