THE Scottish Parliament today passed the first law in Britain making it a criminal offence for parents to smack their children.

The Children (Equal Protection From Assault) Bill, proposed by Green MSP John Finnie, passed by 84 votes to 29 today and won support from all parties except the Conservatives.

Proposing the Bill Mr Finnie cited “irrefutable” academic research and evidence from countries which have implemented similar legislation.

“For decades now we’ve become increasingly aware of the long-term effects of physical punishment on children,” Mr Finnie said.

“My Bill aims to bring Scotland into line with what appears to be becoming international standard.”

Speaking on behalf of the Scottish government, children’s minister Maree Todd praised the Bill for bringing “much-needed clarity” to parents, children and services and asked MSPs: “Why wouldn’t we want this for our children?”

Liberal Democrat Alex Cole-Hamilton described it as “a proud and emotional day.”

He said: “Today … Scotland joins a family of more enlightened nations.”

The Bill has received overwhelming support from Scotland’s third sector but has been opposed by single-issue campaign Be Reasonable, which characterised it as an attempt by the state to intervene in family life.

It was opposed in the chamber by Conservatives including Oliver Mundell who called it “imprecise” and Liz Smith who said the Bill had “so many faults that it is not acceptable.”

The Bill removes the parental defence of “reasonable punishment” which is in place in the rest of Britain.

A Bill currently going through the Welsh Assembly aims to introduce a similar outright ban.