The Tennessee Senate has passed a bill that would allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty for those convicted of child rape.
Senate Bill 1834 “As introduced, authorizes the death penalty as a punishment for rape of a child, aggravated rape of a child, or especially aggravated rape of a child.”
As it was being debated, the bill was amended to change the sentencing requirements for juvenile offenders to 25 to 40 years in prison.
Opponents of the bill fear it may lead to less reporting by rape victims, especially if they are assaulted by a family member. They also say it is unconstitutional and note that in 2008 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the death penalty was unconstitutional for a man convicted of raping his 8 year-old stepdaughter in Louisiana.
The state House must present its version of the bill before it heads to the Governor’s desk.