Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Changes Made in Spanking Bill

A California Assemblywoman has dropped a ban on spanking from a controversial bill. Democrat Sally Lieber made national headlines with the proposal, but now the measure’s had a major make-over. From

Changes Made in Spanking Bill

A California Assemblywoman has dropped a ban on spanking from a controversial bill. Democrat Sally Lieber made national headlines with the proposal, but now the measure’s had a major make-over. From Sacramento, Marianne Russ reports.

The no-spanking bill was ridiculed by talk show hosts nationwide – even Saturday Night Live did a spoof. But Assemblywoman Lieber says that’s not what prompted the change. She says the votes just aren’t there to pass it.

Advertisement

Lieber:  I’m very disappointed. I think it’s a moral failing in out state to have it enshrined in our law that we allow children to be punished to the point of injury.”

Though the bill doesn’t forbid spanking – it does ban the use of certain implements such as a belt, stick, or rod on children under 18. It also bans vigorous shaking of a child under three, and throwing, kicking or burning a child.  Randy Thomasson with the Campaign for Children and Families says the bill still goes too far.

Thomasson: They’re calling my mother an abuser cause she used a stick. This bill is offense to many parents who know they have to show a child both soft love and tough love when necessary.

The bill also allows judges to require violators to take parenting courses.  In Sacramento, I’m Marianne Russ.

Red or blue? The County Supervisor District 1 Special Election could shift the balance of power. Get live returns, plus the latest news and analysis.