In March 2021, Virginia’s governor, the Honorable Ralph Northam, signed into law a bill ceasing the practice of capital punishment. Virginia is the first southern state in the US to do so.
Governor Northam said: “It is the moral thing to do to end the death penalty.” Virginia joins 22 other US states and 170 United Nations member countries that have done away with executions.
Since 1973, there have been 170 lives saved from death row in the United States after evidence later proved their innocence.
Our deep appreciation, the Honorable Ralph Northam and the State of Virginia, for recognizing that all lives are precious as God resides in each of us. May all beings be forever protected in the gracious benevolence of the Divine.
Supreme Master Ching Hai: “Gratefully present the Shining World Leadership Award for Good Governance to the Honorable Ralph Northam with high esteem and praises for your noble and wise decision. May you and the fine people of Virginia forever know God's grace.”
