Bligh won't budge on smacking code

The Queensland Government says it will not change a controversial section of the criminal code that allows "reasonable force" to be used when disciplining children.

The State Government reviewed 200 cases in response to concerns that parents were using discipline as a defence for abusing their children.

Premier Anna Bligh says the review showed parents who use excessive force are being charged and penalised accordingly.

Quote:"Reasonable force" by picking up a young child and moving them out of danger is okay but reasonable force by assaulting them is not. Anyone who assaults another person is committing a crime. Governments should not make crimes legal. Hence child abuse.

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End Physical Punishment of Children
EPOCH-USA seeks to end corporal punishment of children in all settings including homes through education and legal reform. The following links provide useful information about effects of corporal punishment of children and alternatives. Questions?