Alabama House Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, has proposed a bill that would allow for the death penalty as a possible punishment for those convicted of raping children under the age of 6. Simpson, a former prosecutor, believes that the current maximum sentence of life imprisonment is not severe enough for such heinous crimes. He is hoping to overturn a 2008 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that deemed the death penalty for non-homicidal child rape as cruel and unusual punishment.
Simpson’s bill, House Bill 49, would allow for the death penalty for offenders 18 or older convicted of raping young children, while those under 18 would face life imprisonment. He has garnered support from 11 additional lawmakers, including the House Majority Leader, Rep. Scott Stadthagen. Simpson believes that with more states adopting similar laws, there is a strong case to challenge the 2008 Supreme Court ruling.
While there has been only one instance of Florida or Tennessee implementing their death penalty laws for child rapists, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has shown support for such measures. Simpson argues that there is no rehabilitation for perpetrators of such horrific crimes and believes that the death penalty should be used more frequently in these cases.
Simpson’s bill is expected to face legal challenges if it becomes law, but he is optimistic that the tide is turning in favor of allowing the death penalty for child rapists. With more states considering similar bills, the argument against the 2008 Supreme Court ruling may gain traction.
Source
Photo credit aldailynews.com