Louisiana's First Nitrogen Gas Execution Blocked by Federal Judge

U.S. Chief District Judge Shelly Dick has blocked Louisiana's first execution by nitrogen gas, citing constitutional concerns and potential interference with the inmate's breathing meditation. 

Jessie Hoffman Jr., a Buddhist, argued that the method of execution would violate his religious rights. In 1996, Hoffman was18 when he abducted Mary Elliott, at gunpoint from a New Orleans parking garage on the night before Thanksgiving Day. He forced her to withdraw $200 from an ATM, then he raped and shot her to death. Hoffman now alleges that he is a Buddhist and that the method of execution would violate his religious rights. 

However, under international law, religious rights can be denied to those who are a threat and danger to society. 

“It's a sad day in society when religious rights protect rapists,” Human Rights reporter Joseph Bonner states. Adding, “ the Catholic church has been getting away with it for far too long and now the Buddhist want to do it too.”