Brits won't outlaw spanking
2004-07-05 20:24
London - British lawmakers on Monday voted against imposing an outright ban on parents spanking their children.
Following a three-hour debate in the House of Lords, peers rejected a measure that would have banned smacking by 250 votes to 75.
They were due to vote on a second amendment allowing mild smacking, but making it easier to prosecute parents if a child is harmed physically or mentally.
Britain is out of step on the issue with several European countries, including Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Austria, where all physical punishment of children is illegal.
- AP