NAACP Congratulates Connecticut Senate For Voting To End To The Death Penalty

(Washington, DC) – The NAACP released the following statement regarding the passage of legislation in the Connecticut Senate to repeal the death penalty.

From NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous

“This historic moment is a victory for Connecticut, a victory for justice, and a victory for Troy Davis,” stated NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous.  “This bill allows Connecticut to abandon the misguided “tough on crime” approach to justice, and adopt a smart on crime approach that is moral, just, and cost-effective for its citizens.  We are confident Connecticut will be the first on many states who will honor Troy Davis and bring and end to the death penalty.”

From Connecticut NAACP State Conference President Scot X. Esdaile

“In this human rights fight, the momentum is now in our favor,” stated Connecticut NAACP State Conference President Scot X. Esdaile. “This vote was the critical first step towards bringing Connecticut and the United States in line with the rest of the modern western world.”

Last week, NAACP President Benjamin Jealous and Connecticut NAACP State Conference President Scot X. Esdaile met with Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy to discuss the repeal of the death penalty in the state.  All parties agreed that it was time for the practice of capital punishment to come to an end.  The NAACP has been working with civil rights leaders in Connecticut for several years to repeal the death penalty. 

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Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

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