Background: HB 49 seeks to revise Alabama’s criminal penalties by allowing the death penalty for individuals convicted of sex crimes involving a child. The bill amends existing statutes to classify these offenses as capital crimes, making them punishable by death or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Our Position: We oppose HB 49. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that the death penalty for non-homicide crimes violates the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. Expanding capital punishment in this manner is unconstitutional, inhumane, and ineffective as a deterrent. Further, the death penalty is inherently flawed, disproportionately applied, and risks wrongful executions. Alabama’s criminal justice system already has a deeply troubling record with capital punishment, including sentencing disparities, lack of adequate legal representation, and wrongful convictions. Instead of expanding the death penalty, Alabama should focus on policies that prioritize survivor support, prevention, and rehabilitation efforts.
