Public Outcry Over Stein’s Death Penalty Sparks Controversy

Before the introduction of an amendment by Senate GOP leader Phil Berger, Iryna’s Law seemed poised to pass smoothly in the General Assembly. The bill had significant backing, with expectations that Governor Josh Stein would endorse it. Democrats across both the Senate and the House showed notable support, with half of Senate Democrats and several House members initially in favor.

Controversy Over Added Death Penalty Provision

The amendment proposed by Berger, which called for additional execution methods, shifted the dynamics drastically. It led to most Senate Democrats leaving the chamber, and those who stayed voted against the bill. This left House Democrats uncertain of the governor’s stance.

House Democrats’ Dilemma

• 17 House Democrats ultimately supported the bill.
• Backing largely came from Mecklenburg and Wake counties.
• Democratic leaders encouraged support to maintain a tough-on-crime stance.

Robert Reives, the House Democratic leader, criticized the amendment but voted in its favor. Senate Republicans held a veto-proof supermajority, while Democratic cohesion in the House was crucial to sustaining a veto. With 17 defections, an override appeared likely.

Governor Stein’s Decision and Its Fallout

Governor Josh Stein’s options included signing Iryna’s Law or letting it become law without his signature. Despite internal pressures, he chose to sign despite the law’s contentious inclusion of a death penalty clause. This decision generated significant backlash.

Public and Political Reactions

The NAACP’s Deborah Dicks Maxwell criticized the governor for choosing “cruelty over justice.” Sen. Graig Meyer was particularly vocal, condemning Stein’s perceived lack of principled action. Meyer’s critique highlighted broader concerns about Stein’s leadership approach.

Senate Democrats urged Stein to veto the bill, labeling it as flawed and morally objectionable. Despite this, the legislation became law, stirring significant controversy and public debate over the death penalty in North Carolina.