In a landmark 30-19 vote that overrode Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts' veto, Nebraska lawmakers have effectively abolished the death penalty bill in the state. This move makes Nebraska the 19th state to ban capital punishment in the United States, according to The Washington Post.
Just last Tuesday, Ricketts vetoed the legislation that was supported by its lawmakers, law enforcers and the families of murder victims.
Traditionally, Republicans, who control most of Nebraska, have always been for the death penalty and even endorsed the capital punishment in the GOP's platform back in 2012. But the party has since softened up its stance on criminal justice, as influenced by its power players, Rand Paul, Charles Koch and David Koch, according to CNN.
In repealing the death penalty bill, Republicans in Nebraska cited religious reasons for their conviction.
The vote punctuated a monthlong debate among the lawmakers, who approved the legislation for repeal three times before it reached Ricketts. The governor, who reportedly pressured senators to oppose the repeal, expressed his disappointment of the outcome.
"My words cannot express how appalled I am that we have lost a critical tool to protect law enforcement and Nebraska families," Ricketts said in an official statement. "While the legislature has lost touch with the citizens of Nebraska, I will continue to stand with Nebraskans and law enforcement on this important issue."
Meanwhile, many groups have hailed Nebraska's decision.
"We are a nation that is turning away from the death penalty. This victory stands as a testament to what can happen in our sister states," said Danielle Conrad of the American Civil Liberties Union in Nebraska via a statement.
"We're thrilled that Nebraska has joined the ranks of states to recognize that the death penalty is broken beyond repair," said James Clark of Amnesty International to The Huffington Post.
The repeal will already apply to 10 inmates that are on death row in Nebraska. A lifetime imprisonment will replace the death penalty.
Maryland was the most recent state to abolish the death penalty back in 2013. The last conservative state to ban capital punishment was North Dakota in 1973, according to the New York Times.
