AP
Sunday, January 21, 2007
California parents could face jail and a fine for spanking their
young children under legislation a state lawmaker has promised
to introduce next week.
Democratic Assemblywoman Sally Lieber said such a law is needed
because spanking victimizes helpless children and breeds violence
in society.
"I think it's pretty hard to argue you need to beat a child,"
Lieber said. "Is it OK to whip a 1-year-old or a 6-month-old
or a newborn?"
Lieber said her proposal would make spanking, hitting and slapping
a child under 4 years old a misdemeanor. Adults could face up
to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Aides to the assemblywoman said they are still working on a definition
for spanking.
Some Republican lawmakers called the idea ridiculous. But Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger said he may be receptive to it even though he has
concerns about how the ban would be enforced.
The governor said he and his wife, Maria Shriver, did not spank
their four children and used alternative methods for discipline.
For example, Schwarzenegger said they found it more effective
to threaten to take away their children's play time if they didn't
do school work.
"They hate that much more than getting spanked," he
told reporters Friday in Los Angeles.
California law permits spanking by parents unless the degree
of force is excessive or not appropriate for the child's age.
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