Marsy’s Law for Florida today announced more than 200 individuals and organizations have lent their names in support of Amendment 6, which would place a new set of crime victims’ rights in the state constitution if approved by voters. Those endorsing the measure include Congressional members, state elected officials, local elected officials, sheriffs, state attorneys, retired judges, former state elected officials and government leaders, law enforcement associations, advocacy organizations, victims and victims’ families. A total of 232 people and organizations have endorsed Amendment 6 to date.
Notable supporters include Governor Rick Scott, former Governor Jeb Bush, Attorney General Pam Bondi, former Attorney General Bob Butterworth, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, former U.S. Congressman and Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis, Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran, State Senate Majority Leader Wilton Simpson, State Senate Minority Leader Pro Tempore Lauren Book, former State Attorney Willie Meggs, former State Attorney Rod Smith, State Attorney Dave Aronberg, State Attorney Ed Brodsky, State Attorney Jack Campbell, State Attorney William Eddins, State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, State Attorney Brad King, State Attorney R.J. Larizza, State Attorney Melissa Nelson, State Attorney Dennis Ward, State Attorney Andrew Warren, more than 60 Florida sheriffs, the Florida Police Chiefs Association and the Florida Sheriffs Association.
“Amendment 6 has received the support of so many different Florida leaders and organizations because it is such a commonsense measure, bringing balance to our criminal justice system and equalizing both victims and defendants in the eyes of the court,” said Greg Ungru, Marsy’s Law for Florida State Director. “We are proud and thankful to have such broad and bipartisan support for this proposed constitutional amendment. We ask that Florida voters join with these leaders by voting ‘Yes on 6’ in November.”
Criminals and those accused of crimes have 20 distinct rights afforded to them through the U.S. Constitution whereas victims have no Constitutional rights. Many states have sought to ensure victims and their families are provided rights and protections equal to those given to the accused and convicted through their state constitutions. Florida is one of 15 states with no clear, enforceable rights for victims in its constitution. Under Amendment 6/Marsy’s Law for Florida, victims would be provided with the same basic rights and protections as defendants – nothing more and nothing less.
The proposed constitutional amendment will be on the General Election ballot on November 6 and must be passed by a margin of 60 percent or more of Florida voters in order to become law. Marsy’s Law has previously been enacted in six states, including California, Illinois, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Montana.
For more information on Amendment 6/Marsy’s Law for Florida, visit marsyslawforfl.com.
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 and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were 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, co-founder of Broadcom Corporation, has made it his mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights. He formed Marsy’s Law for All in 2009, providing expertise and resources to victims’ rights organizations nationwide.
