April 23rd marks the 17th anniversary of the reinstatement of Kansas’ death penalty. Prior to 1994, Kansas had been a death penalty free state since the 1970s.
Though Kansas has not executed an inmate under the current law, the same problems that led 16 other states to abolish the death penalty are gathering greater notice in Kansas.
We already know that the Kansas death penalty is inconsistently applied, risks executing the innocent, diverts crime prevention resources and only prolongs the pain of victims’ families.
Now it’s time to spread the word!
Kansas is poised to make history next year, with two bills that replace the death penalty with life without parole are making their way through the legislature. With growing support in the legislature and across the state, it is no longer a question of if, but when the Kansas death penalty will be repealed.
Please consider this solemn anniversary as a reason to recommit to abolition in Kansas. We are on the path to victory, but we need your help to get there.
Sign the Pledge!
Help us spread the word by asking your friends and family to commit to abolition. Every new voice speaking up for abolition only makes our movement stronger.
Join Fellow Abolitionists in Observance of the Anniversary
KCADP and Murder Victim Families for Reconciliation of Kansas take part in an annual observance ceremony at the Tree of Healing. The tree, a cottonwood, was planted in Topeka 17 years ago following the enactment of the 1994 death penalty statute. Each year since, members of the Kansas abolition movement gather at the Tree of Healing site to rededicate themselves to abolition. If you are in the Topeka area, please join us at 1176 SW Warren Ave, Topeka, this Saturday, April 23rd at noon for the observance.
Thank you so much for all of the work you have done!
Every action you take to support repealing the death penalty gets us one step closer to abolition. Together we have made significant progress over the last few years, and we look forward to continuing our work with you until the Kansas death penalty is history.