Some Alabama lawmakers and other officials want tougher penalties for anyone who sexually abuses a child. State Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne) and State Sen. April Weaver (R-Brierfield) are sponsoring legislation that allow prosecutors to request the death penalty for anyone convicted of rape or sodomy of a child younger than 12 years old. At a news conference today in Montgomery, they were joined by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall in promoting the legislation. While the U.S. Supreme Court allows for death penalty in cases involving murder or robbery, both Simpson and Weaver say they are confident that passing their bill will force the court to reconsider its stance on penalties for child sex abuse. “If in fact this is passed, there will be work done legally to be able to allow

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