Bill Looks to Terminate the Death Penalty
Rep. Christine Kaufmann (D-Helena) is sponsoring House Bill 465, a bill to abolish the use of the death penalty in Montana. The bill suggests using life in prison is a modern alternative to the death penalty. Kaufmann is currently on leave from the Network to serve in the legislature.
"It's barbaric for the state to kill people," Kaufmann told the Independent Record. "It's a bottom-line human rights issue. We can successfully lock people up for life if our true goal is to protect society."
Kaufmann cites studies showing the death penalty doesn't act as a deterrent to violent crime. She also said there is no state benefit to killing people when life in prison accomplishes the same end - keeping the public safe. Kaufmann believes the only reason left is state-induced retribution, and that is appropriate.
The road to passing the bill will be an uphill battle. A recent survey found 64% of Montana voters support the death penalty. Backed by a Republican-dominated legislature, Gov. Judy Martz also supports capital punishment. Montana is currently one of 38 states allowing the death penalty. Since 1974, 13 people have been sent to death row in Montana and two executions have taken place.
MHRN supports Kaufmann's bill. The Network is part of the Montana Abolition Coalition, a group working to end capital punishment. Along with MHRN and the Abolition Coalition, the ACLU, Catholic Conference Committee, Montana Association of Churches, and Amnesty International support HB 465.