Idaho: Death Penalty Bill for Sex Offenders with Underage Victims Passes House
OAN’s Sophia Flores
3:55 PM – Thursday, February 15, 2024
Idaho House legislators recently approved a bill that proposed enforcing the death penalty to convicted sex offenders whose victims were under 12-years-old.
In House Bill 515, it allows the death penalty in cases of lewd conduct with a minor child under 12. It was passed on Tuesday with 57 ayes and 11 nays. Two lawmakers were not present for the vote.
Co-sponsor of the bill, Representative Bruce Skaug (R-Idaho), clarified to House lawmakers that the bill would only be used in extreme cases, such as for repeat offenders.
“There is a deep, dark, dark side in our culture. And it’s our job to protect the children. There are times when things are so wicked that retribution is appropriate,” Skaug asserted.
“The victims forever live in fear of the release of their perpetrators, and many of these perpetrators are repeat criminals of this type of crime. I believe this is worth the fight,” he continued.
However, Rebecca De León, a progressive spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho, referred to the bill as “blatantly and admittedly unconstitutional.”
“House Bill 515 and any iterations of (it) have already been litigated in our country’s highest court, and found to be unconstitutional. Our lawmakers should exercise a healthy respect for laws, law enforcement, and judicial review. This bill spits on the checks and balances our country was founded on,” De León said.
Prior to the bill passing, the Gem State only allowed the death penalty in first-degree murder cases.
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What evidence exists to support the claim that the death penalty acts as a deterrent for criminals, particularly sex offenders?
Been repeatedly rejected by the Idaho Legislature for years because it’s a non-starter and plainly unconstitutional,” De León stated.
“The death penalty is not a deterrent, it does not reduce crime, and the application of it disproportionately impacts marginalized and minority communities,” she added.
De León also highlighted that there is no evidence to support the claim that the death penalty would serve as a deterrent for sex offenders. Instead, she argued that the focus should be on prevention, rehabilitation, and providing support for victims.
Despite the opposition, supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to ensure justice for the young victims and to protect potential future victims. They believe that the death penalty serves as the ultimate punishment for heinous crimes and will act as a deterrent for potential offenders.
This debate raises important questions about the effectiveness and ethics of the death penalty as a means of justice. Proponents argue that it provides closure and justice for victims and their families, while opponents claim that it perpetuates violence and fails to address the root causes of crime.
In recent years, there has been a growing debate about the use of the death penalty in various states across the United States. Many states have abolished the death penalty altogether, while others have imposed moratoriums or placed restrictions on its use.
Research has shown that there is no conclusive evidence to support the argument that the death penalty deters crime. In fact, studies have indicated that its use may actually result in an increase in homicides.
Additionally, there are concerns about the fairness of its application, as the death penalty disproportionately affects marginalized communities and people of color. There have been numerous cases of wrongful convictions and executions, highlighting the flaws and potential for irreversible mistakes in the justice system.
Moreover, opponents argue that the focus should be on prevention and rehabilitation rather than punishment. They believe that investing in measures such as education, counseling, and support services for victims can contribute to a safer society and the prevention of future crimes.
In conclusion, the approval of the bill proposing the death penalty for convicted sex offenders in Idaho has sparked a debate on the effectiveness, fairness, and ethics of capital punishment. While supporters argue that it serves as a just punishment and deterrent, opponents emphasize its potential for abuse, lack of deterrence, and disproportional impact on marginalized communities. The debate highlights the need for further examination of alternative approaches to justice and the prevention of crimes against minors.
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