PETITION CLOSED
PETITION TARGET: House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Mark J. Hashem
UPDATE 2/20/2023: This bill became law – officially outlawing bestiality in Hawaii. Thank you to everyone who spoke up for animals! —Lady Freethinker Staff
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It’s shocking: bestiality and other appalling forms of sexual abuse against animals are legal in Hawaii, drawing tourists who seek to engage in these abhorrent acts.
Bestiality websites and online forums “contain posts from every Hawaii county boasting of the lack of a law against animal sexual abuse and offering, as well as seeking, animals for sex,” the Hawaii Association of Animal Welfare Agencies reported.
At least one study suggests that sexual abuse against animals may be linked to other criminal behavior, including against people. In the absence of laws banning bestiality, dangerous individuals who are likely to escalate to more severe crimes go undetected and unpunished.
But now, there’s new hope for animals in Hawaii. Lawmakers are trying to pass Hawaii Senate Bill 343, which would make sexual assault against animals a felony. The bill also criminalizes promoting pornographic images of animal abuse.
Under the new legislation, these crimes would carry a prison sentence of up to five years. Sexual abuse against animals that occurs with a child present would be punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
It is long overdue for Hawaii to outlaw bestiality and hold those who commit these acts accountable. Sign this petition urging House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Mark J. Hashem to support and help pass this important bill, protecting innocent animals from suffering and abuse.
