Large Number of Georgia Delegation Members Back Marsy's Law

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Monday, October 29th, 2018

Georgia’s U.S. Sens. Johnny Isakson and David Perdue and U.S. Reps. John Lewis, Tom Graves, Rob Woodall, Doug Collins, Buddy Carter and Drew Ferguson have taken a stand for crime victims’ rights, encouraging their fellow Georgians to vote yes on Amendment 4, known as Marsy’s Law.
 
Sen. Isakson (R-Ga.): "Marsy's Law isn't a political issue, it's about protecting the rights of crime victims and ensuring that their rights are defined under the law. Please join me in voting 'Yes' on Marsy's Law."
 
Sen. Perdue (R-Ga.): “A vote for Marsy’s Law is a vote to expand protections for victims of violent crime. I’m proud our state is taking steps to ensure both victims and their families have the constitutional rights they deserve.”
 
Rep. Lewis (D-Ga.): “When someone becomes a crime victim, it can make them feel alone and afraid. We have a responsibility to do everything in our power to return to them a sense of safety, security, and community. That is why I am supporting Marsy’s Law.”    
 
Rep. Graves (R-Ga.): “The people accused and convicted of crimes have strong constitutional rights, and victims should have equal rights, no more, no less.  In November, I’m voting yes on Marsy’s for Law for Georgia, and I encourage Georgians in the 14th Congressional District to vote yes on Amendment 4. When I was a member of the state House, I voted to put a Victims’ Bill of Rights in state law. Marsy’s Law builds on the progress of that law by giving victims the standing to fight back if their rights are violated.”
 
Rep. Woodall (R-Ga.): “I’m proud that our state has emerged as a leader in protecting the rights of victims by passing Marsy’s Law, and I’m especially pleased that the people of Georgia will have an opportunity to weigh in directly on this important issue.”
 
Rep. Collins (R-Ga.): “As a state legislator and as a congressman, I have championed criminal justice reforms that have saved tax dollars and gotten better outcomes. Enshrining crime victims’ rights in the state constitution complements those reforms perfectly. I encourage my fellow Georgians to vote yes on Amendment 4.”
 
Rep. Carter (R-Ga.): “Protecting and improving the rights of victims of violent crimes should certainly be a top priority for Georgians. I will be voting for Marsy's Law this November to give victims the rights they need and deserve.”
 
Rep. Ferguson (R-Ga.): “Victims of crime deserve the same constitutional rights that criminals get. When you go to the polls on Nov. 6, please join me in voting yes for Marsy’s Law, which is listed as Amendment 4 on your ballot.”  
 
Amendment 4 will provide a crime victims’ bill of rights in the state constitution. Georgia is one of six states that will have the chance to enact Marsy’s Law this year. A constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds vote in both houses of the General Assembly – where it passed unanimously this year -- and a simple majority of voters. Georgia is one of few states that don’t have any constitutional protections for crime victims.
 
“Victims across Georgia greatly appreciate this bipartisan group of leaders for supporting those who’ve been hurt by crime,” said Ann Casas, state director for Marsy’s Law for Georgia. “These are public servants whom Georgians know and trust. This gives Marsy’s Law tremendous momentum as we head toward Election Day.”