Virginia State Sen. Emmett Hanger, R-Augusta, front, looks at the vote tally board during a vote on a death penalty abolition bill at the Senate session at the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond, Va., on Feb. 22, 2021. The Senate passed the bill 22-16.RICHMOND, Va. — State lawmakers gave final approval Monday to a bill that will end capital punishment in Virginia, a dramatic turnaround for a state that has executed more people in its history than any other.
Virginia’s Democratic majority, in control of the General Assembly for a second year, pushed the repeal effort, arguing that the death penalty has been applied disproportionately to people of color, the mentally ill and the indigent. Republicans raised concerns about justice for victims and their family members, and said there are some crimes that are so heinous that the perpetrators deserve to be executed.
Only two men remain on Virginia’s death row. Anthony Juniper was sentenced to death in the 2004 slayings of his ex-girlfriend, two of her children, and her brother. Thomas Porter was sentenced to die for the 2005 killing of a Norfolk police officer. The repeal legislation would convert their sentences to life in prison without parole.
Most Republican state legislators argued that removing the death penalty would not bring justice for the victims and their family members, particularly for those who committed the most vicious crimes, the station reported.
Capital punishment for babies still ok?
Thank good they are Barbaric polices
Sure wish regressive Tennessee was following the Commonwealth, instead we have a bunch of GQP hacks trying to ensure power with voter suppression.
Thanks to the Democrats (w/ Sen Vogel) in my state!
Booooo
Pro-lifer's will be upset. 🤔
That’s a shame
Now let's have the USA follow suit and end capital punishment!
No problem killing the unborn. But yet let's let rapist murders and such live? Priorities are backwards
45 won't like this
The next Virgina Tech shooter approves.
Fact check- Texas has the most.
Let’s do public hanging and start with ms knee pad.
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