Gonzales Asks for Stronger Child Sex Crime Laws

By Nicole Moore

U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales today urged states to strengthen penalties for pedophiles and child pornographers.

Airplane trouble prevented Gonzales from attending NCSL's Fall Forum in person, but by videoconference, he said he respects federalism and the uniqueness of the states. But still he sees a need for change in some places.

In two states, it's not a crime to posses child pornography without intent to distribute, he said. In six states, possession can be a misdemeanor. And in 20, there are no mandatory minimum sentences.

"I respectfully ask those states that have not taken action to join the national consensus of setting some meaningful floor in sentencing these criminals," Gonzales said. "There should not be any place in this country where a judge could let a child sex offender go free with nothing more than probation. There should not be any jurisdiction where predators can hide behind weak laws."

He also pledged support from the Department of Justice.

"On our end, the Department of Justice is determined to step up with funding and assistance to equip law enforcement with all the knowledge they need so that they can work their cases," Gonzales said.

The attorney general also said he supports regulations allowed under the new federal Adam Walsh Act that allow civil commitment of certain mentally abnormal sex offenders.

Read the full text of his remarks at the Department of Justice website. Listen to an April NCSL podcast tour of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Chidren (7 minutes, 40 seconds.) View an NCSL table of state laws on electronic solicitation or luring of children.