In the majority of the United States, incarceration is seen as a time to punish criminals for their offenses while depriving them of freedoms. Some would argue that our prisons should focus more on rehabilitation. But Rep. Paul Ray, R-Clearfield, thinks that for child-sex trafficking crimes, inmates should be made an example of to prevent future crimes.
“You’re not going to rehab these guys. These are monsters,” Ray said. “You know, we can pay to keep them locked up for the rest of their life, or we can send a message.”
According to Ray, child-sex traffickers should “absolutely not” qualify for incarceration based on justice, rehabilitation or public safety. He said the just route is execution, and sending a message to criminals.
“You’ve taken a child – and they may survive it physically – but emotionally and mentally, they’re not going to survive this,” he said. “You’ve taken that child’s life away from him.”
Ray said sex trafficking happens in every country, and every state – including Utah. Until we take a stand and say, “Enough is enough,” he believes sex trafficking will continue to happen.
Ralph Dellapiana of Utahns for Alternatives to the Death Penalty agreed that something needs to be done, but does not support Ray’s proposed legislation.
“I think we can all agree that child sex trafficking is a crime that’s about as serious as you could have – short of killing somebody – and that we ought to do more to try to stop it. But if (Ray) wants to press the issue more, then he should appropriate more money for interdiction,” Dellapiana argued.
Depending on the age of their victims, child-sex traffickers can be imprisoned for anywhere from 10 years to life.
Dellapiana also claimed that the legislation is unconstitutional, citing the 2008 case of Kennedy v. Louisiana, in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the death sentence cannot be punishment for rape of a child. The same ruling stated that execution must be a proportionate punishment – today, it usually only carried out in cases of homicide or treason.
Ray, however, argued that sex trafficking encompasses more than rape. He added that he is prepared to prove the legislation is valid.
Ray’s proposed legislation will be heard at an interim hearing this fall, after which he hopes to present it at the 2016 Legislative Session.