Anti-smacking MP smacks his child

[Dave Homewood]

Great story, I hope the media really whips it up.

Opponents pounce on Cunliffe smack

Jul 2, 2007

Political opponents of the anti-smacking bill have pounced on a weekend incident involving one of its backers, Cabinet minister David Cunliffe.

There are claims Cunliffe, the Immigration Minister, smacked his misbehaving child on the hand at Auckland's Lynmall Shopping Centre on Saturday. That's despite Cunliffe voting for the legislation that repealed section 59 of the Crimes Act.

Following last month's passage of Green MP Sue Bradford's legislation, the Labour MP could be investigated by police if a complaint is laid.

Independent MP Gordon Copeland says that highlights the stupidity of the new law.

He says Cunliffe has officially committed a crime for doing what any normal father would do.

Copeland was one of eight MPs who opposed the legislation.

tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411368/1212193

[corsair67]

Oh, aren't you aware - laws don't apply to MPs.

[flyjoe180]

Oh, aren't you aware - laws don't apply to MPs.

Taito Fields is trying his best to change that.

As for Cunliffe; naughty naughty!

[tempestwulf]

When I was a pup I got a smack when I needed it. Spoon, cane on hand/butt (let alone mom's foot ;D) and never did me wrong. They're going for parents who abuse more then smack.

Still I think it's a waste of time have a law against it but I guess they havn't anything else to do in parliment.

[lesterpk]

Don't you see the irony of it? Various media have reported that he smacked his child for hitting another kid. The old 'dont hit' while being punished with a hit yourself ;-)

[Dave Homewood]

Indeed. It's rather ridiculous.

Of course, he may have voted for the bill but he possibly didn't support it - remember Labour MP's were told they HAD to vote 'yes'. Good old democracy, I don't think.