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Ban on smacking children in Wales put to the vote Ban on smacking children in Wales put to the vote
(about 1 hour later)
The assembly will vote later on whether to ban smacking children in Wales.The assembly will vote later on whether to ban smacking children in Wales.
Cardiff North AM Julie Morgan wants the measure added to the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Bill which AMs are now debating in the Senedd.Cardiff North AM Julie Morgan wants the measure added to the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Bill which AMs are now debating in the Senedd.
Public Services Minister Leighton Andrews has said it was the "wrong vehicle" to introduce such a law.Public Services Minister Leighton Andrews has said it was the "wrong vehicle" to introduce such a law.
The Welsh government has ruled out any change to the law on smacking children before next year's assembly elections.The Welsh government has ruled out any change to the law on smacking children before next year's assembly elections.
In October 2011, assembly members voted in principle to remove the defence of "reasonable chastisement" although they did not have the power at that time to impose a ban on smacking.In October 2011, assembly members voted in principle to remove the defence of "reasonable chastisement" although they did not have the power at that time to impose a ban on smacking.
'Conscience issue''Conscience issue'
Ms Morgan, a backbench Labour member, has called on her party to allow a free vote on her amendment in the assembly on Tuesday. A call by Ms Morgan, a backbench Labour member, for her party to allow a free vote on her amendment in the assembly was rejected.
She said many people, including herself, saw it as a "conscience issue". She told AMs it was about "finally doing right by the children of Wales".
"It it is something that the assembly could do and could be proud of doing and that would make a big difference to children in Wales," she added. "How can we possibly justify saying to children 'no - it's not right for your dad to hit your mum, or your mum to hit your dad. But it's ok for either of them to hit you'.
"It's a ridiculous and it's an inconsistent message, and not only does it not make sense, it also leaves children vulnerable within the home."
AMs were debating and voting on several amendments to the bill on Tuesday.AMs were debating and voting on several amendments to the bill on Tuesday.
A move to make schools to offer lessons on healthy relationships was narrowly rejected.A move to make schools to offer lessons on healthy relationships was narrowly rejected.
The Welsh government said that, depending on progress with the amendments, the final vote on the bill could take place next week. The Welsh government has said that the final vote on the bill could take place next week.