Proposed Spanking Ban Stirs Controversy

KPBS | By KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published January 23, 2007 at 2:07 PM PST

This story was published more than 17 years ago.

California assemblywoman, Sally Lieber, proposed a bill that would make it illegal for parents to spank their young children. But, would the bill be an invasion of privacy? Well speak with Lieber

Tom Fudge: Surveys show that a substantial majority of Americans were spanked by their parents when they were little. Spanking is a practice that few people are willing to defend. Yet it seems to be widely used. And American society, by and large, views it as the one form of physical punishment that’s acceptable.

Yet, some countries have made spanking a criminal offense - most of them in Europe. And now a California lawmaker wants to do the same in the Golden State. Sally Lieber’s proposed spanking statute has caused quite a stir. Supporters see it as progressive and inevitable. Opponents see it as the heavy hand of the state interfering in private family matters.

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Guests

Sally Lieber , sponsor of the bill and a Democrat assemblywoman for Santa Clara County.
Dr. David Peters, licensed family therapist with a private practice in San Diego.

Proposed Spanking Ban Stirs Controversy

California assemblywoman, Sally Lieber, proposed a bill that would make it illegal for parents to spank their young children. But, would the bill be an invasion of privacy? Well speak with Lieber

California assemblywoman, Sally Lieber, proposed a bill that would make it illegal for parents to spank their young children. But, would the bill be an invasion of privacy? Well speak with Lieber