America gradually turning away from death penalty

A new poll conducted by the Washington Post and ABC News shows that, for the first time in the poll's history, a majority of Americans choose life when given a choice between the death penalty and life in prison. In the poll 52% of people chose life in prison as the preferred punishment, while 42% favoured the death penalty. However on the straight question "Do you support the death penalty?", 61% continue to support the death penalty.

Sister Helen Prejean, whose story was told in the film 'Dead Man Walking' has welcomed the news. She writes: "Changing hearts and minds. That's what my life has been about ever since I walked out of the death house at Angola, the night Louisiana executed Patrick Sonnier. On that night, public support for the death penalty stood over 70% heading on its way to a high of 80%. But Americans' hearts and minds are changing.

She points out: "There’s a vast gap by race; whites are more likely than nonwhites to support the death penalty, and to prefer it over life in prison, by 23- and 22-point margins. The gaps are widest comparing whites to blacks, a group that’s justifiably skeptical of the criminal justice system."

"Among other groups, support for the death penalty peaks among evangelical white Protestants and Republicans, with eight out of every 10 people in those groups showing support for the death penalty."

But she concludes: "We as a people are gradually turning away from death and choosing life. Our words, our actions and our exposing of the facts about the broken death penalty system are making a difference.Take heart!"

For more information see: www.sisterhelen.org/