John Finnie
Parliament takes historic and courageous step
MSPs have taken the historic decision to back Green MSP John Finnie’s Equal Protection Bill yesterday evening, meaning that children in Scotland will soon be given the same legal protection from assault that adults currently enjoy.
John Finnie MSP said:
“I am absolutely delighted that the Scottish Parliament has taken this historic and courageous step. The leadership shown by MSPs will send a strong message that violence is never acceptable in any setting, and that our children deserve at least the same legal protections that adults enjoy.
“Physical punishment has no place in 21st century Scotland. The international evidence tells us that it can have serious impacts on children, and that it is not effective. As I have progressed this campaign over the last three years, it has become clear just how many people believed that striking a child was already outlawed.
“I am extremely proud to have brought forward the legislation that will enhance children’s rights in Scotland and believe that today we have taken a huge step toward making Scotland the best country in the world for children to grow up in.”