We are disheartened that the
stay of Clarence Hill has been lifted and that his execution may go
forth tomorrow despite unresolved constitutional issues related to
the use of lethal injection in our state and many others. It is also
troubling that this may occur amidst recurring questions about
fairness in the administration of the death penalty in our state.
There are increasing concerns
in society about what the death penalty does to us as a people and
a nation, and we perceive growing doubts about its effectiveness. We
sense a change in public attitudes and see signs that many people
are reexamining and reconsidering their past support for it.
Punishment of crime should
seek not only to redress the harm done and protect society but
should also offer the opportunity of repentance, restitution and
rehabilitation. The death penalty destroys that hope.
We join the growing chorus of voices who have doubts
about the use of the death penalty when life in prison without
possibility of parole is available to punish those convicted of
serious offenses.
The state has a right and responsibility
to protect society and punish criminals. When society can be kept
safe from criminals, we should not execute them. Florida’s
alternative of life in prison without parole is a severe punishment
that allows the possibility of conversion for the sinner and gives
us the opportunity to forgive their wrong doings.
