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Smacking Banned in Spain
Posted by Administrator (admin) on Dec 21 2007
Latest News >> General News

Up until now parents have been allowed to "reasonably and moderately correct" their children, but this clause has been deleted from Spain's civil code to make clear a child's physical and psychological integrity should be respected.

Spain's Socialist government has pushed through this change, and have been accused by the conservative Popular Party opposition of undermining traditional values and the family with policies such as legalising gay marriage and now instructing parents on how they can bring up their own children.

The Popular Party voted against the change, stating that the change would leave parents powerless and unsure of their own parental rights, but Socialists said the law would remove any chance of misunderstanding.

Around 16 European countries have already banned smacking at school and in the home. While in October the British government rejected the banning of corporal punishment at home as long as parents did not leave bruises, grazes or swelling.

Last changed: Dec 21 2007 at 5:22 PM