The MarylandLegislature should ban corporal punishment entirely. It's already banned in Maryland schools, in child care, foster care, and institutions for children. Twenty-five countries ban corporal punishment of children by anyone in any setting, including homes. It has been banned because corporal punishment is the leading cause of child abuse and children should have the same right as all adults to be free from physical harm.
It would be unlikely that a bill calling for a complete ban on corporal punishment of children would be introduced in the U.S....in any state. It is likely that there will be opponents who will say that even this measure banning harsh punishments is too much too soon and parents will not be able to change their behavior.
Maryland SB 689 is a start. It's time to put some starch into laws protecting children in Maryland.