WHEREAS, The Bible has spoken clearly about the value and dignity of all humanity as bearers of the image of God (Genesis 1:26); and
WHEREAS, The Bible also affirms the need for the rule of law which protects citizens from violence, crime, and injustice (Romans 13:1-5); and
WHEREAS, Kentucky crime victims are currently only protected by a statutory bill of rights, while the accused & convicted enjoy over 70 constitutional protections; and
WHEREAS, Kentucky is one of only fifteen states that does not offer its citizens constitutional protection for crime victims; and
WHEREAS, Marsy’s Law seeks to correct that imbalance of justice by establishing some key constitutional basic rights for victims of crime such as the right to be heard, right to notice of proceedings, the right to be present at proceedings, and standing to enforce these rights; and
WHEREAS, This absence of protections creates an imbalance of justice for victims already facing tragic loss and/or physical or emotional trauma while navigating a complex legal system that does not protect them with the same ferocity that it does the accused and convicted thereby often re-victimizing those who have already endured and suffered greatly; now
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Kentucky Baptist Convention recognizes and supports Kentucky crime victims and hereby formally endorses Marsy’s Law for Kentucky. Be it further
RESOLVED, That the Kentucky Baptist Convention calls upon the citizens of Kentucky to make their support for Marsy’s Law known to their legislators and elected officials as well so that victims of crime may be protected while they seek justice.