Nancy Mace has introduced the Death Penalty for Child Rapists Act, a bill that would authorise capital punishment for individuals convicted under federal law of aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a minor, and abusive sexual contact offenses against children, as well as the rape of a child under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Mace, a Republican representing South Carolina, said the legislation is aimed at imposing the toughest possible penalties on those convicted of serious crimes against children.
“We have zero mercy for child rapists. Those who prey on our most vulnerable deserve the harshest consequence we can deliver,” said Congresswoman Mace.
“No predator should be allowed to walk away from the most unthinkable crimes against children. This bill is simple. Rape a child and you don’t get a second chance, you get the death penalty. We will never apologize for protecting America’s children.”
The proposed law would amend Title 18 of the United States Code to permit capital punishment for specific federal offenses. These include Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child (18 U.S.C. § 2241(c)), Sexual Abuse of a Minor (18 U.S.C. § 2243(a)), and Abusive Sexual Contact Against a Child (18 U.S.C. § 2244).
The legislation also follows Mace’s continued calls for accountability in high-profile abuse cases, including her demands for transparency and justice for victims linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and individuals who may have conspired or collaborated with him.
Mace has previously aligned herself with survivors seeking answers and consequences that reflect what she describes as the severity of crimes committed against children.
