SCOTLAND BECOMES FIRST PART OF UK TO BAN SMACKING OF CHILDREN

Sat 07 October 2020:

Scotland has become the first part of the UK to ban the smacking of children after new legislation came into effect.

Changes to the law giving children the same protection from assault as adults were passed by the Scottish parliament last year and take effect from Saturday.

Scotland becomes the 58th country to outlaw corporal punishment after the defence of justifiable assault was removed from Scots law.

It is the first part of the UK to do so, with Wales expected to follow suit with the introduction of a ban by 2022.

The Scottish Green MSP John Finnie, who introduced the changes, said he hoped the smacking ban would help demonstrate to children that violence is not acceptable.

He said: “As I have progressed my campaign over the last four years, it has been noticeable just how many people believed that striking a child was already outlawed.

“I am pleased that this will now be the case.”

The children’s minister, Maree Todd, said: “I’m very pleased that Scotland has become the first part of the UK to legislate to ensure that children, without exception, have the same protection from assault as adults.

“This outdated defence has no place in a modern Scotland. It can never be reasonable to strike a child.”

Photo: A rally outside the Scottish parliament in Edinburgh as it debated the anti-smacking legislation last year.

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