Created: 2009-08-03 22:41:18

People of New Zealand decided to determine once and for all if parents can smack their children or this right should be taken from them. They are having the citizens-initiated referendum that asks: 'Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?'

Firstly, hot debates arose because of the wording in the referendum question. Some people see that the question presupposes smacking as a part of good parental correction. Others claim that the question implies that if you vote 'yes' that means you're in favour of criminal sanctions being taken against reasonable parents. Both issues are debatable, while the latter one clearly has little supporters.

So the question itself is considered to be ambiguous and obviously can be read in a number of different ways. Some citizens of New Zealand even call it ridiculous. Despite that, both Yes and No campaigns are on the go. Those encouraging to vote in favour are front-line child welfare organizations, although their representatives agreed that the referendum question is misleading. The No campaign is smaller, but has some supporters who believe that parents have the right to smack their children.

The voting in the referendum closes on 21 August.

Which option would you choose? Do you think parents can smack their children or that is an ill practice of education? What's your advice for people of New Zealand? Vote for the result you like more!