MARSY’S LAW ANNOUNCES REPRESENTATIVE GRAHAM AND JUDGE-EXECUTIVE WELLS AS FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAIRS

Influential local voices will lead the campaign for crime victims’ rights in Kentucky’s Capitol County

Frankfort, Ky. (November 1, 2017) – Marsy’s Law for Kentucky is honored to announce the appointment of two local leaders to help guide the crime victims’ rights campaign to success in 2018. State Rep. Derrick Graham and Judge-Executive Huston Wells will be leading the charge for Marsy’s Law in Franklin County.

“Crime victims deserve a stronger voice and greater respect in the judicial process,” State Representative Derrick Graham said. “It’s time to stand up for some of our most vulnerable citizens; Marsy’s Law is commonsense legislation that I look forward to helping bring to passage in 2018.”

Kentucky is one of only 15 states without constitutional-level rights for victims of crime. If adopted by Kentucky voters in November 2018, 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. 

“I have served as an elected official for 20 years, and in that time, I have witnessed firsthand the lack of protections for crime victims,” Franklin County Judge-Executive Huston Wells said. “One of our country’s founding principles was to ensure all Americans are protected and given representation by the law. Marsy’s Law will do just that by ensuring crime victims have rights equal to the accused or convicted.”

Marsy’s Law for Kentucky has the bi-partisan support of elected officials, judges, law enforcement officials and advocacy groups. Kentucky voters also strongly favor Marsy’s Law, with recent surveys showing Marsy’s law has 80% support statewide. Marsy’s Law is expected to be a priority bill for both chambers in the 2018 General Assembly. 

“Each year, public officials from across our state gather in Franklin County to represent their constituents,” Marsy’s Law State Director Ashlea Christiansen said. “With the help of our Franklin County chairs, we hope that policymakers convening in Frankfort this year choose to represent the needs of crime victims with the passage of Marsy’s Law.”

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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 15 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.