New Zealand was shocked yesterday to learn of the death of a two year old toddler in a drive by shooting in Whanganui. It is believed that it was Mongrel Mob members shooting at a patched Black power member. On the news tonight, Michael Laws was quoted as saying that gang members should be treated as terrorists and they should not have the privileges available to law abiding members of society such as owning assets, getting benefits, which could be seen as a good idea.

However its also very simplistic and in all reality would likely not work. By removing a parents benefit, because they or their partner are gang members or associates, ignores whether that couple have children. If they have children, by not allowing a parent to receive a benefit or other welfare help based on whether they are gang members is contrary to the United Nations contention on the rights of the child, particularly in contradiction to section 2 & 3, which states that a crown authority may not discriminate against a child based on the status of their parent.

The government are insisting on pushing the anti smacking bill, I wonder if they will really try and push this one?

Labels: Black Power, Micheal Laws, Mongrel Mob, Whanganui