Finnie to lead Equal Protection debate
Highlands and Islands Green MSP John Finnie will this afternoon (28 May) lead a Scottish Parliament debate on his Member’s Bill.
Mr Finnie will invite MSPs to agree to the general principles of the Children (Equal Protection from Assault) (Scotland) Bill following the stage one debate. If passed the bill would prohibit the physical punishment of children.
John Finnie MSP said:
“MSPs from all five parties supported my original proposal and the recent report published by the Equalities and Human Rights Committee highlighted that affording children equal protection will bring substantial benefits to individuals and society.
“54 countries already prohibit the physical punishment of children, with all the evidence showing that this is a positive and necessary step.
“If passed my bill will bring Scotland into line with international best practice. I look forward to progressing it through the parliamentary process.”