On Wednesday, Gov. Dannel Malloy sign into a law a bill that prevents the release of photos, videos, or digital video images of homicide victims in Connecticut.
The bill was overwhelmingly passed by both the House and Senate in the General Assembly.
The law prevents the release of photographs, film, video and other images depicting a homicide victim if those records “could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of the personal privacy of the victim or the victim’s surviving family members.”
Initial versions of the legislation also called for law enforcement agencies to withhold audiotapes of 911 emergency calls, but that was modified. Now only portions of the 911 calls that describe a homicide victim's condition could be withheld.
"My goal with this legislation was to provide some measure of protection for the families affected by the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School," Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said in a statement. "But the fact is, all families have a right to grieve in private. Those who lose loved ones to violence have a right to protect themselves against further anguish.
"This is a difficult issue, requiring all of us to balance deeply held beliefs and important public policy values. I commend the legislators on coming to an agreement that respects the privacy of grieving families."
Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey, D-Hamden, also commented: “In light of the internet age, the balance between privacy and freedom of information needs to be re-examined and updated. The interim task force will now be able to thoroughly explore these issues further and help us ensure that the right to privacy is properly balanced with the public’s right to know.”
What's your take? Do you agree with this law? Or should this type of information be available to the press and the public? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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