Killion honored for work as an advocate for crime victims
CHADDS FORD >> Marsy’s Law for Pennsylvania, which is aimed at providing equal rights to crime victims in Pennsylvania by ensuring constitutional protections, announced that state Sen. Tom Killion has been presented with the Guardian of Victims’ Rights Award.
The Guardian of Victims’ Rights Awards are presented to people who have served as advocates and ambassadors for crime victims across the state, working to ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect. Killion, R-9 of Middletown, has been a dedicated supporter of Marsy’s Law legislation, which is seeking an amendment to ensure that the Pennsylvania Constitution enumerates rights for victims of crime.
“Too often, victims have been an afterthought in the criminal justice system. Marsy’s Law will rectify that,” Killion said. “I was pleased to co-sponsor it in the Senate, and I look forward to the passage of Marsy’s Law next month.”
The award was presented to Killion on Monday, Oct. 21 during a meeting with Marsy’s Law for Pennsylvania.
Although the state constitution enumerates rights for individuals accused and convicted of crimes, Pennsylvania does not currently afford the same protections to crime victims. For the state constitution to be amended, legislation must pass in two consecutive legislative sessions before being added to the ballot for voter approval.
Rep. Sheryl Delozier, R-Cumberland, introduced House Bill 276 for Marsy’s Law earlier this year, and Sen. John Sabatina, DPhiladelphia, sponsored the bill in the Senate. The measure was approved by both the House of Representatives and the State Senate during this legislative session, qualifying it to appear as a ballot referendum in the fall.
During the 2017-18 legislative session, Marsy’s Law passed unanimously in the state Senate and House.