Florida lawmakers approved two bills this week that would allow for the execution of child rapists.
The Florida House passed HB1297, a bill that allows for the death penalty for rapists of children under the age of 12 without jury unanimity, by a 95-14 vote on late Thursday.
The proposed measure, sponsored by Rep. Jessica Baker, R – Fl., would require the vote of only 8 jurors out of 12 in order to approve capital punishment for people who commit sexual battery on children.
If fewer than eight jurors recommend the death penalty, defendants would be sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.