Kansans of diverse ages and political beliefs packed the hearing room on Monday Feb. 13th for the testimony offered in support of HB 2167 to repeal the Kansas death penalty.
The testimony, both moral and practical, provided a rich resource for committee members to take into consideration.
- “…it fails the tests of fiscal conservatism, respect for life and limited government.” (Rep. Bill Sutton, Kansas legislator)
- “I first thought the death penalty was justice and would help me. I have since learned, however, that the death penalty was only the source of further pain, and that it fails to help murder victims’ families rebuild their lives in the wake of tragedy.” (Celeste Dixon, murder victim family member)
- “ …the evidence is clear that the death penalty imposes significant costs to state and local budgets not incurred with life in prison without parole.” (Ron Wurtz, attorney)
- “…As a threat to me during my interrogation one detective said that if the elderly women had died in my case, and Kansas had the death penalty (back in 1982), he would ask for it…
…I have lived the errors of our justice system. We all know that our system isn’t perfect and has many flaws. Knowing these flaws, I do not believe we should be punishing people with the death penalty.” (Eddie Lowery, exoneree)
- “… This gift of reconciliation is offered to all individuals without exception and gives all life new dignity and sacredness. For this reason, we oppose the death penalty (capital punishment) and urge its elimination from all criminal codes.” (Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr., citing his denomination’s Book of Discipline)
These are just 5 short quotes out of the nearly 30 persons or groups who submitted testimony in support of repeal!