FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 3, 2020) — Kentucky voters today overwhelmingly approved Constitutional Amendment #1 (Marsy’s Law), which will finally ensure the inclusion, participation, and respect of crime victims and their families as they navigate the criminal justice system. The Bluegrass State was previously one of only 15 states that did not protect victims’ rights in its constitution.
“Today is truly a landmark day for Kentucky crime victims,” said Emily Bonistall Postel, Marsy’s Law for Kentucky director of outreach. “Amid a year of much uncertainty, voters sent a clear and powerful message: Kentuckians whose lives are impacted by crime deserve our support and to have their rights protected in our constitution. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our vast, statewide army of Marsy’s Law advocates, survivors in all 120 counties will no longer have to feel alone, insignificant, or shut out of the very system they are counting on to carry out justice.”
Marsy’s Law for Kentucky has been championed by a broad, bipartisan coalition of state legislators, victim advocates, and community organizations across the Commonwealth. Senate Bill 15, sponsored by Senator Whitney Westerfield, was approved by a wide margin in the 2020 General Assembly (passing 31 - 6 in the Senate, and 74 - 15 in the House) — placing the amendment on the ballot before Kentucky voters.
Each year, more there are more than 16,000 violent crimes are reported in Kentucky. Marsy’s Law ensures victims constitutionally guaranteed rights, including the right to be notified, present, and heard in court proceedings.
To see the full list of victims’ rights that are protected under Marsy’s Law for Kentucky, please visit www.VictimsRightsKY.com.
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