Florida passes DeSantis-backed legislation allowing death penalty for child sexual abusers
Florida lawmakers have given their approval to a bill backed by Governor Ron DeSantis that would permit the death penalty for individuals convicted of sexually abusing children under the age of 12.
In a bold move, Florida's bipartisan lawmakers passed legislation late Tuesday by a 34-5 vote that allows juries to impose the death penalty on those found guilty of sexually abusing children.
The new law, which is expected to be signed by Governor DeSantis, also modifies the requirement for jury unanimity in death sentence cases, permitting a minimum 8-4 vote instead. The bill, which had already passed the Florida House of Representatives with a 95-14 vote last week, has garnered massive support in the Sunshine State legislature, CBS reported.
Governor DeSantis expressed his stance on the matter during an appearance on "Good Morning Orlando," stating, "My view is, you have some of these people that will be serial rapists of six, seven-year-old kids. I think the death penalty is the only appropriate punishment when you have situations like that."
Allowing? It should be mandatory. Death penalty is the only deterrent. I do not care what your age, sex or nationality is, if sexually abusing a child or trafficking a child or adult is proved, the death penalty must be enacted.