PERU. BISHOPS REAFFIRM ANTI DEATH PENALTY STANCE

September 13, 2006: as Peruvians debated a proposal to apply the death penalty to individuals who sexually assaulted and murdered minors, the country's bishops urged unconditional respect for human life.
In a communiqué, the bishops underlined the primacy and inviolability of human life, stressing that no one can do away with his own or another's life.
"The value of human life, including that of the sinner, is very important for God," the episcopal document stated.
"The state has the responsibility to protect life, especially that of the defenceless, but this duty -- an expression of legitimate defence -- does not imply the use of violence," said the communiqué. (Sources: Zenit.org, 13/09/2006)