Wednesday, July 19, 2006

christians for child abuse


Well, I knew about this 8-page booklet from Family Integrity ages ago, and now thanks to this Dominion Post story everyone else does as well.

The booklet describes Family Integrity's view of how parents should smack their kids. I have been writing about Sue B's smacking bill as I believe the law needs to be changed to allow for light smacking while not condoning abuse. I am giving my submission to the select committee tomorrow.

The Family Integrity Document is appalling. It quotes the bible out of context. Among some of the things they advocate is that you are not smacking a child hard enough if a smacked child is subsequently angry. Their answer - smack `em harder. What if they are still angry then? Smack `em even harder?

I spent some time today talking to Family Integrity and the person I spoke with strongly believes that corporal punishment should be re-introduced into schools, and that it is permissible to bruise children when physically disciplining them - yes even scourge in some instances. The Man from Family Integrity couldn't tell me when smacking turns into abuse.

But what he advocates for is child smacking - including abuse. This should not be condoned. For a better perspective, watch Campbell Live tonight.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

To what extent do organisations like the Society for Promotion of Community Standards, and individuals like the raving Reformed reverend from Wanganui agree with them, though?

Sorry, but this is why those of us on the other side of this debate were concerned about some of the characters on your side of it.

Craig Y.

Anonymous said...

Incidentally, why did pro-belting groups misrepresent Ruby Harald-
Claessen as a lawyer, when she isn't one?

Craig Y.

Swimming said...

craig you fool, she is a lawyer

Anonymous said...

She did not gain accreditation to the Swedish bar, however.

Craig Y.

Anonymous said...

"Christians For Child Abuse"
Is Caphill out already ?

Anonymous said...

No, but it sure is interesting that the CHP wanted to make it more difficult to investigate families suspected of child abuse back in 1996, though...

Craig Y.