NAACP to Call for Death Penalty Repeal in Maryland

NAACP joining Gov. Martin O'Malley and lawmakers in a call to repeal the death penalty

The NAACP is joining Gov. Martin O'Malley and lawmakers in a call to repeal the death penalty.

Benjamin Jealous, the CEO of the National Association of Colored People, will participate in the news conference on Tuesday in Annapolis.

Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings and Gerald Stansbury, president of the NAACP's state conference, also are scheduled to attend.

The potential of repealing capital punishment in Maryland has been highlighted since the General Assembly convened last week for the state of its legislative session.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, who supports capital punishment, predicted last week that a measure banning capital punishment would pass this year. The Senate president also said he believed it would be petitioned to the ballot for voters to decide in 2014.

Maryland has not executed a prisoner since 2005. Right now five prisoners are on death row.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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