In a trend dating back to the 1700's, every industrialized country in the world now prohibits school corporal punishment, except the US, Canada and one state in Australia. South Africa is the most recent to abolish school corporal punishment, doing so in 1996. After a heated debate in the parliament, the bill squeaked by in a 51-50 vote.
Opponents contend that the measure is too intrusive.
There was no immediate word on when the law will take effect or what the penalties will be for violators. Sweden, Norway and Finland have also banned spanking. An amendment to the Majority Act - January 1, l986, in the Danish Act on Parental Custody and Conviviality No. 387, Sec. 2, subsec. Over 40 national organizations in the US favor abolition of corporal punishment. A National Conference to Abolish Corporal Punishment in Schools is held annually in one of these states.