MARSY: Idaho missed mark

It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter to the editor. I am so disappointed in the Idaho Legislature’s inability to allow Idahoans the opportunity to vote on Marsy’s Law. While 42 of the 70 House members voted “Yes” on this amendment to increase the rights of crime victims at the Constitutional level, it was not enough to get the 2/3rds vote needed to send the bill to the Senate side.

This is the second year in a row that the House has managed to kill this important legislation. It is time for our legislators to stop being politicians and start being statesmen. Stop listening to politicians like Rep. Barbieri and Rep. Scott who seem to enjoy causing confusion about what this legislation would achieve. Try being above the fray and actually voting for legislation simply because it’s the right thing to do.

Until victims of crime have the standing to exercise their victims’ rights (standing which is currently lacking in the Idaho Constitution as it now stands), I fear that victims’ rights will continue to be seen as nothing more than courtesies. They need the protection that Marsy’s Law could provide. That is why I will continue to fight for equal rights for crime victims and hope that those reading this will as well.

SARAH BUSDON

Hailey