Image from Oregon Live

Oregon’s governor has halted all executions for the remainder of his time in office.

This move grants temporary reprieve to the state’s 37 death row inmates, one of whom was scheduled to be put to death on Dec. 6.

Citing his personal beliefs, Gov. John Kitzhaber announced his decision on Tuesday.

It is time for Oregon to consider a different approach. I refuse to be a part of this compromised and inequitable system any longer; and I will not allow further executions while I am governor.”

At the same time, he addressed two executions which took place during his previous terms as governor.

They were the most agonizing and difficult decisions I have made as governor and I have revisited and questioned them over and over again during the past 14 years. I do not believe that those executions made us safer; and certainly they did not make us nobler as a society. And I simply cannot participate once again in something I believe to be morally wrong.”

Oregon is now the fifth state to put a hold on the death penalty since 2007.

What is the policy in your state?