Posted on 06/08/2005 9:02:49 PM PDT by Crackingham
Should parents be allowed to spank their children? Massachusetts lawmakers will be debating that question following the filing of a bill that would ban corporal punishment in the commonwealth. NewsCenter 5's Kelly Tuthill reported that state Rep. James Marzilli, Jr., of Arlington, Mass., is one of the sponsors of the bill, which prohibits everything from spanking to "hot saucing," which involves putting undiluted Tabasco sauce in a child's mouth.
In April, a Plymouth, Mass., father landed on the front page of local papers and behind bars after he used a belt to spank his son Josh, 12.
"He forgot his book. I went upstairs, I got my belt. I came downstairs. I gave him three swats on the rear end, with his pants on, like any concerned parent would do, and scared him, of course, you know. Hopefully I got the point across," Charles Enloe said.
But now, lawmakers are considering making "the willfull infliction of physical pain on children under 18," illegal. The measure would prohibit corporal punishment including whipping, spanking and pinching. Also forbidden would be washing a child's mouth out with soap and administering electric shocks.
The bill comes two weeks after Brookline, Mass., Town Meeting passed a non-binding resolution encouraging parents not to spank. The Supreme Judicial Court addressed the issue after a Woburn, Mass., minister used a belt to spank his 9-year-old son. In 1999, he was cleared when the SJC ruled that parents have a right to spank their children if it does not cause substantial risk of injury.
The bill appears to be unprecedented. Supporters said it's all about preventing abuse, not prosecuting parents.
One more reason to leave MA, even though I don't have kids.
The best thing to do is make the legislature part time, say 1 month a year. Then they couldn't spend all their time writing these stupid laws.
In a related story, the first Spanking Spot Family Center opened today on the NH side of the MA / NH border.
It's already illegal.
American laws are 90% willingness to arrest and press charges. Doesn't really matter what the charges are.
Discipline is love. Children always seek the limits of what they are allowed to do.
If there are no limits, then what kind of chidren would we have? Sadly, I think we know.
I have a child who said.. you can't do that to me or you'll be arrested. For giving a quick swat on the behind with his pants on?
The child was 6.
So don't they understand they are empowering children basically to cry wolf? To avoid punishment?
It's just insane.
No, headed south. 3 months of good weather a year is just not eonough.
The law is set for under 18 years old. Guess Kerry/Kennedy made sure it was not written so it could effect them.
This is part of a long-standing and concerted effort by the radical lefties in an attempt to "de-patriarch" the family.
Teddy and Effin still need a spanking, :-)
Spare the rod, spoil the politician.
What effect will this have when all those with either the ability or inclination to have children have left the state?
Geez. What a freakin' tyrant.
I need to remind my sons not to stop in MA with their children while they are on the way home.
"Spanking Illegals In Massachusetts" and thought to myself, that might actually work!
i almost peed.
I'm a firm believer that parents are in charge, children listen. When I was a boy I was an obnoxious hyperactive child, I got spanked and I deserved it. If my mom had not, I'd probably wind up as a bleeding heart liberal worried about everyone else's feelings, instead of the realities of life in this world - There ARE consequenses and you MUST pay for them. Spanking, when used properly and sparringly, is a very effective way of teaching children consequences.
Massechussetts libs need to start worrying about their own families before going after those who know how to raise their kids.
Have no desire to put up with another 6 month winter. 20 of them is enough. Time for warmer climes so I can be outdoors more. Someplace near the water so I can sail year round instead of 4 months/year. (I sail in the winder, but it's not the same when it's snowing out ;) )
However, if you are really, really unhappy with some one, you can still drive them off the bridge at Chappaquidick, drown them AND THEN liesurely go for help. Generally speaking, this is only for seriously disciplinary issues, not, for example, a messy room or undone homework, but something serious, like an intentional pregnancy.
Left Michigan 20 years ago and never looked back!
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