People who fall victim to crime find themselves in a confusing and stressful judicial process while also trying to recover from physical and emotional trauma. In Pennsylvania, survivors have a strong system of laws to protect them, but they currently have no recourse if their rights are overlooked or ignored. Marsy’s Law would put the weight of the state Constitution behind those protections (“Pa. voters will decide constitutional amendment on rights of crime victims,” Oct. 1, TribLIVE).
Over the past two years, state legislators on both sides of the aisle have supported Marsy’s Law, with both the Senate and House of Representatives approving the measure. It is now qualified to appear as a ballot referendum this fall.
Marsy’s Law would allow those whose lives have been forever altered by crime to have a guaranteed voice in the process. It ensures that victims and their families have the right to be heard, be present and be informed.
This November, Pennsylvania voters will have the opportunity to take a stand for crime victims by voting in favor of the Crime Victim Rights Amendment, showing that survivors deserve our support and the protection of the state Constitution.
Elaine Gowaty
Murrysville
The writer is president of Westmoreland Federated Republican Women and former chairwoman of the Westmoreland County Republican Committee.