Bill advances to enact death penalty for child rape: ‘We should be eager to arrange that meeting’

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – The Florida House passed a bill by a vote of 95-14 on Thursday that would allow for the execution of child rapists.

It establishes that perpetrating sexual battery against a child under 12 years of age would be considered a capital offense, potentially punishable by the death penalty.

The bill, HB 1297, would not require a unanimous jury in order to impose a death sentence after being convicted. 

The proposed legislation allows for defendants to be sentenced to death if at least eight out of 12 jurors recommend it. However, judges have the option to instead impose a sentence of life in prison. 

If less than eight jurors suggest the death penalty, then the defendant will receive a life sentence.

Presently, for murder cases, a jury must vote to unanimously recommend the death penalty before a judge can impose it. 

However, legislators are considering altering this requirement to allow death sentences based on the recommendations of at least eight out of 12 jurors. The Senate has already approved this change.

Bill sponsor, Rep. Jessica Baker, R-Jacksonville, delivered impassioned remarks whilst closing on her bill.

“There is no earthly redemption for somebody wo rapes a small child, only God can save them,” Baker said. “And in Florida we should be eager to arrange that meeting.”