‘Kids Are Unbeatable’ Says The Body Shop

‘Kids are unbeatable’ is the message from The Body Shop as it begins an instore campaign for the full repeal of Section 59 of the Crimes Act 1961. Outlets throughout the country will be encouraging the public to sign an in-store petition that will be presented to the House of Representatives by Barrie Thomas, Director of The Body Shop New Zealand.

“As a socially responsible cosmetics company, The Body Shop is right behind the repeal of Section 59, says The Body Shop Director Barrie Thomas. “The Body Shop 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”. He says that section 59 currently serves as a defence for parents if they assault their child and are prosecuted. Green MP Sue Bradford has introduced a Private Member’s Bill to repeal section 59.

Members of the public who support the repeal of section 59 are encouraged to visit The Body Shop near them to add their names to the petition. The petition will be presented to the House of Representatives in late February 2006.

“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 strongly support the repeal of Section 59, and are pleased to see The Body Shop leading the campaign in the private sector.

The Body Shop New Zealand is launching the campaign after a nationwide training initiative that allowed staff to learn about the impact of section 59 on New Zealand society, and children in particular. Actual cases were studied where parents had been acquitted of serious child assault after using weapons such as hosepipes and pieces of wood, by using section 59 as a defence.

Staff were also given the opportunity to vote on whether they support the repeal; full repeal over amendment won by a land slide.

ENDS

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