Taiwan’s Central Election Commission rejected a proposal to hold a referendum on legalizing caning as a punishment for serious crimes such as sexual assault and fraud. The commission announced its decision on Thursday, citing concerns that implementing corporal punishment would contravene Taiwan’s commitments to international human rights standards.

The referendum proposal was passed earlier this month by Taiwan’s opposition-controlled legislature, led by the Kuomintang (KMT), which argues that caning could serve as a deterrent for severe offenses. However, the ruling party opposed the measure, and the election commission ultimately ruled against putting the issue on the ballot.

Michael You, chairman of the Central Election Commission, emphasized that Taiwan has already incorporated global human rights obligations into its legal framework. He described caning as a practice that involves the use of public authority to inflict physical pain, which conflicts with established human rights principles.

Hung Meng-kai, the KMT lawmaker who spearheaded the referendum effort, expressed disappointment with the commission’s decision. He asserted that the public should have been allowed to decide the issue through voting and questioned whether rejecting caning serves victims’ interests or instead protects offenders.

The debate over the proposal has highlighted divergent views on criminal justice reform in Taiwan. Supporters of caning argue it could act as a more effective deterrent against violent and financial crimes, while opponents point to human rights concerns and Taiwan’s international obligations as reasons for rejecting corporal punishment.

With the referendum disallowed, the current legal framework in Taiwan, which prohibits corporal punishment, will remain in place. The issue may continue to be a point of contention between Taiwan’s political parties and civil society groups as discussions about crime prevention and punishment evolve.