Malloy asked to denounce witchcraft executions

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is being asked to issue a proclamation clearing the names of the 11 people executed for witchcraft in mid-1600s Connecticut.

Descendants of some of those who were put to death and other supporters of the effort asked Malloy earlier this year to condemn the executions, but the governor hasn't taken any action. A Malloy spokesman says the governor doesn't have that authority, even though his website invites residents to request proclamations for noteworthy events.

New Milford resident Debra Lynne is a descendant of Mary Sanford, who was hanged in Hartford for witchcraft in 1662. She says clearing the names of the wrongly accused is a matter of justice.

An online effort is under way asking people to write to Malloy to request a proclamation.

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Online:

Petition for proclamation: http://www.witchvox.com