U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace this week introduced the "Death Penalty for Child Rapists Act," legislation that would authorize capital punishment for individuals convicted under federal law of aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a minor and abusive sexual contact offenses against children. The bill would also authorize the death penalty for rape of a child under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
“We have zero mercy for child rapists," Rep. Mace said. "Those who prey on our most vulnerable deserve the harshest consequence we can deliver. No predator should be allowed to walk away from the most unthinkable crimes against children. This bill is simple. Rape a child and you don’t get a second chance — you get the death penalty. We will never apologize for protecting America’s children.”
The bill would amend Title 18 of the U.S. Code to authorize capital punishment for the following federal offenses:
- Aggravated sexual abuse of a child (18 U.S.C. § 2241(c))
- Sexual abuse of a minor (18 U.S.C. § 2243(a))
- Abusive sexual contact against a child (18 U.S.C. § 2244)
The legislation would also amend the Uniform Code of Military Justice to authorize the death penalty for rape of a child under Article 120b (10 U.S.C. § 920b).
Bill text is available below
