Tell Gov. Newsom — Take Clemency Action Now!

We’re calling on Governor Gavin Newsom to enact universal clemency, a bold measure that would commute every death row sentence in California.

There are nearly 600 individuals sentenced to death in California. It’s the biggest death row in the nation and one of the largest in the world. Instead of handling cases one by one, universal clemency utilizes the governor’s executive authority to correct the injustice of the death penalty across the board. This action would follow Gov. Newsom’s efforts to limit the use of capital punishment in the state of California. Additionally, it would be a powerful commitment to the dignity of life.

To Governor Gavin Newsom:

As your time in office approaches its conclusion, we want to thank you for your dedicated leadership on the issue of capital punishment and urge you to cement your legacy grounded in justice and the dignity of life. It is clear that you take seriously the moral responsibility entrusted to you as Governor of California.

We recognize that your Catholic faith is an important part of your life and informs your approach to public service. As people of faith, we firmly believe that our approaches to justice should always honor the sanctity of life, uphold dignity, and seek healing in the face of harm. It is for these reasons that we stand firmly in opposition to the death penalty and are grateful for your lifesaving action to uphold a moratorium on executions throughout your governorship.

We implore you to continue your leadership by using your executive authority to grant clemency without delay. By taking this action, you would build on your legacy of limiting capital punishment in your state, and provide a bold testimony to the sanctity of human life. It would also save these individuals from the threat of execution under a future administration.

Thank you for listening to the call of Californians who understand that capital punishment does not serve the justice we seek. We pray that you will deeply consider this request and the actions available to you in these final months of your term.

With gratitude for your compassionate leadership on this critical life issue,

[Signatures]