MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — Republican lawmakers are circulating a bill that to bring back the death penalty for certain child sexual assault cases.
Wisconsin abolished capital punishment more than 170 years ago, following the 1851 execution of a man by hanging in Kenosha.
State Senator Chris Kapenga and Representative Elija Behnke would allow the death penalty for convictions on assaults against children under 13 but would require DNA evidence to seek execution. They say the harsher penalty could deter what they call the most heinous crimes.
Child advocates warn it could backfire, making victims less likely to come forward out of fear for what might happen to their abuser. With the State Assembly already adjourned for the year, the bill isn’t expected to see action anytime soon.