Gillespie Bill Outlaws Human Branding
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-Hellam) is sponsoring legislation which would make it illegal to perform human branding on anyone under the age of 18. House Bill 2673 currently has 24 co-sponsors.
“The legislation comes out of a case that was referred to my office,” Gillespie said. “Anyone who has had this done to them is essentially physically marked for life, in addition to having had to undergo what I can only imagine to be a very painful experience.”
Gillespie’s bill would amend the Crimes Code regarding tattooing and body piercing of a minor without consent of a parent. The bill mirrors those practices, in that it grades the offense as a third-degree misdemeanor for the first offense, and a second-degree misdemeanor if committed within one year of the prior offense.
“The act of branding leaves the victim with, at the very least, a third-degree burn,” added Gillespie. “This is a dangerous practice that needs to be outlawed.”
State Representative Keith Gillespie
47th District, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
slittle@pahousegop.com
717.260.6137