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A controversial child abuse law has recently taken effect in Delaware, sparking concern among pro-family groups that argue that the new law is an overreaching government attempt to control parenting methods, especially corporal punishment.
The law, signed and put into effect by Gov. Jack Markell in late September, defines child abuse as anything which causes the child pain.
"'Abuse' means causing any physical injury to a child... 'physical injury' to a child shall mean any impairment of physical condition or pain," the law states.
Criminal penalties for breaking the law include one to two years in prison, depending on the circumstances of each situation and the age of the child.
As The New American describes it, many critics of the law argue that it is "another example of well-intentioned government overreach."
The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), an advocacy group dedicated to defending the constitutional rights of parents, released a statement rejecting the new law, saying that it makes Delaware "the first state in the nation to effectively outlaw corporal discipline of children by their parents."
Pro-Family Groups Fear Del. Child Abuse Law Criminalizes Spanking
The law, signed and put into effect by Gov. Jack Markell in late September, defines child abuse as anything which causes the child pain.
"'Abuse' means causing any physical injury to a child... 'physical injury' to a child shall mean any impairment of physical condition or pain," the law states.
Criminal penalties for breaking the law include one to two years in prison, depending on the circumstances of each situation and the age of the child.
As The New American describes it, many critics of the law argue that it is "another example of well-intentioned government overreach."
The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), an advocacy group dedicated to defending the constitutional rights of parents, released a statement rejecting the new law, saying that it makes Delaware "the first state in the nation to effectively outlaw corporal discipline of children by their parents."
Pro-Family Groups Fear Del. Child Abuse Law Criminalizes Spanking