Clwyd West AM Darren Millar voted against introducing a smacking ban in Wales this week, and is disappointed that a majority of AM voted to back the proposals.
Thirty five AMs voted for a ban on smacking whilst 15, including Darren, voted against.
Speaking in the Debate, Darren who has been vehemently against the plans since they were first mooted, reiterated his concern that the ban would result in the criminalisation of tens of thousands of loving parents across Wales, the need for more support for parents, and highlighted the lack of public support for this piece of legislation.
He said:
“We're being asked to give permission for a Bill to proceed which, if agreed, will result in the criminalisation, potentially, of tens of thousands of decent loving parents across Wales who use the occasional smack to discipline their children.
“Parenting is tough enough as it is, so instead of punishing parents, I think that we need to be offering these alternatives, such as parenting courses which promote alternatives to smacking and make sure that these are offered universally to parents in the same way that antenatal classes are to expectant parents.
“The public don't want this legislation. Whenever public opinion has been tested, the response has been very, very clear, and that is: the overwhelming majority, between two thirds and three quarters of people, do not believe that a smacking ban should be introduced.
“People across Wales recognise, as many of us opposing this Bill today do, that we've already got comprehensive legislation in place that the police, social services and others do use to deal with child abuse and those who break them should feel the full weight of the law.
"Most parents who use the occasional smack do so within the confines of a loving relationship with the child who they want to raise to be a responsible adult and someone who can contribute to society usefully in the future.
"I urge members to listen to their constituents and vote against this bill today."