Governor Dannel Malloy has signed a bill that eliminates the death penalty for future crimes in Connecticut
The Democrat signed the bill behind closed doors, without fanfare. An aide said Malloy was surrounded by lawmakers, clergy and family members of murder victims.
While he called it "an historic moment," Malloy said in a written statement that it was a moment "for sober reflection, not celebration."
The bill, which became effective immediately, was signed on the same day that a new Quinnipiac University Poll showed that 62 percent of registered voters in Connecticut still favor the death penalty for those convicted of murder. The same survey found 47 percent of voters disapprove of Malloy's handling of the issue, while 33 percent approve.
"Many of us who have advocated for this position over the years have said there is a moral component to our opposition to the death penalty. For me, that is certainly the case," he said. "But that does not mean — nor should it mean — that we question the morality of those who favor capital punishment. I certainly don't."
This bill does not apply to the 17 persons currently on death row in that state.
More information from Susan Haigh of the Associated Press.
