France, along with Ireland and the UK, is among the few European countries to have not completely banned smacking, and was severely criticised after the British charity Approach. The organisation’s claim that French law violates part of the European Social Charter was upheld.
While the Council of Europe’s ruling is not legally binding, it is expected to once again trigger debate about la fessée, as spanking is known in French.
But the government is not willing to budge, with Family Minister Laurence Rossignol stating French parents have the right to discipline their children.
"We don't need a law, but we do need to collectively consider the usefulness of corporal punishment in bringing up children," she said.
“The evolution of a society and its social developments are not suddenly brought about by a change in law,” Ms Rossignol added.
France’s smack down struck a chord with George Hook, who discussed the matter on Wednesday's Right Hook.
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