Mounting criticism over Brock Turner’s lenient six-month sentencing has officially made its way to Congress.
GOP congressman on Brock Turner: his punishment should be longer than a college semester
On Thursday, Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) took to the House floor, calling out Judge Aaron Persky’s sentence for Turner’s three convictions for sexual assault. Persky said a long prison sentence would have a “severe impact” on Turner’s life.
Poe’s response: “Well, isn’t that the point?”
“Mr. Speaker,” Poe continued, “The punishment for rape should be longer than a semester in college.”
Poe has been a longtime advocate for sexual assault victims. He was instrumental in pushing for sex offender registration in Texas and currently serves as chair of the Congressional Victims’ Rights Caucus.
“As a country we must change our mentality and make sure that our young people recognize sexual assault and rape for the heinous crimes that they are,” Poe said. “As a grandfather, I want to know that my granddaughters are growing up in a society that has zero tolerance for this crime. No means no.”
Watch his full speech below:
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