Abuse bill passes; spanking still OK

Parliament passed a measure that tightens New Zealand’s laws against child abuse but still lets parents spank or otherwise discipline their children using “inconsequential” methods.

The new rule outlaws child beating, closing a legal loophole that the measure’s supporters said had led to recent acquittals of parents who had beaten children with lumber, electrical cables and a riding crop.

Opponents have said the bill amounts to a ban on slapping or smacking, and would turn thousands of parents into criminals. The legislation’s author, Green Party lawmaker Sue Bradford, received death threats.