Representative Tim Burchett has drawn attention by calling for the application of hanging as a punishment for all individuals who commit crimes of child abuse.
The statement was posted on social media and quickly attracted mixed reactions. Mr. Burchett did not provide details on a specific legislative proposal but emphasized a hardline stance against crimes involving minors.
In the U.S., the death penalty is currently applied in several states for particularly serious crimes such as murder. However, the U.S. Supreme Court previously ruled that the death penalty is unconstitutional for child abuse crimes if the victim did not die.
Mr. Burchett's remarks sparked a debate over the appropriate level of punishment for sexual crimes targeting children, balancing the demand for severe penalties against existing legal limits.
There is currently no information on whether this proposal will be introduced as a formal bill in Congress.
