Moratorium Now! Press Conference a Success!

Moratorium Now!’s Statement

Jefferson City - At a morning press conference on 11/19/08, Missouri leaders celebrated having endorsements of an execution moratorium from over 300 Missouri businesses, city councils, houses of worship, and organizations.

The conference was held by Moratorium Now!– a campaign comprised of civic and religious organizations from across Missouri who have united to call for a Moratorium on Executions while our death penalty is studied. Jamala Rogers, a St. Louisan and member of the campaign, hosted the conference.

Bishop John Gaydos, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City said he viewed the landmark of 300 resolutions as a “plea to our lawmakers and state leaders to open their minds and hearts to further discussion about the ultimate punishment”. Alvin Brooks, former Mayor pro Tem of Kansas City and founder of the Ad Hoc Group Against Crime said the issue of moratorium was about fairness and equality, noting that a study of our death penalty system was needed so we could ensure all are receiving “equal protection and equal justice”.

Among the 300 resolutions were endorsements from the following faith communities: African Methodist Episcopal, Baptist, Catholic, Community of Christ, Episcopal, Interfaith, Jewish, Methodist, Quakers, and Unitarian Universalists. Representing Bishop Barry Howe of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Missouri, Reverend Bill Fasel noted that a moratorium was needed because all people, particularly people of faith, want fairness in our justice system.

Businessman Richard King, owner of the Blue Note music venue in Columbia, sent a statement expressing his displeasure that “Missouri tax payers do not know how expensive it is to pursue a death sentence in Missouri.” Over 60 Missouri business support this Moratorium.

Republic Representative Bill Deeken from Jefferson City, who has led legislation that would impose a moratorium on executions while an independent commission studies Missouri’s death penalty, ended the conference. Rep. Deeken stated, “I believe in and support the death penalty, but I want ensure the system works. This bill is about fairness and ensuring that no innocent person is executed.”


The press conference received some coverage, please see the following news stories:
KRCG Mid Missouri, ‘Organizations Want Moratorium on MO Death Penalty’
Ozarks First, ‘Moratorium Proposed Again for Capital Punishment’
KOMU Jefferson City NBC, ‘Death Penalty Opposition’
Kansas City Star, Associated Press, ‘Missouri Petition Calls for Death Penalty Moratorium’
My Fox Kansas City, ‘Missouri Groups Petition for Death Penalty Moratorium’