Oklahoma allows execution of repeat child molesters
Friday, June 9, 2006 Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry signed SB 1800 that allows the death penalty or life without parole for those convicted of sexually abusing a child under the age of 14. Additionally, the bill also establishes a Child Abuse Response Team within the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Oklahoma has now joined Florida, Louisiana, Montana, and South Carolina to have similar measures for repeat child molestation.
Gumm, a sponsor of SB 1800, said that ensuring the safety of children is the government's greatest moral obligation. Gumm also asked "We allow the death penalty for someone who has killed a body. Why would we allow someone to escape who has killed a soul?"
One Senator argued against the bill suggesting "the healing power of forgiveness" is more important than that of the death penalty.
Sources
- SB 1800 Text of the bill
- Joshua Pantesco. "Oklahoma becomes fifth state to allow executions of repeat child molesters" — JURIST, June 09, 2006
- "Oklahoma Senate "Week in Review" for February 6-9, 2006" — Oklahoma State Senate, February 9, 2006
- "Death penalty for repeat child molesters clears Okla. legislature" — The Herald Democrat, June 1, 2006
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