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CV NEWS FEED // Idaho has become the first state to authorize death by firing squad for convicted pedophiles, following Republican Gov. Brad Little’s approval of a new law targeting the most violent forms of child sexual abuse.
The law, which takes effect July 1, introduces a new criminal charge: aggravated lewd conduct with a child under the age of 12, now punishable by death, The Post Millennial reported. Prosecutors seeking the death penalty must demonstrate at least three of 17 aggravating factors. Examples include repeated abuse, use of force, and transmission of sexually transmitted infections to the victim.
“Just like capital murder destroys lives, aggravated sexual abuse of a young child devastates victims and families for generations,” Little said.
“The sexual abuse of children is sickening and evil, and perpetrators convicted of these crimes deserve the ultimate punishment,” the governor added.
State Rep. Bruce Skaug, a Republican who sponsored the legislation, described the new law as a necessary corrective.
“Idaho currently has some of the most lenient statutes for child molestation and child rape in the nation,” he said, according to The Post Milennial. The bill, he added, “establishes a strong deterrent, making it clear Idaho will not tolerate these offenses.”
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador also praised the law, saying, “Idaho’s children and future generations deserve that measure of protection.”
