For Immediate Release

October 12, 2016

WHAT:        “Day of Action to Abolish Death By Incarceration” State House rally and musical lobbying

WHEN:    Tuesday October 18th, 11:30 am

WHERE:    Front steps of the Capitol Building in Harrisburg, PA

WHO:        The Coalition to Abolish Death By Incarceration (CADBI).

Speakers include family of people serving Death By Incarceration sentences, people who have lost loved ones to violence, and Rep. Jason Dawkins, who has introduced a bill that would end Death By Incarceration (also known as Life Without Parole)

WHY:    There are over 5000 people serving Death By Incarceration (DBI) sentences in Pennsylvania. This extreme sentencing practice does not improve public safety and disproportionately impacts poor people and people of color. Denying anyone the right to transformation and redemption is an affront to everyone’s humanity. House Bill 2135 would make those serving life sentences eligible for parole after 15 years. CADBI members and supporters from across the state will demand that lawmakers support HB 2135 and stand on the side of healing and redemption.

VISUALS:    Hundreds of supporters, artwork from people serving DBI sentences, and after the rally people will enter the statehouse to bring their message directly to legislators through song.

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The Coalition to Abolish Death By Incarceration is a coalition that is working to end death by incarceration (aka life without parole)  sentences in Pennsylvania. The coalition includes Decarcerate PA, Fight for Lifers, The Human Rights Coalition, and Right to Redemption. Learn more at http://decarceratepa.info/CADBI