Oklahoma City, Okla., Jan 15, 2020 / 00:16 am
Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City has announced his support for state legislation that would remove the death penalty from consideration in capital cases.
"We don't end the cycle of violence by committing more violence," Coakley said in a Jan. 14 press release from the office of state Rep. Jason Dunnington (D-Oklahoma City), who introduced the legislation.
"When available, we should choose non-lethal ways to ensure justice and protect society," the archbishop said. He called the bill "a bold proposal that addresses the disturbing realities and inequity of capital punishment."
The Oklahoma state legislature will consider House Bill 2876 during the 2020 session, and it will be assigned for a committee hearing in February, Dunnington said.