A campaign group called Be Reasonable has launched a petition opposing Welsh Government plans to ban the smacking of children. The group argues that removing the legal defence of 'reasonable chastisement' would criminalise thousands of ordinary parents, potentially leading to fines or imprisonment.
Polling by ComRes of over 1,000 Welsh adults found that 85% were smacked as children and nearly 70% believe it is sometimes necessary to smack a naughty child. Three-quarters of respondents thought the ban would not help protect vulnerable children, and 77% expressed concern it would overwhelm police and social workers with trivial cases.
Lowri Turner, a Welsh mother and campaign spokeswoman, said: 'The people calling for this change are using hysterical and manipulative language. They’re trying to make out that a gentle smack on the back of the legs from a loving mum is the same as beating up your kids.' She added that the public is against the ban, calling it 'an unwanted intrusion by the state.'
Dr Ashley Frawley, a sociology expert from Swansea University, warned that removing the defence could open the floodgates to thousands of minor incidents being reported, overwhelming services. She said: 'Changing the law is a gross interference in family life and it’s entirely unnecessary because the law already protects children from abuse.'
Colin Harris, a retired solicitor with 45 years of experience, cautioned: 'If smacking becomes a criminal offence, what happens to the family after the child has given evidence in court and the mother is convicted and punished? Politicians must not create a legal fiction by treating ordinary parental discipline as if it was criminal assault.'
