Kucinich Praises State of New Mexico for Repealing Death Penalty

Statement

Kucinich Praises State of New Mexico for Repealing Death Penalty

Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today made the following statement praising the New Mexico state legislature for passing and Governor Bill Richardson for signing legislation repealing the death penalty in that state.

"I strongly support the decision of the New Mexico state legislature decision to repeal the death penalty and Governor Richardson for signing the legislation into law.

"The decision by Governor Richardson, who has previously supported the death penalty, demonstrates the continued and growing support for the abolition of the death penalty. The legal system is imperfect and has led to the deaths of countless innocents. Even without mistakes, the death penalty is inconsistent with American values.

"I have consistently advocated for the abolition of the death penalty. It does not deter crime; it disproportionately affects people of color and those of modest means; it allows innocent people to be executed, and it is morally indefensible.

"We must hold ourselves up to the standard of the international community and ban the death penalty on a federal level. In the 111th Congress I will reintroduce legislation to ban this barbaric practice."

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