Reps. Brent, Rader: 'Larry Henderson Act' Creates Unequal Justice

COLUMBUS - State Reps. Juanita O. Brent (D-Cleveland) and Tristan Rader (D- Lakewood) today issued a statement following the passage of House Bill (HB) 372, a bill that makes the penalty for aggravated murder either death or life without the possibility of parole if the victim is a peace officer, prosecutor, first responder, or military member.

"This legislation builds a dangerous tier system that essentially decides some lives are worth more than others," said Rep. Brent. "I cannot, in good conscience, support a bill that treats human life as a commodity to be categorized and devalued. When we take away a judge's power to choose the most just path, we are no longer practicing justice; we are practicing automation."

"I will not support any bill that requires or encourages the death penalty for any crime," said Rep. Rader. "State sanctioned killings must end."