David Lindfield
Rep.
Nancy Mace (R-SC) has introduced legislation that would authorize the
death penalty as a potential punishment for convicted child predators.
If passed, the bill would allow individuals convicted of sexually abusing children to face execution.
The bill, titled the “Death Penalty for Child Rapists Act,” would
amend federal law to allow capital punishment for aggravated sexual
abuse, sexual abuse of a minor, and abusive sexual contact offenses
against children.
It would also amend the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to authorize the death penalty for the rape of a child.
In a statement, Mace said:
“We have zero mercy for child rapists.
“Those who prey on our most vulnerable deserve the harshest consequences we can deliver.
“No predator should be allowed to walk away from the most unthinkable crimes against children.
“This bill is simple,” she added.
“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.”
In a post on X announcing the legislation, Mace wrote:
“INTRODUCING: The Death Penalty for Child Rapists Act to amend Title
18 to authorize the death penalty for aggravated sexual abuse, sexual
abuse of a minor, and abusive sexual contact offenses against children.
“It will also amend the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to authorize the death penalty for the rape of a child.”
She tied the proposal to broader efforts to pursue accountability in high-profile sex trafficking cases.
“We’ve spent months fighting to expose Jeffrey Epstein’s network of powerful predators,” Mace said.
“We’ve demanded accountability and pushed for transparency.
“Now we’re making sure anyone who rapes a child faces the ultimate consequence.”
Mace has served in Congress since 2021.
She is currently running in South Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial primary.
If enacted, the legislation would mark a significant expansion of federal capital punishment statutes.
It would place child rape among the crimes eligible for the death penalty under federal law.