Death Penalty

'They deserve death': Iowa lawmakers propose reinstating death penalty for people who rape and murder children
Iowa outlawed the death penalty in 1965.

Updated: 7:25 PM CST January 26, 2021

DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa lawmakers proposed a bill that would allow death sentences for people convicted of murdering a child after raping them. 

It's been almost six decades since Iowa last executed a state prisoner, but a group of Republican senators feels one crime in particular merits a death sentence.

Jack Sullivan Jr., Executive Director of Murder Victims' Families for Reconciliation (MVFR)) will be the be the keynote Speaker at OADP Annual Meeting at The Madeleine Parish Hall in Portland on June 22nd. Jack Sullivan, Jr., is a native of Cleveland, OH. He is a racial justice activist, an ordained minister, and, of course, an advocate for the abolishment of the death penalty.

September 19, 2015 SALEM — Eight days after taking office, Gov. Kate Brown said she would convene a small group of advisers to help her puzzle through one of Oregon's most contentious issues: the death penalty.

Gov. John Kitzhaber stopped executions in Oregon four years ago, citing concerns about injustice as a death row inmate sought to speed his execution. Brown, thrust into office after Kitzhaber quit last February, decided to keep his moratorium while she sought answers.

Now, seven months later, her office acknowledges she's just getting started.

Today, a man originally on death row was supposed to be freed," actor and activist Mike Farrell said before a meeting of death penalty opponents.

Farrell was in the area Friday to address the Oregonians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty at the group's annual meeting and banquet.

Some individuals who support the death penalty say: The Bible points out that the death penalty is justified....... “an eye for an eye” is often cited as justification for having the death penalty. Since someone took a life, the only fair repayment would be the perpetrator’s life in return.

Oregonians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty’s response: