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Archived Press Releases 2007 23rd February 2007

More youth on way to prison warns Trust

(23rd February 2007)

Young people of today will be the losers of tomorrow if Sue Bradfords anti-smacking Bill becomes law warn the Sensible Sentencing Trust.

The debate continues to rage over the repeal of section 59 of the Crimes Act which if passed without amendment will mean parents who smack their child will be breaking the law.

The Sensible Sentencing Trust say the proposal is crazy and will make criminals out of good law-abiding citizens who only want to do the best for their children.

"At a time when more young people than ever before are on a senseless journey from cradle to jail and Judges are warning of a failing youth justice system this Bill will cause further grief and destroy the potential of thousands of young people", says Trust spokesman Garth McVicar.

"Thousands of young people are becoming addicted to drugs and committing crime at present, it appears the politicians and bureacrats who have driven the failed social agenda of the past are now addicted to failure and using our youth as puppets for their crazy social experiments."

McVicar said, "Lowering the drinking age, the prostitution law reform, compensation for criminals and parole are all examples of legislation that has destroyed the lives of many thousands of New Zealand’s young people and is now being revisited by Parliament."

"The politicians supporting this Bill are now so addicted to failure they are prepared to ruin the lives of many more youth as they continue to force their failed social agenda on a public who do not want a bar of it."

"If ever this country needed leadership now is the time" said McVicar, "This Bill not only has the ability to wreck the lives of many young people it is dividing the Nation and will make criminals out of good law-abiding Kiwi parents."

The Sensible Sentencing Trust is urging the Prime Minister to hold a binding referendum on the repeal of section 59 said McVicar.

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.