Retailer joins campaign to repeal ‘reasonable force’ defence

The Body Shop recently launched their ‘Kids Are Unbeatable’ campaign to support the full repeal of Section 59 of the Crimes Act 1961. Stores throughout New Zealand will be gathering signatures for a petition. The petition will be used to support a submission to the Select Committee which is considering a bill to remove legislation that says parents are justified in using force to discipline children.

The Body Shop New Zealand Director, Barrie Thomas said that “as a socially responsible cosmetics company, The Body Shop is right behind the repeal of Section 59 .” Thomas claims that his company will be a “vehicle to deliver the message for organisations that stand united in their support for the repeal of this part of the Crimes Act” which he says is a defence for parents if they assault their child and are prosecuted.

“Children are smaller, weaker and more vulnerable than adults. It seems crazy that we have a law which has allowed the physical assault of children, giving them fewer rights than adults or even animals,” he says. ”It is our responsibility as adults to protect our children and give them a voice and in this case the same human rights as adults – it really isn’t a lot to ask. We are proud to be supporting and aligning ourselves with well-respected organisations and are confident that the public will come forward to support the repeal of this archaic section of law.”

Child Abuse Prevention Services New Zealand, Plunket, Barnardos, Save the Children New Zealand, Parent Help, UNICEF, The Office of the Children’s Commissioner, the Public Health Association and Women’s Refuge have announced their supports the repeal of Section 59, and for The Body Shop campaign.

The Body Shop New Zealand campaign was developed after a nationwide training initiative that allowed staff to learn about the impact of section 59 on New Zealand society, and children in particular. Staff were also given the opportunity to vote on whether they support the repeal; full repeal, rather than amending the current legislation, was supported by the majority of staff.