Fast & Vigil to Abolish the Penalty July 1, 2006

WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, HOW WHO: Anyone who is against the Penalty -- seasoned abolitionists and those new to the movement alike. Come, learn some new tricks and share your own, make an impact and meet others who work for the cause.... Abolition work made fun! WHAT: A two day vigil maintaining a presence at Texas Capitol. Some of the participants fast during this time, but fasting is not required. We encounter thousands of visitors to the Capitol and share our message that no matter how you slice it, the penalty is BAD PUBLIC POLICY. Much of the time is spent talking to individuals and creating visibility. WHERE: At the Texas Capitol in Austin WHEN: 9 am, July 1st to midnight, July 2 (sunday). To attend the full event, plan to arrive on June 30, and depart on July 3, 2006 WHY: The purpose of this event is to maintain a presence at the Texas Capitol between the dates of the anniversaries of when the penalty was ruled unconstitutional in practice in 1972, and when new laws were upheld in 1976. COST: Minimal - mainly transportation to Austin and personal expenses. Free community housing at the First United Methodist Church

June 29 is the anniversary of the 1972 Furman v. Georgia decision in which the U.S. Supreme Court found the penalty to be applied in an arbitrary and capricious manner. At that time, more then 600 condemned inmates had their sentences reduced to terms of life imprisonment, and all states were forced to rewrite their penalty laws. July 2 is the anniversary of the 1976 Gregg v. Georgia decision, which allowed s to resume in the United States. The four days between these two historic anniversaries provide a natural opportunity for a demonstration of conscience on the issue of judicially-sanctioned state-sponsored.

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Official Website: http://texasabolition.org/fastandvigil/