Springfield, Ill., Mar 9, 2011 / 14:55 pm
After weeks of indecision, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed a landmark bill on March 9, abolishing the death penalty in the state. Catholic officials praised the move as helping advance a culture of life in Illinois.
By signing Senate Bill 3539, Gov. Quinn makes Illinois the 16th state in the U.S. to repeal capital punishment. The new legislation will take effect in the state on July 1.
Gov. Quinn also commuted the death sentences of all 15 prisoners on the state's Death Row.
Catholics campaigning for Gov. Quinn's approval of the legislation lauded the move on Wednesday.