Today was a great day! I organized a press conference for Representative Wimmer's bill, Utah's version of Jessica's Law. The law is named for Jessica Lunsford, a 9-year-old girl who was kidnapped from her home, sexually abused, then murdered. The law creates a mandatory minimum sentencing requirement of 25 years to life for the rape of child. The bill would also create a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years to life for the attempted rape of a child. Without this law, perpetrators of these heinous crimes would strike a plea deal and often be out on the street in a few years to attack children again!!
This bill passed the House today unanimously. Now it must be voted on by the Senate and signed by the Governor to become law. It is a huge stride towards protecting our state's children from such predators!
The most touching part of today's press conference was watching Mark Lunsford, Jessica's father, speak passionately in support of this bill. He detailed why it is so important, then with tears in his eyes, recounted one of his last conversations with "Jessie." He said, "We were having a contest to see who loved the other one more. She put her two fingers together and said, "I love you this much, Daddy. There's nothing between us."" He then urged parents to cherish every moment with their children.
It was a very touching moment to be a part of and I feel privileged to have met such a great crusader for children today. (If you watch the news tonight you may see the coverage of the event- all the local news stations were there.)
How wonderful to get to be a part of that. That's all I can say.
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