Scotland the first country in UK to outlaw smacking

A landmark ban on smacking children was passed by the Scottish Parliament yesterday, giving youngsters the same protection from assault as adults.

MSPS voted in favour of the Children (Equal Protection from Assault) (Scotland) Bill which removes the defence of “justifiable assault” of children by parents and carers.

It is the first country in the UK to outlaw smacking.

The legislation was brought before members by Scottish Green MSP John Finnie, who said it would prove to be as historic for Scotland as drink-driving legislation and the smoking ban.

The votes were split 84-29 in favour of the Bill.

Critics included Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Liz Smith, who said she believed in what the Bill was aiming to achieve, but not in the way it was presented.

During the debate, she said: “The Scottish Conservatives have never questioned the good intentions of this Bill, but there are very grave reservations it does not meet these tests.

“It is severely weak in key areas on why the current law is not acceptable.”

Mr Finnie said he was delighted the Scottish Parliament had taken such a historic and courageous step.

“The leadership shown by MSPS will send a strong message that violence is never acceptable in any setting, and that our children deserve at least the same legal protections that adults enjoy,” he said.

“Physical punishment has no place in 21st Century Scotland. The international evidence tells us that it can have serious impacts on children and that it is not effective.

“As I have progressed this campaign over the last three years, it has become clear just how many people believed that striking a child was already outlawed.

“I am extremely proud to have brought forward the legislation that will enhance children’s rights in Scotland and believe that today we have taken a huge step toward making Scotland the best country in the world for children to grow up in.”

Children’s Minister Maree Todd said: “I’m very pleased Parliament has now voted to ensure children, without exception, have the same protection from assault as adults.

“In removing an outdated provision that has no place in a modern Scotland, we are reaffirming we want this country to be the best place in the world for children to grow up, so that they feel loved, safe, respected and can realise their full potential.

“We will now work in partnership with organisations including children’s charities, Social Work Scotland and Police Scotland to raise awareness of the Bill and build on the existing support we offer to children and families.”

Liberal Democrat MSP Alex Cole-hamilton said: “For years Scottish Liberal Democrats have demanded the so-called ‘justifiable assault’ of children be brought to an end and we are delighted to back a Bill which achieves that goal.

“Today Parliament has got one step closer to achieving our aim of being a human rights leader.

“We have made quite clear that children should not have less right to protection from violence than adults living in the same household.

“Ministers must now speed up the incorporation of the full United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scots law.”

Delighted – John Finnie MSP.