RESOLUTION ON CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

American Ethical Union, adopted September 17, 1976.

The American Ethical Union is unalterably opposed to capital punishment.  The willful taking of human life is cruel and inhuman punishment and violates our belief in the intrinsic worth of every human being.  It is wholly unacceptable, whether imposed to prevent repetition of a crime by an individual, as a deterrent to others, or as social retribution.

The American Ethical Union therefore calls for the abolition of capital punishment.  Where the death penalty now prevails, it urges state legislatures to enact statutes abolishing it.   States which do not now impose capital punishment are strongly urged not to enact (or reenact) enabling legislation.

Further, the American Ethical union encourages its members to work toward these ends in their own states.