Pat Robertson Calls for Death Penalty Moratorium
by Ryan Beiler | July-August 2000
Finding himself in agreement with the American Civil Liberties Union and at odds with
Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson said "a moratorium [on executions] would indeed be very
Finding himself in agreement with the American Civil Liberties Union and at odds with Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson said "a moratorium [on executions] would indeed be very appropriate" at a forum on religion and capital punishment held at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Take Action on This Issue
Robertson cited evidence that current policies unfairly discriminate against minorities and those who cannot afford high-priced legal representation. A report on capital punishment in Virginia released by the ACLU the same day stated that a black offender who murders a white person in Virginia is four times more likely to be sentenced to death than a black offender who murders a black person. Moreover, 97 percent of those Virginia has sentenced to death since 1977 have been too poor to afford their own lawyers, and their court-appointed lawyers are often incompetent - six times more likely to be the subject of disciplinary proceedings than other lawyers.
Although Robertson is among the growing number of voices questioning the application of the death penalty - including the Republican governor of Illinois, George Ryan, who stopped executions in his state pending further studies - he remains a supporter of capital punishment, citing Old Testament grounds for execution. In response to Robertson's statements, Falwell said the only change he'd make would be to shorten the time between conviction and execution
Like what you're reading? Get Sojourners E-Mail updates!
Sojourners Comment Community Covenant
I will express myself with civility, courtesy, and respect for every member of the Sojourners online community, especially toward those with whom I disagree, even if I feel disrespected by them. (Romans 12:17-21)
I will express my disagreements with other community members' ideas without insulting, mocking, or slandering them personally. (Matthew 5:22)
I will not exaggerate others' beliefs nor make unfounded prejudicial assumptions based on labels, categories, or stereotypes. I will always extend the benefit of the doubt. (Ephesians 4:29)
I will hold others accountable by clicking "report" on comments that violate these principles, based not on what ideas are expressed but on how they're expressed. (2 Thessalonians 3:13-15)
I understand that comments reported as abusive are reviewed by Sojourners staff and are subject to removal. Repeat offenders will be blocked from making further comments. (Proverbs 18:7)
