Queer to the Left is inviting other lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organizations and individuals to "come out" against the death penalty. We can take advantage of this historic opportunity to end state-sanctioned executions in Illinois.
In 2000, Gov. George Ryan imposed a moratorium on executions after learning that at least 13 innocent people were on Illinois' death row. In April, Gov. Ryan's Commission on Capital Punishment reported that no system could guarantee that an innocent person would not be sentenced to death. In light of this finding, LGBT organizations should oppose the death penalty as a matter of simple justice. In addition, there are several reasons particular to our communities and our allies in the struggle for social justice that provide further motivation for LGBT groups to take a public stand which include:
The death penalty disproportionately affects people of color, poor people, and there are numerous examples of how state prosecutors have used homophobic, sexist, heterosexist and anti-gender variant stereotypes to sentence people to death.
... It is difficult to know just how many LGTB people are on death row, but journalists and advocates working in this area believe that as many as 40% of the women on death row are lesbians.
... African Americans make up only 14% of Illinois' population, and yet make up over 60% of Illinois death row populations. In Illinois, at least 65% of death row inmates are African American and Latino/a, compared to their statewide population of less than 35%.
On Oct. 26 a special panel will explore how the death penalty impacts our communities, as part of a national conference to end the death penalty to be held in Chicago. You can also act now by contacting Gov. George Ryan to urge him to grant clemency to the 161 people currently on death row ( 1-800-312-2121 ) .
To learn more about how you or your group can join in this effort, contact Michael Tajchman, Q2L Death Penalty Subcommittee, at ( 773 ) 761-6167.
Michael Tajchman
Queer to the Left
Death Penalty Subcommittee