California Lawmakers Propose No spanking Law (A no spanking law for children under the age of three)

[Kadie]

Jan 18, 2007 7:30 pm US/Pacific

California Lawmakers Propose No spanking Law

If Passed Adults Will Face Charges For Hitting Kids Under 3

(CBS13) A no spanking law for children under the age of three is being debated by California lawmakers. If passed, anyone caught spanking a child under three will be charged with a misdemeanor and fined up to $1,000.

Some parents say although they agree with the idea, they are worried about privacy issues.

The proposed law is still being written and lawmakers are still debating how it will be enforced because many times spanking happens at home.

http://cbs13.com/topstories/local_story_018223053.html




Spanking-new bill aims to ban paddling children 3 or younger
If it becomes law, California would become the first state to make a swat on the behind a misdemeanor

By Mike Zapler, MEDIANEWS SACRAMENTO BUREAU
Article Last Updated: 01/18/2007 02:35:24 AM PST


SACRAMENTO — The state Legislature is about to weigh in on a question that stirs impassioned debate among moms and dads: Should parents spank their children?

Assemblywoman Sally Lieber, D-Mountain View, wants to outlaw spanking children younger than 3 years old. If she succeeds, California would become the first state in the nation to explicitly ban parents from smacking their kids.

Making a swat on the behind a misdemeanor might seem a bit much for some — and the chances of the idea becoming law appear slim, at best — but Lieber begs to differ.

"I think it's pretty hard to argue you need to beat a child 3 years old or younger," Lieber said. "Is it OK to whip a 1-year-old or a 6-month-old or a newborn?"

The bill, which is still being drafted, will be written broadly, she added, prohibiting "any striking of a child, any corporal punishment, smacking, hitting, punching, any of that." Lieber said it would be a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail or a fine up to $1,000, although a legal expert advising her on the proposal said first-time offenders likely only would have to attend parenting classes. The idea is encountering skepticism even before it's been formally introduced. Beyond the debate among child psychologists — many of whom believe limited spanking can be effective — the bill is sure to face questions over how practical it is to enforce and opposition from some legislators who generally oppose what they consider "nanny government."

more...
http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_5036343?source=rss

[moc]

1. Oh, this should be fun.

:popcorn:

[tularetom]

2. but Dr. Dobson says you gotta beat the crap out of your kids

so they will understand that you are a man and in charge otherwise they will become homaseckshuls. 'Course he also says you have to shower with your son and show him your penis. Oh yeah and you have to beat the crap out of your dog too.

Although I don't advocate spanking a child under most circumstances, I have a major problem with the privacy and enforcability aspects of this law. It will lead to a lot of nosey neighbors making dubious reports of abuse, cost bazillions of dollars to investigate, prosecute and imprison violators. And the whole question of whether spanking is abuse is still unanswered. They must have more urgent things to spend their time on like health care, education, or impeaching the prezdunce (state legislatures can initiate that as I understand it).

[aquart]

3. They might wanna check back with their constituents.

[Canadian_NewDemocrat]

4. uh

honestly, I dont see spanking as a really bad thing...I was spanked, it was mild and disceplinary, never abusive. Works better than a 'time-out' or whatever modern-day crap they have...