New Mexico: Death Penalty Abolition is Near
On Friday, March 13, 2009, The New Mexico Senate voted 24-18 to repeal the death penalty in New Mexico and replace it with a sentence of life in prison without possibility of parole. House Bill 285 now goes to Gov. Bill Richardson for his signature.
“This is an extremely difficult issue that deserved the serious and thoughtful debate it received in the Legislature. I have met with many people and will continue to consider all sides of the issue before making a decision.” Richardson said in a prepared statement.
Gov. Bill Richardson, who has opposed repeal in the past now says he would consider signing it. The vote capped a decade of repeal efforts in New Mexico, one of 36 states with capital punishment. Two men are on New Mexico’s death row, and the repeal would not affect their sentences. Governor Richardson’s office has set up a hotline to receive the opinions of New Mexicans (and anyone else!) on the issue. That number is 505-476-2225. Those wishing to weigh in via e-mail can do so through the governor’s web site at http://tinyurl.com/GovernorNM
Please take action RIGHT NOW to urge Governor Richardson to sign the Death Penalty Repeal bill whether you live in New Mexico, or anywhere else! If you know people who live in New Mexico, please forward this and urge them to take this action immediately.
For more information, please visit The New Mexico Coalition to Repeal the Death Penalty
Thank you all for your help in this matter!
GD