Mass Gathering against Anti-smacking Bill

Parliament Grounds, Wellington
Wednesday 2nd May 12.30pm

www.familyvalues.net.nz

On Wednesday 2nd May at 12.30pm at Parliament Grounds in Wellington, a mass gathering is being organised to maintain public opposition to the passage of the anti smacking bill currently before parliament.

The event likely coincides with the final reading of the anti smacking bill and will facilitate a groundswell of support for an opportunity at parliament to speak collectively against the bill.

Event organisers, Bishop Brian Tamaki of Destiny Church, Pastor Peter Mortlock of City Impact Church and Pastor Brent Douglas of Encounter Christian Centre, say the event is a vehicle for all New Zealanders and the broad church community who feel strongly about protecting parental rights and responsibilities to make their position known.

"The Labour-led government is determined to ram this bill through despite overwhelming public opposition. Although the bill seems noble in its attempt to combat the root issues of child abuse in our nation, all it will do is significantly weaken the role of parenting and technically criminalise thousands of decent, loving law abiding parents who do a fantastic job of raising their own children" say the organisers.

Plans are currently underway for the mass gathering that is expected to draw a lot of attention to the issue on a critical day at parliament. Details of the event will be posted on an event website www.familyvalues.net.nz later this week.

"Legislation that undermines and weakens New Zealand families will only further exasperate the problem of abuse and give the government even more reason to involve itself in family life," the organisers added.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday 2nd May 2007
Time: 12.30pm
Place: Parliament Grounds, Wellington

Details of the event programme will be released in due course.

ENDS

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