Marsy’s Law for Kentucky Officially Takes Effect, Finally Giving Equal Rights to Crime Victims

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State Board of Elections certifies results of November election, in which more than 1.1 million Kentucky voters overwhelmingly approved Constitutional Amendment #1

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 20, 2020) — The Kentucky State Board of Elections today officially certified the results of the November 2020 general election, in which over 63% of voters overwhelmingly approved Constitutional Amendment #1 (Marsy’s Law).

As a result of today’s certification, the Marsy’s Law amendment — which finally ensures the inclusion, participation, and respect of crime victims and their families as they navigate the criminal justice system — now takes effect statewide. The Bluegrass State was previously one of only 15 states that did not protect victims’ rights in its constitution.

“More than 1.1 million Kentucky voters resoundingly affirmed the vital importance of providing constitutional-level protections for crime victims,” said Dr. Emily Bonistall Postel, Marsy’s Law for Kentucky director of outreach. “Today is a truly historic day in our Commonwealth. At long last, survivors and their families have secured the dignity and voice they deserve within 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, there are more than 16,000 violent crimes 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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