US Bishops Welcome End of Death Penalty in Connecticut

WASHINGTON, D.C., APRIL 27, 2012 (Zenit.org).- The U.S. episcopal conference has welcomed legislation in Connecticut that has ended the death penalty in that state.

Governor Dan Malloy enacted the legislation April 25, making Connecticut the 17th state to repeal the death penalty.

“As Catholics we are dedicated to promoting a consistent ethic of life, which values all human life as full of dignity and inherent worth – even those convicted of the worst crimes,” said Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. “We welcome the courageous decision by the governor and the legislature to abolish the use of the death penalty in Connecticut.

"We stand in solidarity with all those who work for a just and safe society that protects its citizens and upholds the sanctity and dignity of all human life.”