DEATH PENALTY IN THE UNITED STATES

That this House commends the 1st March 2005 judgement of the United States Supreme Court in Roper v Simmons finding application of the death penalty against children under 18 years of age to be cruel and unusual punishment within the meaning of the 8th Amendment and therefore unconstitutional; notes that the ruling, which takes 70 children off death row, builds upon recent decisions preventing execution of those with mental disabilities and minors under 16 years of age; notes the comments of Justice Anthony Kennedy, who stated that it was proper for the Supreme Court to acknowledge the overwhelming weight of international opinion; believes this recognition should strengthen the case for pursuing the objective of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, that is, a worldwide abolition of the death penalty; and urges the Government in its relations with the leaders of the United States to inject renewed vigour into its efforts to press for a complete end to this barbaric practice.