Capital Punishment 1979 General Resolution

WHEREAS, General Assemblies of the Unitarian Universalist Association have opposed capital punishment by resolutions in 1961, 1966, and 1974; and

WHEREAS, the aforementioned resolutions have urged complete abolition of capital punishment as inconsistent with respect for human life; for its retributive, discriminatory, and non-deterrent character; and opposed its restoration or continuance in any form; and

WHEREAS, the State of Florida has declared its intent to proceed with the executions of those under the capital sentence in Florida prisons, numbering more than one hundred, and having begun with the execution of John Spenkelink on May 25, 1979; and

WHEREAS, the Florida example may become precedent for a new wave of capital punishment in numerous other states;

BE IT RESOLVED: That the 1979 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association urges the Governor of the State of Florida to commute all existing death sentences; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the General Assembly urges Governors of all other states similarly to commute death sentences and to prevent the restoration or continuance of capital punishment in any form.