Common sense emerging on smacking law?

It looks like common sense may win out, despite the best efforts of some, on the Section 59 law.

An outright repeal would criminalise light smacking, and even moving your child against their will.

Sue Bradford has indicated that she is now likely to merely amend Section 59, rather than repeal it – the exact position I and many others have advocated for months.

The challenge will be to see if appropriate wording can be found that makes it clear violence towards children is illegal, but parents lightly smacking their child for misbehaviour is not. Former National MP Bob Simcock suggested the test could be if any bruises or marks were caused.