As Oklahoma Faith Leaders, we stand together against proposed House Bill 3903, which would prohibit members of the pardon and parole board from hearing cases based on innocence claims.

We know that the criminal legal system sometimes gets it wrong, as demonstrated by the stories of at least 38 documented wrongful convictions in Oklahoma. Our state should take every available opportunity to ensure that true justice is served in every case, for every person. Oklahoma cannot run the risk of executing an innocent person, nor continuing to incarcerate one who is innocent of a crime.

We ask the Majority Leader of the Oklahoma House of Representatives to not allow this bill to be heard. We ask every member of the House of Representatives to reject this bill, if a vote is required.

There cannot be too many opportunities in our state for relief in matters of life, death or freedom.