Marsy’s Law for Georgia Honors U.S. Representative Doug Collins for Victims’ Advocacy
Marsy’s Law for Georgia Honors U.S. Representative Doug Collins
for Victims’ Advocacy
Congressman received Marsy’s Law Victims’ Rights Champion Award for dedication to elevating victims’ rights
GAINESVILLE, GA – September 30, 2019 - Marsy’s Law for Georgia, a victims’ rights group which helped to pass a Constitutional Amendment in November 2018 that gives crime victims equal rights, recently awarded U.S. Rep. Doug Collins a Victims’ Rights Champion Award.
The Victims’ Rights Champion Award is given to elected officials who have shown support for Marsy’s Law and equal rights for crime victims. Collins is one of several who has received the award this year in Georgia for their advocacy on behalf of crime victims and support of Marsy’s Law.
“I am pleased to see the amendment in effect in Georgia because it is so important,” said Collins. “Under Marsy’s Law, victims have the right to know the status of their accused attacker in order to ensure that both they and their families are safe.”
As a state legislator and as a congressman, Collins has championed criminal justice reforms that have saved tax dollars and gotten better outcomes. He believes enshrining crime victims' rights in the state constitution complements those reforms perfectly.
“Congressman Doug Collins has been a Marsy’s Law supporter since it was introduced to Georgia,” said Erinn Mahathey, national outreach director for Marsy’s Law for All. “We greatly appreciate Congressman Collins’ dedication to equal rights for all.”
About Marsy’s Law for Georgia
In 2018, Marsy’s Law amended the Georgia State Constitution to include a Bill of Rights for victims of violent crimes during criminal proceedings. The constitutional amendment received broad support and assures rights for victims, including standing to petition a court if they feel that their rights have been violated. Georgia is one of the numerous states across the country that have added Marsy’s Law to their constitutions in recent years. To learn more about Marsy’s Law Georgia, visit www.victimsrightsga.com. Victims and supporters interested in sharing their stories can email [email protected].
About Marsy’s Law
Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother walked into a grocery store where she was confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail. In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas has made it his life’s mission to give victims and their family’s constitutional protections and equal rights.
Since California’s passage of the Victim’s Bill of Rights Act of 2008, Marsy’s Law legislation has been overwhelmingly approved by voters in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Maggie McDaniel, on behalf of Marsy’s Law
communications 21
404.814.1330
OR
Amanda Gonzalez Thompson, on behalf of Congressman Doug Collins
202.225.9893