After over 170 years, two Wisconsin Republican state lawmakers introduce a bill to reinstate the death penalty for anyone convicted of certain sexual assaults against children under 13 years old.
The bill was introduced by state Rep. Elija Behnke, R-Town of Chase, and Sen. Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield. This would allow prosecutors and judges to have the option of the death penalty for people convicted of first-degree sexual assault of a child under 13 years old and causing great bodily harm.
It has been since 1853 when the death penalty was abolished in Wisconsin. It came after a public hanging in Kenosha, and a witness to the execution was elected to what we now know as the state Assembly in 1853. In that same year, the “Death Penalty Repeal Act” was instated.
In a letter from the lawmakers, they state “These are monstrous, vile, and unforgiveable acts, and nothing can undo the devastation created for that child and their family.” Later in the memo, they add, ” The reality is that time in prison doesn’t scare these types of individuals, but this will get their attention.” This Bill comes after a similar law was recently enacted in Alabama.
For the death penalty to apply, DNA evidence will be needed to tie the convict to the crime. And the Department of Corrections needs to set rules in place for an execution. They need an executioner, 12 witnesses, and the method to be used for death.
There will be a lull in the voting process as the State Assembly just had their last meeting a week ago.