US diocese protests at bill to allow executions by firing squad

The Idaho state legislature has passed a bill that would allow the state to execute individuals by firing squad if lethal injection drugs are unavailable. Idaho is among several other states that have struggled to obtain lethal injection drugs as a growing number of pharmaceutical companies refuse to sell their products to correctional facilities for the purpose of executions.

Only four other states currently have laws permitting execution by firing squad: Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Utah.

Campaigners believe this bill was prompted, at least in part, by the state's ongoing efforts to execute Gerald Pizzuto, Jr, a man who is dying from terminal bladder cancer. Idaho has previously set three execution dates for Mr Pizzuto, but all have been stayed due to the state's inability to acquire the necessary drugs.

As Idaho Senator Dan Foreman noted, the burden of trauma that will be placed on all who participate in a firing squad execution is undeniable.

"I've seen the aftermath of shootings, and it's psychologically damaging to anybody who witnesses it," Foreman said. "The use of the firing squad is, in my opinion, beneath the dignity of the state of Idaho."

The Catholic Diocese of Boise said in a statement: "The death penalty has not proven to be a deterrent against crime; discriminates against the poor and minorities who usually cannot afford effective counsel; sometimes results in the execution of innocent people; and, most importantly, it deprives the guilty of whatever time God allows them for personal redemption. The Catholic Church advocates for more restorative responses to harm that prioritize healing, accountability, and upholding the human dignity of all individuals, no matter the harm they may have caused or suffered."

Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, director of the Catholic Mobilizing Network said: "There is a clear need for redemption in our capital punishment system. We see it as Idaho state legislators actively seek new ways to kill their citizens, passing a bill to conduct executions by firing squads. We see it in the new Florida legislation that would remove the requirement for a jury to make a unanimous recommendation in a capital trial - if passed, a vote of 8-4 is all it would take to sentence someone to death.

"With these grave violations against human life all around, where are we to seek redemption? The refrain gives us our answer: through the mercy of the Lord.

This Lent, let us welcome God's mercy into our lives and allow it to redeem our hearts, systems, and structures from the sins of injustice."

LINKS

Catholic Mobilizing Network: https://catholicsmobilizing.org/

CMN on-line Good Friday Vigil to end death penalty:
https://catholicsmobilizing.org/event/good-friday-prayer-vigil-end-death-penalty