Nebraska bans death penalty, Twitter reacts
The State of Nebraska has officially banned the death penalty after defying a veto by its Republican governor, Pete Ricketts.
This marks the first time a conservative state has abolished the death penalty in four decades.
Spectators at the capital broke into celebration after the 30-19 vote was cast, disregarding party lines.
Those Americans who weren’t in the courtroom took to Twitter to discuss the decision. At the time of publication, social media reactions to the vote were overwhelmingly positive.
Good to see the #US state of #Nebraska abolish the #deathpenalty. Others should follow http://t.co/gr527bd7An
— Thorbjørn Jagland (@TJagland) May 28, 2015
Thankful for all who worked so hard for repeal of the #deathpenalty in #Nebraska @EJUSA @N_A_D_P #NERepeal is a victory for human dignity
— CMN (@CMNEndtheDP) May 28, 2015
Legislator spitting facts: "In every state that repealed the death penalty crime went down." #Nebraska #deathpenalty
— rell (@Awkward_Duck) May 27, 2015
With 30-19 vote, #Nebraska Becomes the 19th US State to Abolish the #DeathPenalty!
— Ravindra Ambekar (@RavindraAmbekar) May 28, 2015
Kudos to #Nebraska for #deathpenaltyrepeal! Other conservative states take note. Do the right thing because it's right.
— Virginia Bemis (@VirginiaBemis) May 28, 2015
This is a bad week for the Governor of Nebraska but a great week for everybody else. #deathpenaltyrepeal #DREAMers
— Alexander B Roberson (@ForwardDixie) May 28, 2015
Gov. Ricketts in his office right now like #deathpenaltyrepeal pic.twitter.com/bp3OVoyE3F
— John Noble (@PeaceNoble) May 27, 2015
Speaking as a private citizen: I'm proud of my adoptive home state #NEleg #deathpenaltyrepeal
— Andrew Lamberson (@andrewlamberson) May 27, 2015
Do these Christian lawmakers in my home state not know that their Savior was KILLED BY CAPITAL PUNISHMENT????? #deathpenaltyrepeal #Nebraska
— John Noble (@PeaceNoble) May 27, 2015
Is the tide finally turning in NE? Investing in infrastructure, #deathpenaltyrepeal & the dream act. Progressiveness, welcome to NE!
— Mary Anderson (@MaryAnderson56) May 28, 2015
It is unclear whether other red states will follow in Nebraska's footsteps, but the vote does follow a recent trend of right and left wingists agreeing on criminal justice issues.