Thursday, April 27, 2006
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Statement from Gov. Matt Blunt on Need for Tough Mandatory Sentences for Sex Offenders
“We must make every effort to protect Missouri’s children from sexual predators, including enacting tough mandatory sentences for those who prey on young victims. There is no such thing as too harsh a penalty for these predatory criminals.
“Members of the General Assembly are considering a law that will mandate a lifetime sentence with a minimum of 25 years served for forcible rape or forcible sodomy when the victim is under the age of 12. The proposed minimum sentence for these heinous crimes still pales in comparison to the lifetime of pain and recovery that almost all young abuse victims face. More than nine months ago I called for these important changes, now I encourage members of the General Assembly to join me in recognizing the importance of protecting our children by sending this law to my desk with an emergency clause as quickly as possible.”
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