• Nancy Mace has introduced the Death Penalty for Child Rapists Act, a bill seeking to expand federal death penalty eligibility for certain child sexual abuse crimes
• The bill also seeks to permit the death penalty for the rape of a child within the military justice system
• Mace described the measure as a tough-on-crime response aimed at imposing the “harshest consequence” on offenders convicted of serious crimes against children

A Republican lawmaker in the United States has introduced new legislation seeking to expand the use of capital punishment to individuals convicted of certain child sexual abuse offences under federal law.

Nancy Mace, who represents South Carolina, unveiled the proposed Death Penalty for Child Rapists Act, a bill that would authorise the death penalty for those convicted of aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a minor, and abusive sexual contact involving children under federal statutes. 

The legislation would also extend capital punishment to cases involving the rape of a child under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Announcing the bill, Mace said the measure is designed to impose the “toughest possible penalties” on individuals found guilty 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,” she said. 

“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 apologise for protecting America’s children.”

What the bill proposes

The proposed legislation would amend Title 18 of the United States Code to allow capital punishment for specific federal offences, including:

• Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child (18 U.S.C. § 2241(c))
• Sexual Abuse of a Minor (18 U.S.C. § 2243(a))
• Abusive Sexual Contact Against a Child (18 U.S.C. § 2244)

In addition, the bill seeks to amend Article 120b of the UCMJ (10 U.S.C. § 920b) to authorise the death penalty for rape of a child within the military justice system.

The legislation follows Mace’s continued calls for stronger accountability in high-profile child abuse and trafficking cases. She has previously demanded full transparency and justice for victims linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as well as for individuals alleged to have conspired or collaborated with him.

Mace has positioned herself alongside survivors, advocating for consequences she argues should reflect the severity of crimes committed against children.

If passed, the bill would mark a significant expansion of federal death penalty eligibility and is likely to spark intense debate in Congress over constitutional, legal, and ethical considerations surrounding capital punishment in cases involving child sexual abuse.