Protesters Gather To Fight Against Montana Judge Who Went Easy On Rapist

Protesters gathered in front of a Billings, Montana courthouse Thursday afternoon, where Judge Baugh sentenced a rapist to 30 days in prison. Thousands of people have also signed a petition for the judge's resignation.

Demonstrators gathered in front of a Courthouse in Billings, Montana today to protest Judge Baugh's ruling that a rapist spend just 30 days in jail, because his child victim was "in control" of the situation and "older than her chronological years."

A good turnout in Billings, MT for the Protest of Judge Baugh's sentence and comments. #Justice4Cherice #ResignBaugh

Jake Jest

@inapropriate4FB

A good turnout in Billings, MT for the Protest of Judge Baugh's sentence and comments. #Justice4Cherice #ResignBaugh

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Although District Judge G. Todd Baugh apologized for his word choice, he has defended his ruling, arguing rapist and former teacher Stacey Rambold is "treatable" and at "low risk to re-offend."

"I made some references to the victim's age and control," Baugh told CNN affiliate KTVQ. "It didn't come out correct. What I said was demeaning to all women, not what I believe in, and irrelevant to the sentencing."

Auliea Hanlon, the victim's mother, said Judge Baugh's apology was "irrelevant" because he defended the 30-day prison sentence given to Rambold, The Associate Press reports.

His ruling sparked fire on the internet. Three petitions were started on MoveOn.Org, Change.Org, and ThePetitionSite.Com, and spread quickly on twitter. All the petitions combined have over 70,500 signatures.

Please sign petition to remove the Montana Judge who gave only 30 days to a child rapist: http://t.co/FJZiAvqVFn

mia farrow

@MiaFarrow

Please sign petition to remove the Montana Judge who gave only 30 days to a child rapist: http://t.co/FJZiAvqVFn

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Unseat Judge Who Let Rapist... http://t.co/pIWov43Z96

Lizz Winstead

@lizzwinstead

Unseat Judge Who Let Rapist... http://t.co/pIWov43Z96

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54 yr. old gets 30 days 4 repeated rape 14 yr old, who kills herself. Judge: "This wasn't FORCIBLE RAPE". Sign: http://t.co/O4q6PMLo9U

Elayne Boosler

@ElayneBoosler

54 yr. old gets 30 days 4 repeated rape 14 yr old, who kills herself. Judge: "This wasn't FORCIBLE RAPE". Sign: http://t.co/O4q6PMLo9U

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I signed this @MoveOn petition, objecting to a Montana judge who sentenced a repeat rapist to 30 days in jail. http://t.co/2LhfIGZcpb

Rob Tannenbaum

@tannenbaumr

I signed this @MoveOn petition, objecting to a Montana judge who sentenced a repeat rapist to 30 days in jail. http://t.co/2LhfIGZcpb

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Yellowstone County Judge G. Todd Baugh: Take rape seriously! http://t.co/Yb4wJ4H0ci important petition started by @OnwardnFword

Elizabeth Plank

@feministabulous

Yellowstone County Judge G. Todd Baugh: Take rape seriously! http://t.co/Yb4wJ4H0ci important petition started by @OnwardnFword

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My Young Friend and I can't let this go until a recall starts. Good caring friends, Pls sign & RT: http://t.co/zxM45qWDdv

Muriel B

@QuiltingMuriel

My Young Friend and I can't let this go until a recall starts. Good caring friends, Pls sign & RT: http://t.co/zxM45qWDdv

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Judge Baugh has given harsh sentences for rape before.

In September 2011, Baugh sentenced a 26-year-old man to 100 years in prison for the rape of an 11-year-old boy, CNN reports. In August 2012, the judge sentenced a 23-year-old man to 56 years in prison for possession of child pornography. The defendant also admitted to sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl, for which Baugh sentenced him to a 10-year term.

Yet, Judge Baugh defends his ruling in this case. According to The Billings Gazette, Judge Baugh will pen an addendum to the court file this week explaining the reasons behind his decision. As of August 29, he is still seeking reelection unopposed.

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