The discussion we have to have
Catherine Deveny; 11/6/08
This is not going to be an easy column to read… I’m against capital punishment. But, like most people, as far as child sexual abuse is concerned my gut instinct is kill the bastard. It’s not pretty, but it’s true. We agree that it’s an abuse of human rights to take the life of another person. But the selfish and destructive act of child sexual abuse is so evil on so many levels that many feel it transcends this basic human right and the abuser forfeits the right to live, even if it is a life behind bars supported by our taxes.Deep down, I suspect most of us believe child sexual abuse is an act of spiritual theft on such a grand scale that it deserves the ultimate punishment. But the law is the law and in a civilised society you don’t just go around killing people. When adults justify fulfilling their sexual desires above the most basic ethics and morals, duty of care, respect for another human being and the sanctity of childhood, rage and revenge can overwhelm our core beliefs.
See: http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/the-discussion-we-have-to-have-20080610-2ohs.html