Quakers in Britain have welcomed the passing of the Equal Protection from Assault Bill as a historic moment for Scotland's children.
Quakers and The Church of Scotland have spoken in favour of the Bill, although some church voices were strongly opposed. In front of the Equality and the Human Rights Committee of the Scottish Parliament, Mairi Campbell-Jack, Parliamentary Engagement Officer for Quakers in Scotland, said
“Rather than looking at parents' rights and children's rights as being separate, it might be better to include them all in the one group—that of human rights. All humans deserve to be free from violence."
Quakers in Britain have also used Scotland's historic move to call on the UK Government to shelve plans for more punitive punishment in schools in the rest of Britain. Quakers hope that enshrining children's rights and a more child centered approach in Scottish law may strengthen movements across Britain who are also working for similar aims.
* Read the briefing on the Equal Protection from Assault Bill here
* Quakers are known formally as the Religious Society of Friends. Around 23,000 people attend 478 Quaker meetings in Britain. Their commitment to equality, justice, peace, simplicity and truth challenges them to seek positive social and legislative change.
* Quakers in Britain https://www.quaker.org.uk/
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