Courts in Idaho will be able to impose the death penalty on individuals convicted of aggravated lewd conduct with minors aged 12 or younger, with firing squad as the main method of execution.
Governor Brad Little signed into law a bill that will create a new criminal charge punishable by execution.
To seek the death penalty, prosecutors must show at least three of 17 specific aggravating factors. These include multiple incidents of abuse, the use of force, and the transmission of a sexually transmitted disease to the victim.
In cases that do not qualify for the death penalty but involve children up to the age of 16, mandatory prison sentences will apply.
Governor Little said the highest possible punishment should be reserved for those who sexually abuse children.
“Just like capital murder destroys lives, aggravated sexual abuse of a young child devastates victims and families for generations,” the Governor said.
State politicians have praised the legislation, saying existing laws were too weak.
According to State Representative Bruce Skaug, the new law “establishes a strong deterrent, making it clear Idaho will not tolerate these offenses.”
“Idaho currently has some of the most lenient statutes for child molestation and child rape in the nation.”
The new law will go into effect on 1 July.