Conn. witch trial exonerations: Where the bill stands

In this Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023 photo, Beth Caruso, author and co-founder of the CT Witch Trial Exoneration Project, which was created to clear the names of …

In this Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023 photo, Beth Caruso, author and co-founder of the CT Witch Trial Exoneration Project, which was created to clear the names of the accused, stands on the Palisado Green in Windsor, Conn., where in 1651, an accident during a local militiamen training exercise led to the accusation of witchcraft and hanging of Lydia Gilbert. Now, more than 375 years later, amateur historians, researchers and descendants of the accused witches and their accusers, from across the U.S., are urging Connecticut officials to officially acknowledge this dark period of the state’s colonial history and posthumously exonerate those wrongfully accused and punished. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

by: Olivia Perreault

Posted: Mar 28, 2023 / 01:14 PM EDT

Updated: Mar 28, 2023 / 01:14 PM EDT

WINDSOR, Conn. (WTNH) — Will the witch trial victims in Connecticut be exonerated?

Now, they’re one step closer.

A bill is currently up for debate: HJ 34, “A Resolution Concerning Certain Witchcraft Convictions in Colonial Connecticut.”

Earlier this month, Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project shared stories of the innocent witch trial victims of the 17th Connecticut Colony during a resolution hearing, urging the state to acknowledge the victims’ innocence. CWTEP pointed at the 34 Connecticut residents who were convicted of witchcraft — 11 of which were executed.

On Monday, the Joint Committee on Judiciary voted “yes” to the resolution. Now, the next step in the process is for the House and Senate to put the bill on their calendars for a vote.

Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz and the bill co-sponsor Rep. Jane Garibay will moderate a panel discussion on Wednesday. Sen. Saud Anwar, who is also co-sponsoring the bill, will speak on the panel alongside author and historian Katherine Hermes, student and advocate Catherine Carmon, and CWTEP co-founder Beth Caruso.

The panel is set to take place at the Connecticut Old State House in Hartford at 1 p.m.

While 34 people were convicted of witchcraft, CWTEP would also like the state of Connecticut to formally apologize to the descendants of those indicted, convicted, and executed for witchcraft.