Mark Deshawn advocates for amending Delaware constitution to abolish death penalty

The House Administration Committee of the Delaware Legislature convened on March 19, 2025, to discuss significant legislative matters, including public comments on House Bill 35, which seeks to amend the Delaware constitution to abolish the death penalty.

The meeting began with public commentary from Mark Deshawn, a representative of the Newark United Methodist Church. Deshawn expressed strong opposition to the death penalty, labeling it as a hypocritical practice that fails to deter crime or provide justice for victims' families. He urged the committee to pass House Bill 35, emphasizing that it would protect Delaware citizens from potential future changes in the law and send a message that the state recognizes the death penalty as a failed policy.

Following Deshawn, Tanya Whittle, the Director of Policy at the Delaware Center for Justice, also voiced her support for the bill. Whittle highlighted the importance of moving the bill out of committee to ensure it is heard on the legislative floor. She reiterated that the death penalty does not effectively deter crime and called for constitutional safeguards to prevent its reinstatement in response to public outcry over violent crimes.

Both speakers underscored the need for a constitutional amendment to solidify Delaware's stance against the death penalty, arguing that it would help mitigate emotional legislative responses to crime. The committee concluded the public comment session, setting the stage for further discussions on the bill's implications and potential next steps.

The meeting highlighted a growing consensus among advocates for the abolition of the death penalty in Delaware, reflecting a significant shift in public and legislative attitudes towards capital punishment. The committee's actions in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of House Bill 35 and the state's approach to this contentious issue.