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.
Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts