1973 - 65th Annual AEU Assembly

In view of strenuous efforts now being made in many states and in the Federal Government to re-establish the death penalty, the American Ethical Union reaffirms at this time its opposition to capital punishment for any crime and urges our members to take appropriate action.

Submitted by the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen

REWORDED AND REAFFIRMED, 1979

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 societal 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 urges Congress not to enact any measure calling for capital punishment.

The American Ethical Union encourages its members to work toward these ends.

Source: AEU 71st Annual Assembly Memo [job13scan]

Copyright © 2001 American Ethical Union.
Single copies of material on this website may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes only. All other rights reserved.