Texas Rejects European Request To End The Death Penalty

Matthew Borghese - AHN News Writer

Austin, TX (AHN) - Texas Gov. Rock Perry has rejected a request by the European Union to abolish capital punishment as the Lone Star State reaches its 400th execution since the United States Supreme Court reversed a ban on the death penalty in 1976.

"230 years ago, our forefathers fought a war to throw off the yoke of a European monarch and gain the freedom of self-determination," Perry told the EU.

"Texans long ago decided that the death penalty is a just and appropriate punishment for the most horrible crimes committed against our citizens," Perry said. "While we respect our friends in Europe, welcome their investment in our state and appreciate their interest in our laws, Texans are doing just fine governing Texas."

Texas executed Johnny Ray Conner on Wednesday. The 32-year-old Conner was the 21st man executed in Texas this year. Conner was convicted of murder in 1998, and was executed by lethal injection.