Aggravated child rape

House passes aggravated child rape bill.

June 5, 2008 - Even in ultra-liberal Massachusetts where there is no mandatory minimum for child rape, the House approved on a 145-3 vote a bill that would create the new crimes of aggravated child rape when a weapon is used, when the victim is drugged or when the perpetrator is in a position of authority such as a teacher, coach or clergy, and impose a mandatory 10-year sentence for first offenses.

It took two years on the part of State Rep. Karyn E. Polito, R-Shrewsbury to get even that concession. During the budget she forced the issue to get a commitment that it would come out of committee so that tougher sentencing for crimes against children would be debated. Democrats rejected her arguments to impose a mandatory minimum 10-year sentence for rape of a child with force.