Scotland to ban parents from smacking their children with landmark legislation
Bill proposed by Green MSP John Finnie will remove 'justifiable assault' defence, which allows parents to use physical punishment
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The smacking of children will be banned in Scotland, the Scottish government has confirmed.
Ministers have said they will ensure that a Bill brought forward by Green MSP John Finnie would become law.
The legislation will remove the defence of “justifiable assault” in Scottish law, which allows parents to use physical punishment to admonish a child.
The move would make Scotland the first part of the UK to introduce a ban on smacking children.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Mr Finnie’s proposals are not a Scottish Government Bill; however, we will ensure the proposals become law.
“We believe physical punishment can have negative effects on children, which can last long after the physical pain has died away.
“We support positive parenting through, for example, funding for family support services.”
The statement follows First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s confirmation in her programme for government last month that ministers would “not oppose” Mr Finnie’s Bill.
She highlighted that about 50 countries – including France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Ireland – had already made the change.
The detailed document setting out Ms Sturgeon’s legislative programme appeared to go further, stating the government would support the proposals.
Scottish Labour announced earlier this week it would also support the bill as “the right thing to do”.
Mr Finnie said: “It is especially welcome that the Scottish Government has reiterated its support for my bill, because there is clear evidence that the use of physical punishment is detrimental to children’s long-term health and wellbeing.
“Giving children equal protection against assault will send a clear message to all of us about how we treat each other, and underpin Scotland’s efforts to reduce violence.
“The physical punishment of children is already illegal in 52 countries, and my proposal will give children in Scotland the necessary protections to flourish in a healthy environment and encourage the building of stronger relationships between children, their parents and others who care for them.”
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments