NPR's David Molpus reports. The corporal punishment could be in lieu of, or in addition to, a prison term. Supporters say it's a direct outgrowth of the caning last year of American teenager Michael Fay after his conviction on vandalism charges in Singapore. He cites a T.V. show that featured a reporter interviewing American gang members involved in petty crimes. Critics say the legislation is the stuff of a police state.
Black lawmakers take particular offense at the corporal punishment proposal.
None of the 32 black House members voted for it. State Senator John Horn, the former director of State Tourism, says the bill amounts to 'Shooting ourselves in the foot. I think that this is racist legislation. People are not gonna be deterred by this. Supporters deny any racial intent and say steps can be taken to diffuse any racial fallout.