Sacramento, Calif., Jun 8, 2017 / 10:55 am
A ballot measure intended to speed up the application of the death penalty is now being challenged before the California Supreme Court.
For its part, the California Catholic Conference has repeated its warning that a speedy death penalty risks further injustice.
"The last three Popes have said that the death penalty is no longer needed," Steve Pehanich, director of communication and advocacy at the California Catholic Conference, told CNA. "We don't think it's needed any longer in California. We have supported the end of its use, and we continue to do so."
The Catholic conference opposed Prop. 66, whose fate is now before the state's Supreme Court. The court heard oral arguments over the ballot initiative's constitutionality June 6.