The Christian Institute

On 16 November the Justice 1 Committee of the Scottish Parliament overwhelmingly rejected an attempt to ban parental smacking. The amendment to the Family Law (Scotland) Bill by Marlyn Glen MSP was withdrawn after failing to receive any support. MSPs on the Committee warned a total ban would criminalise parents and was unnecessary as the law already protects children from abuse. MSPs also commented on the number of letters they had received from parents against the ban. The amendment was opposed by Deputy Justice Minister, Hugh Henry, who said the Scottish Parliament had only recently considered this issue in 2003.