Constitution teaches boys to bash girls

A nation's Constitution lays down guidelines for citizen behaviour.

Children learn these guidelines from parents and carers.

Absent women's legislatures and a jurisdiction at law, Australia's Constitution sends the message that women are second-class citizens.

Fortunately an overwhelming majority of Australians treats the Constitution with the contempt it deserves, albeit that violence against women is intractable and one third of boys believe "it's not a big deal to hit a girl".

20 November, 2008

2mf.net