At two summer 2024 conventions drawing crowds of activists and leaders, the Conservatives Concerned team questioned the alignment of capital punishment with conservative and libertarian principles and values.
Conservatives Concerned Western Regional Organizer Nicholas Cote moderated a session at FreedomFest in Las Vegas on July 12 featuring local Nevadans who had been directly impacted by violence and the death penalty system. Cynthia Portaro, a mother of a murder victim, explained how the death penalty fails to help grieving families like hers heal. Former death row inmate James Allen Jr. shared his journey toward accountability and redemption. Nevada Coalition Against the Death Penalty Executive Director Mark Bettencourt rounded out the panel with updates on the campaign to end the death penalty in the Silver State.
At Young Americans for Liberty’s annual national convention on August 3, Conservatives Concerned National Manager Demetrius Minor made the case that repealing the death penalty should be a priority for liberty-minded activists. Students, young professionals, and state lawmakers alike attended the conference, where Conservatives Concerned supporter and former U.S. Congressman Ron Paul gave the keynote speech.
