Family says DCF discriminating because religion OKs spanking

[trotsky]

http://www.wcvb.com/news/family-says-dcf-discriminating-because-religion-oks-spanking/35205044

A couple is suing the Department of Children and Families for denying their application after learning they use corporal punishment on their own children.

Gregory Magazu and Melanie Magazu claim they're being discriminated against because spanking is in line with their religious beliefs.

...

"The Hebrew and Christian scriptures tell us whoever spares the rod hates his son, but whoever loves him is diligent to discipline him," said attorney David Bodanza. "DCF is saying that Christians and Jews need not apply."

The religious right to beat your kids. Wow.

[Glitterati]

1. Oh wait.....beating their OWN kids isn't enough. They want to beat strangers too!

You know, it takes a special kind of person to think smacking around a child is OK, but smacking around a child who has likely been abused in many ways is a very special kind of sick.

[DetlefK]

2. Do the kids have the religious right to be NOT beaten?

Is the DCF exercising its religious right to protect children from corporal punishment?

[LiberalEsto]

3. where is this happening, please? nt

[trotsky]

4. WCVB is a Boston station.

So Massachusetts, I presume.

[Warren Stupidity]

5. The OT says just go ahead and kill your disobedient child.

I think the religious dolts ought to demand that exception too. They are exceptional.

[onager]

6. Now that's not to be taken literally...

Except when it is.

[Goblinmonger]

7. Cue the Google Tsumani in 3...2...1...

Actually, it's been a pretty dry (and awesome) spell in that regard lately.

And with me putting only one person on ignore, Religion has become a much better place overall, too.

[Lordquinton]

8. Well, the Pope endorses it

Just not the face, to preserve their dignity, I believe he said.

[AtheistCrusader]

9. Yeah, dignified beatings only.

Because there's a difference, or something.

[Marrah_G]

10. They will lose

Foster children come from bad and abusive situations. No judge is going to force the state to place a child in a home where they may get hit or see other children being hit.

[struggle4progress]

11. Our Religion Permits Spanking, Aspiring Foster Parents Tell Court

September 10, 2015 1:49 PM

BOSTON (CBS) — The State Supreme Judicial Court heard arguments Thursday about a Fitchburg couple who want to become foster parents but have been turned down by the state Department of Children and Families because of the issue of corporal punishment.

Gregory and Melanie Magazu of Fitchburg contend their Christianity allows them to spank their own kids, but assistant Attorney General Annapurna Balakrishna told the court that foster kids shouldn’t see that.

“There are so many unknowns as to what that child has experienced that it’s not appropriate in a home in which you’re putting a foster child,” Balakrishna said ...

The Magazu’s say they would make good foster parents, at a time when the state could really use them. If they win, they hope it will open the door for other Christian couples to become foster parents – folks who might have been screened out before.

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/09/10/foster-kids-spanking-fitchburg/