When it came down to it, it was quite easy to tick the YES box on the citizens initiated referendum. The referendum is a farce. It’s a ridiculous question. We all know it. And while I had been tempted to render the vote invalid by saying so, I decided (as I always do) that my vote was worth something. Because I just cannot countenance the consequences of an overwhelming NO vote.
This is the first time I’ve ever voted in a way that doesn’t quite represent what I actually believe.
I believe that all parents have the right to bring up their children as they see fit. I believe that the vast majority of parents are good parents, who do their best and mostly do a good job. I’m one of them. I don’t always get it right.
I have smacked my children. Rarely, and I don’t think it’s a great way of disciplining them.
More strongly, I believe that children, as do adults, have the right not to be abused. Not to be beaten and assaulted. And I could not live with myself if, by voting NO, it encouraged a situation where a law was reintroduced which allowed parents who assault their children to get away with it. That was all the repeal of Section 59 was ever about.
So I could not put myself on the side of the people who ticked NO because they want the right to beat their children. Never.
Not only is he a determined and talented dancer, he is also a thoroughly charming and intelligent young man with a future full of many possibilities ahead of him. I say that because he has been given a good grounding, with a mother who supported him and believed in him every step of the way. He is as proud of her as she is of him. He reminds me of what is important in this world and that is to ensure that all children no matter their circumstances of birth are given every opportunity to achieve their full potential in life. And what potential he has! I predict his ballet career is only going to be one part of his future and we will be hearing a lot more about him in the years to come.
