FAO. Nicola Sturgeon MSP
Dear First Minister
‘SMACKING BAN’ – JOHN
FINNIE BILL
As one of your constituents, I am writing to express my
concern about your Government’s recent decision to support the above proposed
legislation. Many arguments against such a move have been aired and doubtless
you are very aware of them. I would, however, appeal to you to reconsider
supporting this change to the law and not to whip MSPs (potentially
against their own judgement and conscience) into voting for it.
There are some issues around family life that are surely
best left to the discretion of parents – e.g. the discipline of children. That is
not to say, of course, that the State should tolerate an ‘anything goes’
approach to such matters – but it seems to me that the existing arrangements are
quite adequate. They prohibit the excessive use of force and any form of
physical chastisement that would be injurious – and indeed where disproportionate
‘assault’ is used against a child the Police and Social Workers can be called
upon.
Thus the proposed legislation may be well-meaning but instead
of protecting genuinely at risk children it will simply disempower decent
parents. That is not to say, that reasonable physical chastisement need be used
by parents but that it will be their choice. It would be a recognition that even
the best government is no substitute for most parents when it comes to having
the best interests of children at heart.
The argument that any physical chastisement is simply
tantamount to abuse, seems to me confused. If causing any physical distress (however
momentary and transient) to a child is unacceptable – then why is it acceptable
to cause a child psychological distress (by taking away privileges, ‘telling
them off’, or restricting their movements)? Why is the body so sacrosanct and
not the mind? In recent years non-physical traumas such as bullying, harassment,
verbal intimidation have been highlighted as social evils – in other words, how
long before any parental sanctions, of whatever kind, that cause any form of distress
simply become unacceptable. After all when ideology usurps the wisdom of centuries
anything is possible.
Are we really going to criminalise parents who, like our own
mothers and fathers going back generations, might use a moderate smack on
occasions to discipline and even protect their children?
Please First Minister reconsider this further step of ‘Nationalising’
parenting – i.e. the State taking to itself more and more of the prerogatives
of parents.
Finally, I note the Scottish Government is pardoning Gay men
convicted of certain indecency charges prior to homosexuality being
decriminalised. Many will see that as recognition that the State should not
have tried to police people’s sex lives – perhaps it would also be wise for the
State to refrain from trying to police people’s family lives.
With grateful thanks for all your work and service.
Yours sincerely,
Andrew Hunter.
