It just got tougher to keep the FNG in line

Calif. Lawmaker Seeks Ban on Spanking

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California parents could face jail and a fine for spanking their young children under legislation a state lawmaker has promised to introduce next week.

Assembly woman Sally Lieber, D-Mountain View, has announced she will introduce, next week, a measure to ban parents from spanking their children in Califonia saying a law is needed because spanking victimizes helpless children and breeds violence in society.

"I think it's pretty hard to argue you need to beat a child," Lieber said. "Is it OK to whip a 1-year-old or a 6-month-old or a newborn?"

Lieber said her proposal would make spanking, hitting and slapping a child under 4 years old a misdemeanor. Adults could face up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Aides to the assemblywoman said they are still working on a definition for spanking.