Taiwan's Legislative Yuan has passed a measure to put "writing caning into law" to a referendum — good news for members of the public who support harsh punishments, though opponents worry about human rights concerns.

• The caning referendum proposed by the Kuomintang narrowly passed the Legislature by 52 votes to 51, and will be held alongside the general election on 28 November.
• Supporters argue that caning would give judges an additional sentencing option, citing Singapore's good public order as an example.
• They contend that serious crimes such as sexual assault, child abuse, severe domestic violence, malicious fraud, drug trafficking, and drug-driving that causes accidents should all be subject to caning.
• In Singapore, an individual can be sentenced to a maximum of 24 strokes, carried out in separate sessions — resuming only once the offender has recovered their strength — using prolonged suffering to achieve a deterrent effect.
• Supporters say they hope this will offer some small comfort for the pain felt by victims and their families.

Outlook: This referendum will be put to a nationwide vote on 28 November, and whether it will pass remains uncertain.