Title:
Topeka decriminalizes domestic violence
Message:
Like cities all around the country,
Topeka is facing unprecedented budget shortfalls, and officials are desperate to
save money. In a stand-off
with county officials over who will prosecute domestic abusers, the City
Council has brazenly bowed out by decriminalizing
domestic battery within the city.
There’s got to be a better way. In
fact, I suggested one such way to the council last week – decriminalize simple
marijuana possession instead. As you can see from my
letter to the council, 13 states and numerous cities – including Lawrence,
Kansas – have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Marijuana decriminalization may not solve all the city’s budget problems, but
neither will decriminalizing a heinous act like domestic violence. And unlike
someone who would abuse a loved one, marijuana users are not inherently
violent and are not a threat to public safety.
It’s not too late to act. If you
live in Topeka, please call
the city council, and urge them to reconsider and decriminalize marijuana
possession. And everyone in Kansas should email
their state legislators and ask them to make marijuana possession a civil
“cite and fine” offense, as in neighboring Colorado and Nebraska, to help other
Kansas cities avoid following in Topeka’s footsteps.
Thank you!
