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November 28, 2007

Mass. lawmakers consider bill that would ban spanking

BOSTON -- A bill that would prohibit parents from spanking their children is being criticized as unnecessary and unenforceable by many Massachusetts lawmakers.

The measure - being heard today by a legislative committee - defines corporal punishment as "the willful infliction of physical pain or injurious or humiliating treatment." Representative Jay Kaufman of Lexington said he submitted the bill at the request of a local nurse.

Several lawmakers said parents are best able to decide on discipline, and point out that state law already bans the physical abuse or neglect of children.

The state's highest court ruled in 1999 that parents could spank their children, so long as it doesn't cause serious bodily harm.

Some lawmakers question how police could possibly enforce such a ban.

The Legislature has ended formal sessions for 2007, so the earliest the bill could be debated would be next year.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Jack Perry  at 8:20 AM | Permalink

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EMT | November 28, 2007 9:19 AM link

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