CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A coalition of more than 50 organizations on Wednesday announced the launch of a new campaign to end capital punishment nationwide.

The move comes as Ohio lawmakers debate legislation that would allow executions by nitrogen hypoxia.

At a virtual news conference, U.S. Campaign to End the Death Penalty director Laura Porter said the effort reflects a growing shift in public opinion.

“We want to make sure policymakers know the country is moving away from the death penalty,” she said.

Porter cited Gallup polling that shows support for the death penalty at 52%, a 50-year low .

She said that fewer than 30 new death sentences are expected nationwide this year – an indication that juries are increasingly reluctant to send people to their deaths.

Legal professors, civil r

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