Tougher Criminal Penalties to Protect Children Should Be Number One Priority for Next Alabama Legislative Session

Tougher Criminal Penalties to Protect Children Should Be Number One Priority for Next Alabama Legislative Session

The recent arrest of eight suspects in the sexual abuse and human trafficking of 10 minors in Bibb County shocked the state. Then there was the arrest of three women for the sexual violence of a child in Limestone County. Finally, the tragic story of a 3-year-old who was left in a hot car by a contract worker for the Alabama Department of Human Resources in Jefferson County added to a horrific month in our state.

Law enforcement is still conducting their investigations to ensure that all leads are followed to nab every culprit. And prosecutors will do their job to ensure those who committed these atrocious acts are punished to the fullest event of the law. As for the Alabama Department of Human Resources, there has to be a complete understanding of what could lead to the terrible incident and accountability for the death of the child.

And while the process plays out, Alabama leaders must immediately make plans to take steps on what further needs to be done to protect children in the state. There should be zero tolerance for the actions that we have seen taken. Ll stakeholders should leave no stone unturned on what has occurred that lead to these incidents.

Thank goodness Alabama’s horror at the allegations of child abuse and human trafficking out of Bibb County has resonated not only with the public but elected officials as well. The victims' abuse was so terrible to the point that now two Alabama legislators are proposing legislation that will allow prosectors to be given the authority to seek the ultimate punishment for such crimes.

Alabama State Senator April Weaver and Representative Matt Simpson plan on filing legislation that would allow for the death penalty for those convicted of the rape or sodomy of a child under the age of 12. Last year, the same bill passed the Alabama House of Representatives on an 86-5 vote but never got a vote in the Senate. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that a child rapist cannot be sentenced to death as it is unconstitutional. However, five other states have recently passed such legislation. You can count on this bill becoming law in Alabama, but in the meantime the Alabama Criminal Justice System has to move forward for the victims.

Public Safety should be the first priority of state and local governments. And protecting innocent children the most important role of all.

Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives and Chair of the House Judiciary Committee. He can be found on X, formerly Twitter at @Paul_DeMarco.

Opinion columns in the Alabama Gazette are the views of the writer alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Alabama Gazette staff or publishers.