Framing a repeal referendum mischaracterized the law’s actual effect

Evidence

The non-binding referendum organized by opponents of the repeal: “Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?” 87.4% voted No — on a question whose framing mischaracterized the legislation’s actual effect. No parent was prosecuted for a minor smack in the years following the repeal, confirming that the question’s premise was inaccurate. — , The Rod and the Child, 11394

Categorization

• XREF: Parallels the science-communication pattern where question framing determines apparent public opposition — like the noise-pollution framing debates. — connects to: Evidence-based advocacy fails when the political configuration is unready for it — , The Rod and the Child: A Global History…, 9030; The 87% referendum result voted on a mischaracterized question. — , The Rod and the Child: A Global History…, 10070; Reagan’s election coincided with the passage of two laws he opposed — Richard J. Lazarus, The Making of Environmental Law, 445 (+1 more)

Related

• The 87% referendum result voted on a mischaracterized question. (similarity 0.87)