On Thursday, a legislative measure prioritized by Alabama’s political leadership, making certain sexual crimes against children under the age of 12 punishable by death, will officially go into effect.
The Child Predator Death Penalty Act, sponsored by State Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne) and State Sen. April Weaver (R-Brierfield), was signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey in February after clearing the legislature.
RELATED: Ivey signs Child Predator Death Penalty Act into law
The new law strengthens Alabama’s criminal penalties for individuals who are convicted of felony sexual crimes against a child. Crimes of first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy and first-degree sexual assault committed against victims under the age of 12 will automatically become capital offenses punishable by death.
Simpson, who is serving out the final months of his remaining time in the Alabama House of Representatives, marked the date on social media, praising the law for bolstering the safety of Alabama’s children.
“Tomorrow, October 1, is a big day for our state,” Simpson wrote. “HB 49, the Child Predator Death Penalty Act, will go into effect. From this point on, if someone takes the innocence of a child under the age of 12, they may be subject to the death penalty in Alabama.”
RELATED: House passes Child Predator Death Penalty Act
Ivey echoed Simpson’s statement, noting that, “In Alabama, we aren’t afraid to enforce the law.”
The bill faced some Democratic pushback through the legislative process, while Republican lawmakers, as well as members of the executive and judiciary, both praised and promoted it.
“Our children deserve to grow up safe, protected, and free from harm,” Attorney General Steve Marshall said at the time. “This legislation provides law enforcement and prosecutors with the tools they need to pursue the ultimate penalty against those who commit the most depraved acts against children.”
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