The Scottish Parliament on Thursday passed the Children Equal Protection from Assault bill, making it the first country in the UK to criminalize physical punishment of children.

This bill removes the defense of reasonable chastisement, which is currently used on occasions when a parent assaults their child. The removal of the defense, however, does not impact the ability of parents to use restraint to protect their children from danger.

The bill passed by a vote of 84 to 29, and will come into force within 12 months of gaining Royal Assent.