Smacking ban a step closer as Highland MSP hails Royal Assent

A HIGHLAND MSP's bid to give children in Scotland equal protection from assaults has been granted Royal Assent.

It's the latest stage in a ban on smacking instigated by John Finnie’s Member’s Bill which passed through the Scottish Parliament last month.

The Act, supported by an overwhelming majority of the Scottish Parliament, means that children in Scotland will soon be given the same legal protection from assault that adults currently enjoy. Its main provision comes into effect on November 6, 2020.

MSPs voted 84-29 in favour, with only Conservative MSPs refusing to support it.

Mr Finnie said:“I am absolutely delighted to hear that Royal Assent has been granted to my Member’s Bill. This sends 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. Similar legislation is progressing right now in Wales and I hope that we will see similar steps taken in England and Northern Ireland very soon.

“I am extremely proud to have brought forward the legislation that will enhance children’s rights in Scotland and I look forward to the full provisions of the Act coming into force.”