Scotland becomes first UK nation to ban smacking of children News
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Scotland becomes first UK nation to ban smacking of children

Scotland’s law banning the smacking of children came into effect on Saturday, making it the first UK nation to do so.

The law provides children with the same protection from assault as adults receive.

“This law sets out in clear terms that physical punishment should no longer be part of childhood in Scotland and it marks a momentous step in making it a country where children’s rights are truly recognized, respected and fulfilled,” National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children spokesperson Joanna Barrett said.

Opponents argue that the new law violates biblical law, citing passages which state that parents should discipline children, and discipline is not meant to be pleasant.

Scotland is the 58th country to outlaw corporal punishment. Scotland is the first country in the UK to do so. Wales is expected to introduce a ban by 2022.

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