Amnesty in the News (Death Penalty in NM)
Friday, March 13th, 2009New Mexico Legislature repeals death penalty
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Legislature voted Friday to repeal the death penalty and replace it with a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The state Senate voted 24-18 for the repeal bill, sending it to Gov. Bill Richardson for his signature.
Richardson has opposed repeal in the past but now says he would consider signing it.
The vote also was hailed by Amnesty International USA, with executive director Larry Cox calling New Mexico “a trailblazer and a beacon of hope for everyone who believes in human rights and justice.”
On the Net:
- New Mexico Legislature: http://www.nmlegis.gov