On the 28 January 2020 a landmark vote was held in the Senedd, in which Assembly Members voted 36 to 14 to approve the Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Bill. The new law will come into force in 2022, after extensive awareness campaigns across Wales to ensure parents know and understand the changes under the new law.
Catriona Williams OBE, retired Chief Executive of Children in Wales said
"The Children Wales Bill is another milestone in implementing childrenäó»s human rights in Wales. I'm so proud to be part of an historic moment in Wales."
First Minster Mark Drakeford, said
"I'm proud Wales has taken this step and once again put children's rights at the heart of what we do here in Wales"
Professor Sally Holland, Children's Commissioner for Wales, said:
"I'm so pleased, delighted and proud that Wales has joined dozens of other countries around the world to give children the same protection from physical punishment that adults enjoy. It's never ok to hit a child - congratulations to the Welsh Government and to members of the Senedd who have prioritised children's rights by passing this legislation"