Rep. Nancy Mace Introduces Bill Seeking Death Penalty for Child Rape Convictions in US

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Summary: Rep. Nancy Mace has introduced the Death Penalty for Child Rapists Act, a bill that would allow the death penalty for individuals convicted of sexually abusing children under federal and military law. It is part of her broader push for accountability in child sexual abuse cases.

U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Mace has introduced legislation that would authorise the death penalty for individuals convicted of raping or sexually assaulting children under federal law.

The proposed bill, titled the Death Penalty for Child Rapists Act, seeks to amend Title 18 of the United States Code to expand capital punishment eligibility to several federal child sexual abuse offenses. It would authorise the death penalty for aggravated sexual abuse of a child, sexual abuse of a minor, and abusive sexual contact against a child.

The legislation would also amend the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to allow capital punishment for the rape of a child under military law.

In a statement announcing the bill, Rep Nancy said the measure reflects a zero-tolerance stance toward crimes against children.

“We have zero mercy for child rapists. Those who prey on our most vulnerable deserve the harshest consequence we can deliver,” she said. “No predator should be allowed to walk away from the most unthinkable crimes against children.”

She also framed the proposal as part of her broader push for accountability in sexual abuse cases, referencing her calls for transparency and justice in matters related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and those associated with him.

“We’ve spent months fighting to expose Jeffrey Epstein’s network of powerful predators. We’ve demanded accountability and pushed for transparency. Now we’re making sure anyone who rapes a child faces the ultimate consequence.” Rep Nancy posted on X

The bill is likely to face strong legal and political opposition. In 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that giving the death penalty for child rape, when the survivor does not die, violates the Constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment, which could make the proposed law difficult to uphold.

The legislation has been introduced in the House and will move through the legislative process for consideration.