Hawaii - Next State to Make Sexaul Assault of An Animal Illegal?
““The legislature further finds that the sexual assault of an animal has been significantly linked to the sexual abuse of children, as well as interpersonal violence and other forms of animal cruelty. In addition, sexual abusers of animals have been shown to collect and share child pornography and express interest in other aberrant behavior involving sexual violence and fetish behaviors. “”
Currently, it is legal to sexually assault and abuse animals in the State of Hawaii. On February 17, 2021 the Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported that a new bill outlawing animal sexual abuse is gaining traction in Legislature.
Senate Bill 343 was first introduced in the Senate of Hawaii on January 22, 2021 and it passed the Senate on February 10, 2021. The House did their first reading the next day, February 11, 2021. The House added some amendments to the bill, which the Senate agreed on April 22, 2021. The Final bill was sent for its final reading on April 23, 2021.
The bill was enrolled to the Governor on April 23, 2021.
Section 1 of the bill deals the purpose of bill. Section 2 of the bill defines what the crime of the Sexual assault would be and that if a person commits the act within the State of Hawaii it is a misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class C Felony for a second or subsequent offense. Section 3 of the bill amends Hawaii Revised Statutes 706-606.4 to deal with the action occurring in the presence of a minor.
“ “The legislature additionally finds that establishing the sexual assault of an animal as a separate crime will allow state law enforcement officers to better identify potentially dangerous and violent sexual predators in their communities.””
Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash
Keep checking in to see how the bill is progressing.