Christian Post recently published an article alleging that a Mississippi Senate bill could result in life imprisonment for parents that spank their children. I'm currently advocating for a minimum of 2 months for publishing an article that tries to describe a bill without READING THE BILL.
The bill, specifically Senate Bill 2180, criminalizes child abuse and provides penalties for it. It also specifically allows for reasonable discipline as a defense (specifically section c, subsection iii).
This article is a ridiculous act of sensationalism that tries to ignite righteous indignity and outrage amongst Christian parents, but the sad truth is that it's blatantly false.
The bill could do with a definitions section that defines "reasonable discipline," but there's plenty of case law that sets out a definition.
Pastor David Wright, CEO of DOers TV, takes the insanity a step further, turning a well-meaning bill that needs a definition section into a case of "Christians against the government."
"To all Christian parents, believe what God said regarding spanking your child as a form of discipline. And if you do not believe it works, just look at society, and all the parents who leave disciplining their children to the government and ask yourself which one works the best,"
http://www.christianpost.com/news/should-christians-spank-miss-bill-could-mean-life-imprisonment-for-parents-68846/
Yes, Pastor Wright, everyone who spanks their children does so because they are following the word of God and everybody who doesn't is a heathen and neglecting their children, who are undoubtedly uncontrolled hooligans.
Given as how it's Mississippi, I'm gonna guess that most of the state Senate would identify as Christian. They were elected by Mississippi residents, many of whom also identify as Christian. I think that the Christian Post needs to calm down and perhaps talk to their local congressperson about amending the bill. That's a whole lot more productive than writing an incendiary article.
For the text of the bill, follow the link:
http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2012/html/SB/2100-2199/SB2180IN.htm
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