Idaho becomes first state to legalize firing squads for convicted pedophiles

Idaho Governor Brad Little has signed into law a bill that will allow courts to impose the death penalty on individuals convicted of aggravated lewd conduct with children aged 12 and younger. The legislation, which creates a new criminal charge, will go into effect on July 1.

The law establishes that aggravated lewd conduct with children under 12 is punishable by execution. In cases that do not meet the death penalty criteria but involve victims up to age 16, mandatory prison sentences will apply.

To seek the death penalty, prosecutors must prove at least three of 17 specific factors, such as multiple incidents of abuse, the use of force, or transmission of a sexually transmitted disease to the child.

State Representative Bruce Skaug said the legislation, “establishes a strong deterrent, making it clear Idaho will not tolerate these offenses.” The law aligns with other states that have also implemented stricter penalties for child sex crimes.

"Idaho currently has some of the most lenient statutes for child molestation and child rape in the nation," Skaug explained. 

Governor Little echoed those sentiments, saying that sexual abuse of children deserves the highest punishment. He added in a statement that Idaho will be the only state to make death by firing squad the primary method of execution, which would apply to pedophiles.

"Just like capital murder destroys lives, aggravated sexual abuse of a young child devastates victims and families for generations,” Little said.

The legislation received overwhelming support in the Idaho Senate before arriving on the governor’s desk. It also gained the backing of Attorney General Raúl Labrador, who told KTVB, "Idaho's children and future generations deserve that measure of protection.”