Connecticut Catholic Bishops Fight Death Penalty

Connecticut's House and Senate have voted to repeal capital punishment and replace it with life in prison without the possibility of release. This bill will soon go to Governor Jodi Rell, who has promised to veto the legislation. The six Catholic bishops of Connecticut have urged the Governor to reconsider her decision in this letter posted on the Catholic Conference of Connecticut's website. The Conference is asking you to urge the Governor to sign H.B. 6578.

House Votes to Abolish the Death Penalty

The Connecticut State House has voted to abolish the death penalty. After a five-hour-long debate the House voted 90-56 to punish capital crimes with life sentences without the possibility of release.

The legislation now moves to the Senate, where its chances for passage are considered questionable. If the Senate passes the bill, it is not likely to become law because Governor Jodi Rell continues to support capital punishment. The governor reiterated her position earlier this week. The winning margin in the House fell short of the 101 votes that would be needed to override a Rell veto.