The momentum continues to grow statewide in support of strengthening victims’ rights in North Carolina. Marsy’s Law for North Carolina’s campaign to bring a constitutional amendment giving victims of crime equal rights in the state constitution is drawing support among elected officials, law enforcement, and communities statewide.

The first half January set a new record with five new community endorsements. Towns recently endorsing Marsy’s Law include Wesley Chapel, Weddington, and Harrisburg, NC – just outside of Charlotte. “We are proud to support victims right here in Harrisburg,” said Harrisburg Mayor Steve Sciascia.

Also lending support in January is Caldwell County – one of almost a half dozen counties who have formally endorsed the legislation to-date. “It was unanimous,” said Caldwell County Vice Chairman Mike LaBrose. “Our county is proud to stand for victims’ rights!”

More than 60 percent of the state’s sheriffs have individually supported Marsy’s Law legislation in NC – giving victims of crime guaranteed rights in the state constitution like the right to be heard during court proceedings and the right to be notified when the accused has a change in custody status. And a recent survey shows that North Carolina voters agree: a majority of North Carolinians support strengthening victims’ rights in the state constitution. More than eight in ten North Carolinians from across the political spectrum support amending the constitution to give victims stronger rights. Nearly nine out of ten voters believe that crime victims should be guaranteed notification of a criminal’s bail, parole, release or escape and that victims, if they choose, have the constitutional right to speak at the bail or sentencing hearing.

The legislation passed the state House in April and is awaiting a vote in the Senate – as early as this month- that would send the amendment to voters to decide. The statewide momentum is clear: North Carolina’s community leaders, local elected officials, and voters want to send House Bill 551 to a vote to ensure that North Carolina’s victims of crime are given the constitutional guarantee of equal rights that their offenders already have.

For a growing list of MLNC endorsements, please see: http://nc.marsyslaw.us/endorsements