Saying that the “death penalty is both dysfunctional and immoral,” Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has commuted the sentences of the 17 people remaining on the state’s death row, a continuation of efforts by state Democratic politicians to stop executions.

“I have long believed that justice is not advanced by taking a life, and the state should not be in the business of executing people—even if a terrible crime placed them in prison,” said Brown, a Democrat, in a statement.