Clwyd West AM Darren Millar has criticised a proposal to ban smacking of children in Wales ahead of an Assembly debate on the matter next week.
Darren is concerned that an amendment which has been tabled to the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence.
(Wales) Bill could result in a smacking ban in Wales. The amendement, which has the support of a number of Labour, Liberal-Democrat and Plaid Cymru AMs, will be debated in the Senedd on Tuesday next week.
Speaking ahead of next Tuesday’s Assembly debate on the issue, Darren said:
“A ban on smacking would criminalise tens of thousands of decent, loving parents who use physical chastisement to discipline their children and would be nigh on impossible to enforce.
“The overwhelming majority of parents know where to draw the line between chastisement and abuse and we should trust their judgement. Parents are best placed to care for their children - not the Government.
“Wales doesn’t need a ban on smacking to prevent child abuse. Comprehensive legislation is already in place to protect children from abuse and those who fall foul of the law should face the consequences of their actions.
“We need to promote a range of measure for parents to use when disciplining their children, but let’s not overlook the fact that alternatives to physical chastisement, such as using a naughty step, confining a child to a bedroom and shouting, can also have long term adverse consequences for children if used inappropriately by parents.
“Smacking is the ultimate sanction and I will continue to support the ability of parents in Wales to choose to use it when disciplining their children in the future.”
Darren will be speaking in next week’s debate and urging fellow AMs to vote against the amendment.