MARSY’S LAW LAUNCHES STATEWIDE CAMPAIGN WITH RALLY FOR CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS

Advocates, victims, and lawmakers gather at State Capitol to support Marsy’s Law

Frankfort, Ky. (April 13, 2018) – Marsy’s Law for Kentucky, an effort supporting constitutional rights for crime victims, launched a statewide education campaign and rallied for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week at the State Capitol today. Sen. Whitney Westerfield, Kentucky County Attorneys Association President and Henderson County Attorney Steve Gold, and former Lexington TV Anchor and crime victim Jennifer Palumbo were among those who spoke and urged support for Marsy’s Law on Election Day.

Marsy’s Law, with overwhelming, bipartisan support in both chambers, was the first bill to pass during the 2018 session.

“It’s time we step up and provide victims with the constitutionally-protected rights they deserve,” Marsy’s Law bill sponsor Sen. Whitney Westerfield said. “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is the perfect opportunity to thank those who have supported crime victims, and to urge all Kentuckians to support victims on the ballot this November.” 

Kentucky is one of only 16 states without constitutional-level rights for victims of crime. If adopted by Kentucky voters in November, Marsy’s Law would amend Kentucky’s constitution to ensure crime victims have the right to a voice in the judicial process, the right to be present in judicial hearings and the right to be made aware of upcoming hearings or changes in their offenders’ status, among others.

“2018 is the year Kentucky says yes to constitutional rights for victims of crime! We are so grateful to the Kentucky General Assembly for their swift passage of Marsy’s Law and can’t wait to see it on the ballot in November,” said Ashlea Christiansen, Marsy’s Law for Kentucky State Director. “We know Kentuckians want Marsy’s Law to become a reality in November and are encouraged by the amazing level of support for victims we’ve seen across the Commonwealth.” 

Enjoying strong statewide momentum from victims and advocates, as well as overwhelming support from legislators during the 2018 Session, Marsy’s Law hopes is very hopeful about a positive outcome with Kentucky voters. Recent surveys show Kentuckians strongly favor Marsy’s Law, with nearly 80% of voters expressing support for amending the state constitution to ensure equal rights for crime victims.

A list of the victims’ advocates, law enforcement, and organizations that endorse Marsy’s Law can be found here. With the support of these endorsers and the 35,000-plus petition signers, Marsy’s Law is one step away from providing a fair and balanced criminal justice system to Kentucky crime victims and their families.

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About Marsy’s Law for Kentucky

Marsy’s Law for Kentucky is an advocate-driven effort to incorporate a victims’ bill of rights in the state constitution. Kentucky is one of only 16 states that do not provide crime victims with constitutional-level protections. To learn more or if you would like to sign the petition and add your “purple pin” to the map, you can do so here. Those wishing to join the coalition can do so here. Please visit www.marsyslaw.us, follow us on Facebook or Twitter.