For Immediate Release: Feb. 5, 2021
Contact: Katlyn Toelle at katlyn@catholicsmobilizing.org
Website: catholicsmobilizing.org Twitter: @CMNEndtheDP

Catholic Mobilizing Network rejoices in abolition of Virginia’s death penalty

(Washington, D.C.) Catholic Mobilizing Network rejoices with the state of Virginia after lawmakers in both houses voted to abolish the death penalty Friday. With the repeal of this racially biased and irreparably broken practice, Virginia solidifies itself as the first southern state that will officially take capital punishment off the books. 

Please see the comment below from CMN executive director Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy:

“Today’s death penalty repeal in Virginia is an incredibly significant step toward prioritizing the creation of a more equitable and restorative criminal legal system. We are grateful that Governor Northam intends to sign the bill into law. 

As Catholics, we uphold that every person is endowed with a God-given dignity, regardless of the harm one has suffered or caused. The repeal of Virginia’s death penalty is a huge step toward protecting that sacred dignity of life. 

Today marks a historic moment in which the Virginia state legislature chose to close the door on unneeded death and destruction and open up the possibility for responses to harm that honor human dignity and allow for opportunities for healing and redemption.”

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Catholic Mobilizing Network is a national organization that mobilizes Catholics and all people of goodwill to value life over death, to end the death penalty, to transform the U.S. criminal justice system from punitive to restorative, and to build capacity in U.S. society to engage in restorative practices.

CMN works in close collaboration with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and is a founding member of the Congregation of St. Joseph Mission Network.