Liberals' promise to repeal so-called spanking law fuels debate

The Canadian government has signalled it may change federal rules surrounding spanking as punishment, and while many online users support the idea of banning it, others say the government should take a "hands-off" approach to how parents discipline their children.

Government has promised to adopt all Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations

CBC News Posted: Dec 22, 2015 12:40 PM EST | Last Updated: December 22, 2015

Spanking remains a divisive issue among parents. News the Liberal government plans to repeal Canada's 'spanking law' has sparked renewed debate online. (CBC)

The Canadian government has signalledit maychange federal rules surroundingspanking as a punishmentand while many online users support the idea of banning it, others say the government should take a "hands-off" approach to how parents discipline their children.

Section 43 of the Criminal Code of Canada currently allows parents and school teachers to discipline children in their care using "reasonable" force. The so-called spanking lawwas upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada in 2004.

The federal Liberals wouldrepealthe law as part of theirpledge to meet all the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which calls this corporal punishment a"relic of a discredited past" that"has no place in Canadian schools or homes."

The call to repeal the section was the No. 6 recommendation of the TRC's 94 "calls to action."

Spanking remainsdivisive issue

While many argue spanking is a form of child abuse, others believe it's a harmless but effective disciplinary method.

Canadians are divided.

It's illegal to hit your spouse - why not your kids too? Liberal govt commits to repealing so-called #spanking law https://t.co/TCHLw529Xx
—@RobertJensen2

So yeah, for me the Trudeau repeal of the Canadian spanking law is a non issue. It was past time for this to change in the 1970s. It's 2015.
—@kiwinerd

I'm happy it looks like Canada will be criminalizing the assault of children. Spanking must go: https://t.co/sj5HAZEuhh #cdnpoli #spanking
—@sarahsahagian

#AboutTime: #LPC to stop protecting parents & teachers who spank & physically abuse children. #cdnpoli https://t.co/6CQEyTuKPk
—@dankellar

I'm glad to see the "Spanking" law will be repealed. A "spank" animated by anger carries more force than parents intend.
—@mywindyroom

Others say a spanking can help teach kids.

Okay, so no spanking law, so long as parents actually discipline their children for bad behaviour, must teach manners, respect, empathy.
—@madinuk

Smh.. Nanny state much?? https://t.co/KuywxNppAH
—@EVJewelz

@JustinTrudeau n discipline.u can't hold parents hostage with a law.spanking with open hand on bum wont damage kid but not doing it can.
—@missk_oz

Wonderful. Now you'll have more spoiled & self-entitled brats running around Liberals agree to revoke #spanking law https://t.co/lNaet9iLfr
—@RmystiQue78

And someare just learning Canadahasa spanking law.

You mean it's currently still legal for teachers to spank kids in Canada? https://t.co/4xUgt8apMT via @torontostar
—@ArwenLong

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Liberals' promise to repeal so-called spanking law fuels debate

Government has promised to adopt all Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations

Spanking remainsdivisive issue

Others say a spanking can help teach kids.

And someare just learning Canadahasa spanking law.

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