FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 23, 2019
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NAACP Milwaukee Chapter Endorses Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin
New endorsement from civil rights organization adds to growing coalition in support of crime victims’ rights Constitutional Amendment that will be on the ballot on April 7.
MADISON – Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin today announced a new endorsement from Milwaukee Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for the bipartisan proposal to strengthen the rights of Wisconsin crime victims. The new endorsement adds to the list of more than 300 prominent endorsements for Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin and demonstrates continued momentum in the effort’s bipartisan statewide coalition.
“Ensuring crime victims have a strong voice in the criminal justice process – which they deserve – can be done without diminishing the rights of the accused,” said Fred Royal, president of NAACP Milwaukee Branch. “The proposed Constitutional Amendment known as Marsy’s Law accomplishes just that goal. The NAACP Milwaukee is proud to add our voice to civil rights leaders like Congressman John Lewis and Reverend Jesse Jackson in support of Marsy’s Law and we encourage all Wisconsin voters to support the ratification vote on April 7.”
In addition to the growing list of key endorsements from victim service groups, elected officials, law enforcement leaders, and statewide associations, Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin has garnered significant public support across the state, with thousands signing the petition backing of the effort.
“I’m thrilled to see this leading civil rights organization joining the fight to strengthen victims’ rights,” said Teri Jendusa Nicolai, Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin State Chair and prominent victims’ rights advocate. “The NAACP has been fighting for equal rights for more than a century, and here in Wisconsin the Milwaukee chapter has been a crucial advocate for important reforms of our criminal justice system. We couldn’t be prouder to have their support for our efforts to grant equal rights to victims of crime.”
Introduced for second consideration as Assembly Joint Resolution 1/Senate Joint Resolution 2 the bipartisan victims’ rights legislation was approved earlier this year for placement on the April 2020 ballot after passing the Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support in two consecutive legislative sessions.
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About Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin
Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin is a grassroots coalition that has developed a unique proposal to give victims of crime equal rights in our state, building on Wisconsin’s laws and history of leading on this issue. 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 has made it his life’s mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights.
Victims and supporters interested in sharing their stories can email Wisconsin@marsyslaw.us.
