Nearly three years ago, business leaders from around the world came together around a shared goal: ending the death penalty, everywhere. Since then, #BizVsDP has grown to more than 250 corporate executives from all corners of the globe. Overall, the movement against the death penalty has made significant progress in recent years. Many countries and US states have abolished the practice; state governors have imposed moratoria; and many jurisdictions around the world have changed sentencing guidelines to limit the number of capital crimes. #BizVsDP was recognized by activists and media worldwide as a key driver of change. In the US, public support for capital punishment is now at its lowest point in half a century.
But there is work left to be done. Despite growing calls to end it, nearly half of all US states still have the death penalty on the books. States are turning to horrifying methods, both new and old – from nitrogen gas to the firing squad – in ever more desperate attempts to cling to retribution over rehabilitation. Countries continue to disproportionately impose death sentences on the most marginalized in society, perpetuating inequality and undermining the rule of law.
This cause has long been close to my heart. The death penalty is cruel, inhumane, and so riddled with error, and it has no place in a modern society. Now is the time to take action to end it, once and for all. Please ask your peers in business to sign the declaration as you have already done. Get in touch with the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice to learn more about how you can further support this critical mission, and see below for some of the most important advocacy efforts this year.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
With Regards,
Sir Richard Branson
Founder, Virgin Group
#BizVsDP In the News
The Daily Mail: Canadian company slammed by activists for 'death dealing' after supplying mask and hose used in Kenneth Smith's controversial execution
Alabama: On January 25, 2024, the state of Alabama executed Kenneth Smith via nitrogen hypoxia – a method in which a person is forced to breathe pure nitrogen gas through a face mask to cause oxygen deprivation. He was the first person ever executed using this method. Witnesses recounted a disturbing process in which Mr. Smith was alive for several minutes, “his body shaking violently with his eyes rolling in the back of his head.”
Executions via nitrogen gas have been strongly condemned by both the United Nations and the European Union. Businesses, too, are taking a stand. Three of the country’s largest gas manufacturers have barred the use of their products in executions. Yet more and more US states each day continue to turn to this method: Louisiana recently became the fourth state to authorize nitrogen executions and Alabama is set to schedule its second hypoxia execution in the coming weeks. RBIJ is reaching out to prominent mask manufacturers in North America and Europe to increase business advocacy against the use of nitrogen suffocation. Contact lena@rbij.org to learn more.
Nevada: In late 2022, Nevada had the opportunity to commute the entirety of the state’s death row. Unfortunately, a judge stayed the vote, making it impossible for the Board of Pardons to consider the issue. Following the decision, then-Governor Sisolak urged the state to consider ending capital punishment after his term.
With growing support for abolition in the Nevada legislature, local advocates are hopeful that key stakeholders – like local business leaders – can help sway the state’s new governor, Governor Lombardo, to re-evaluate his stance on the issue. If you or someone in your network has a presence in Nevada, please contact maggie@rbij.org to learn how you can help end the practice once and for all.
North Carolina: In late 2023, RBIJ joined a delegation from the European Union on their annual human rights visit to advocate for the abolition of capital punishment in a state where it remains. The 2023 visit took place in North Carolina, where representatives from EU Member States and EFTA countries called on Governor Cooper to commute the state’s death row before leaving office at the end of 2024. The case for abolition is strong. Capital punishment has repeatedly been shown to be ineffective, and North Carolina’s perpetuation of the practice is marred by allegations of inaccuracy and racial bias.
But there is some hope. The state is currently in the middle of hearing a landmark case that could see nearly all of the state's 136 death sentences commuted to life in prison in light of serious concerns over racial bias. RBIJ is asking business leaders – like you – to support the Governor as he considers this historic task. To lend your voice, please contact maggie@rbij.org.
Ohio: Last year marked five years without an execution in the state of Ohio – although 118 people remain on the state’s death row. A record number of Ohio lawmakers on both sides of the aisle – over one-third of all legislators – have cosponsored bipartisan bills to make Ohio the 24th state to fully end the death penalty. In November 2023, the Senate bill (SB 101) had a second proponent hearing, in which nearly 100 people – including the former Correctional Director – testified in support. The House bill (HB 259) has also had two hearings so far. Abolition in Ohio would be a historic political moment, with the potential to create a domino effect leading to further action in similarly situated states.
RBIJ is working alongside local and national partners to coordinate business support. We are urgently asking business leaders in our network to sign a business statement in support of abolition, which will be presented to lawmakers prior to their vote later this year. Contact morgan@rbij.org to learn more.
Responsible Business Initiative for Justice, 1050 30th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007
