Marsy's Law for Georgia Capitol Day Leaves Lasting Impression
More than 250 Georgians filled the state Capitol February 1st wearing purple Marsy’s Law T-Shirts and ready to press the case for equal rights for crime victims.
Marsy’s Law for Georgia activist heard from bill sponsor Sen. John Kennedy of Macon and the whole group got a picture with Gov. Nathan Deal, who told them that as a state senator he passed legislation that allowed for victim impact statements in court – an early advance in Georgia for victims’ rights.
Supporters told their stories to legislators in scores of individual and impactful meetings. Nothing brings the need for Marsy’s Law to life quite like the life-and-death stories of victims who live in fear of their offender getting released without their knowledge.
For many activists there, this was their first time in the state capitol and certainly their first time lobbying legislators on behalf of an issue. They came from near and far, with volunteers from Atlanta, Macon, Columbus and small towns like Swainsboro, four hours away. Many saw firsthand that their voices matter. They couldn’t believe that their representatives answered their requests to talk about this issue.
Marsy’s Law for Georgia Capitol Day left a lasting impression on the legislators in the House who’ll consider this legislation later in the session – but it left just as much of an impression on the people who gave up a day of work to be there and advocate. They now know the strength of their voices, and they will be heard when Marsy’s Law for Georgia progresses through the House – and eventually onto the ballot in Georgia.