Finnie welcomes Equal Protection support
Green MSP John Finnie has today (16 May) welcomed the publication of the Scottish Parliament’s Equalities and Human Rights Committee Stage One report into his Member’s Bill, the Children (Equal Protection from Assault)(Scotland) Bill.
The Committee took evidence from a variety of witnesses, including academics, children and parenting organisations, police officers, social workers, religious organisations, health experts, with a majority of the witnesses at the committee supporting the proposals.
The report states: “We welcome the time that organisations and individuals have taken to express those views. On the balance of evidence received, and the strength of arguments made, the Committee recommends that the general principles of the Children (Equal Protection from Assault) (Scotland) Bill are approved.”
John Finnie MSP said:
“Members from all five parties supported my original proposal and I am delighted that following its thorough scrutiny the Equalities and Human Rights Committee has recommended that parliament supports the general principles of my bill.
“The evidence presented at committee during showed that providing children with equal protection from assault by prohibiting physical punishment will bring substantial benefits for individuals and society. I thank the committee members and those who gave evidence for their diligence.
“54 countries already prohibit the physical punishment of children and I look forward to progressing my bill through the parliamentary process, and bringing Scotland into line with international best practice.”