Conservatives concerned about Irick’s execution
Editor’s Note: National and state leaders of Conservatives Concerned about the Death Penalty sent this letter to Gov. Bill Haslam on Aug. 1, asking him to Dear Gov. Haslam, We are writing to you as longtime Nashville residents, and as the National Manager and Tennessee State Coordinator for Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty. We want to exspoken press our grave concerns over the scheduled Aug. 9 execution of a man with severe mental illness, death row inmate Bill Ray Irick.
Executing Irick would cross a line. His mental illness has been well documented for decades, though the jury that sentenced him to death never received accurate information about his severe mental illness. As conservatives, we believe in a criminal justice system that is fair, just, and effective, and this inmate’s execution would make a mockery of that system. Using the death penalty on a person with a diminished state of reality should never happen. We must treat people with mental illness in a fair and humane manner.
In addition, you should know that here in Tennessee and across the na- tion there is a trend of conservatives rethinking capital punishment because it does not align with our values. Like us, they believe in limited government, fiscal responsibility, and the value of life. The death penalty encapsulates none of those things. We speak to you on behalf of the thousands of conservatives across our country who have joined with our organizations to oppose the death penalty, many of whom reside here in Tennessee.
Lastly, we implore you to consider the impact this system has on our correctional officials. Many in the past have out about the subsequent trauma they experienced after participating in executions, and with the experimental nature of our current lethal injection drugs, the likelihood for a botched execution and consequential trauma is even higher. For all these reasons and more, we ask that you commute the sentence of Billy Ray Irick.
We and our colleagues appreciate the difficult choices you have to make as governor and we are grateful for your thoughtful approach in reviewing this case, and in seeking input from residents, advocates, and experts. Sincerely, Hannah Cox, national manager of Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty. Amy Lawrence, coordinator of Tennessee Conservatives Concerned about the Death Penalty.
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