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Smacking referendum campaigner Larry Baldock wants a referendum on whether the results of referenda seeking repeal or amendment of any law should be binding.
He wants it to run in conjunction with general election in 2011.
The Kiwi Party leader and a leading organiser of the smacking referendum said the Prime Minister's refusal to act on the result of of that referendum raised questions about the abuse of executive power.
Yesterday Act Party MP John Boscawen challenged MPs to turn up at public meetings he was organising in their electorates to protest the decision not to change the law that bans smacking.
His targets include Prime Minister John Key and Labour leader Phil Goff.
"This is no longer just about the smacking referendum, it's about the whole democratic process in New Zealand."
Boscawen strongly supported holding the referendum and is championing the 87.4% of voters who said they did not think "a smack as part of good parental correction" should be a criminal offence.
Key has said he won't change the law and is instead reinforcing guidelines to ensure police and welfare authorities don't prosecute parents for a light, inconsequential smack.
Baldock said it could take up to three months for the Clerk of the House to give final approval of the question and petition form.
And "if the Prime Minister had a change of heart over the next three months I would of course reconsider the plans to pursue the signature collection."
Smacking referendum campaigner Larry Baldock wants a referendum on whether the results of referenda seeking repeal or amendment of any law should be binding. What do you think? Share your thoughts on our messageboard below.
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Post new commentmatthew01 said on 2009-10-27 @ 20:37 NZDT: Report abusive post
Wake up everybody. The UN is driving this agenda around the world. Australia is just about to have this intrusion into their private lives foisted upon them, despite a 90% poll against the idea. Watch and see. This issue is two fold, firstly it was an intrusion into our private lives - it will not stop child abuse and secondly and now more importantly it illustrates our loss of democracy. If democracy was binding we wouldn't be in this bind not now or ever. Use it or lose it New Zealand.
jmo1312 said on 2009-09-06 @ 10:29 NZDT: Report abusive post
No, never. Referenda can be a good guide but all matters need to be decided by the Government. The reason being that you will always have controversy over matters like the death penalty or when democracy is seen not to be working because of different race population matters, etc, or when only a certain percentage vote like in this smacking bill in which only 54% approx voted. This referendum will be a waste of time and money and needs to be dropped. Time to call it a day Mr Baldock
drummer47 said on 2009-09-05 @ 12:45 NZDT: Report abusive post
Frankly, this is nothing short of blackmail. The referendum question on smacking was badly worded and biased very heavily in favour of repealing the anti smacking law. Referenda should never be biased and should be worded so as to provide people with a reasonable choice. Additionally, general elections are the place to vote for the policies of political parties and the winners then form Govts with a mandate to implement their particular policies, NOT referendums.
philipmcc said on 2009-09-05 @ 12:32 NZDT: Report abusive post
No! They are usually extremely emotive issues and not appropriate to be decided by some Yes/No vote. Law changes, especially ones which involve high emotion, should be made rationally on the basis of carefully considered data. The Sec.59 change was made after a long process involving many public submissions. In fact I don't think referenda have much usefulness at all.