BROOKLINE, Mass. (AP) – Parents in this town who want to discipline their children are being asked not to spank, please.

Voters at the town meeting this week narrowly passed a non-binding resolution which encourages parents or caregivers not to use corporal punishment.

The resolution, which passed 89-80 on Thursday, defines corporal punishment as “intentional infliction of physical pain for the purpose of punishment.”

It was the third time the issue was presented at the town meeting.

The resolution’s sponsor, Ron Goldman, said he was relieved and surprised that it passed.

“I hope this contributes to raising awareness. That was the intention,” said Goldman, who has no children.

Ronny Sydney, a member of Town Meeting advisory committee, argued against taking a vote on the resolution.

“There is no crisis going on right now … in regard to corporal punishment,” he said. “I don’t think this is an issue that is very current or a problem in the town of Brookline.”

Goldman said that any instance of corporal punishment justified action.

“I’m not saying this happens every day, but if it happens once, it’s once too many,” he said.

AP-ES-05-28-05 1518EDT