LONDON, July 6, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The British House of Lords has rejected a move to criminalize spanking but in doing so has voted to insert wording that could make the use of physical punishment effectively prohibited. As LifeSiteNews.com reported last week, a consortium of lobbyists have been pressuring the British government to make any spanking or use of physical discipline a criminal offence. Last night the Lords voted 250 to 75 not to go so far. However they also voted 226 to 91 to pass a compromise to allow moderate spanking, “mild smacks” that do not leave a red mark, break the skin or bruise.
The provision also makes it easier to prosecute parents who physically or mentally abuse their children by spanking. However, such ambiguous language as “mental or physical abuse” can be open to interpretation by activist courts.
Prime Minister Tony Blair commented on BBC radio that he felt parents needed to be able to spank “really naughty” children. The Prime Minister said he was ill at ease with interfering in private family affairs. Blair said, “A dose of common sense is what you need in any of these arguments.”
The move to supplant the rights of parents to discipline their children and to follow traditional parenting practices has made great inroads in Europe, especially in Scandinavia where it is illegal to use any physical discipline on children at all.
The amendment must be approved by Britain’s House of Commons before becoming law.
Washington Times coverage: http://www.washtimes.com/world/20040706-124258-8416r.htm Previous LifeSiteNews.com coverage: http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2004/jun/04063006.html ph