Government supports new law to give equal protection for children from assault

Children are to be given equal legal protection from assault, the Scottish Government has confirmed.

The move would make the country the first part of the UK to outlaw the physical punishment of children.

Ministers had previously said they did not support parents using physical chastisement, but had “no plans” to bring forward legislation of their own.

But the government has now confirmed it will ensure a bill lodged by Green MSP John Finnie will become law.

And it is understood that ministers will work with Mr Finnie to implement the bill in practice.

His proposals, which were out for consultation over the summer, would give children the same legal protection as adults.  Scottish Labour and the Green party have publicly supported this change and the Conservatives have said that they will consider the Bill very carefully.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-41678797

 

 

 

Image credit: AwesomeSA, Flickr