Romney Wants Tough Penalties for Internet Predators

Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, former Governor of Massachusetts, announced today in a press release that he would propose a "One Strike, You're Ours" law for those convicted of preying on children via the Internet. Governor Romney believes that we need new and tougher penalties for first-time offenders who use the Internet to sexually assault children. Penalties mentioned in the press release include stiff mandatory jail time and lifetime tracking by way of a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS).

Massachusetts Republican District Attorneys and Sheriffs have voiced their support for Romney's "One Strike, You're Ours" proposal. These individuals released this statement concerning Romney's defense of children as Governor of Massachusetts and as a potential President of the United States, "As Governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney was a strong defender of children. He led the effort to put photos of the state's most dangerous sex offenders on the Internet and made it easier to extend civil commitments for sex offenders. As a candidate for president, Governor Romney is once-again demonstrating strong leadership in protecting our children. His 'One Strike, You're Ours' law is an important initiative to strengthen law enforcement and protect America's sons and daughters. We are proud to stand alongside Governor Romney in his campaign for our nation's highest office."

Tough penalties like this at a federal level would follow certain states who have also developed strict penalties for those who prey on children. Florida and California, for example, have "Jessica's Law." In Massachusetts, Governor Romney fought to put the photos of the most dangerous sex offenders on the Internet. Additionally, President Bush signed the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act which seeks to strengthen the sex offender registration system nationally. This act also created new federal crimes and enhanced penalties for pre-existing crimes. Governor Romney, however, believes that the federal laws for first-time offenders need to be stronger still.

The Internet is being widely used today by all people, including children. With increased Internet use, there is a threat that computer-aided crimes against children will also increase. The Department of Justice has also recognized the rise of this threat. In February 2006, they launched "Project Safe Childhood." This project is aimed at protecting children as they navigate the Internet.

Romney's focus on strengthening families and protecting children are evident in his presidential campaign. Romney's other goals in this area include enforcing the nation's national obscenity laws, punishing and fining retailers who sell excessively violent and sexually explicit video games to minors, and preventing pornography from reaching children on the Internet.

Sources:

Mitt Romney Press Release, http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/Romney_Agenda_7.30.07

Department of Justice Website, http://www.usdoj.gov/