New campaign after smacking referendum

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Smacking referendum campaigner Larry Baldock wants a referendum, to run in conjunction with elections in 2011, on whether the results of referenda seeking repeal or amendment of any law should be binding.

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 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."

Mr Boscawen strongly supported holding the referendum and is championing the 87.4 percent of voters who said they did not think "a smack as part of good parental correction" should be a criminal offence.

Mr 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.

Mr 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."

- NZPA