ACLU-KY Statements Regarding Passage of Breonna's Law by Louisville Metro Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

“In recent weeks, people have cried out for urgent and meaningful change, from Breonna Taylor’s family and thousands of Louisville residents, to millions throughout the country, and around the world. Tonight, Louisville Metro Council answered that call by passing Breonna’s Law, prohibiting Louisville Metro Police Department from using no-knock warrants again. We applaud Metro Council for their unanimous vote, but they must expand this ban to include all law enforcement agencies in Jefferson County.

These deadly warrants put innocent people at grave risk, including law enforcement officers. This ordinance is an important step, but it’s only the first step in a series of desperately needed changes to address police abuse of power and excessive force against Black people. Together with allies, the ACLU of Kentucky will push to take this new city ordinance state-wide during the 2021 General Assembly. People must be safe from deadly no-knock warrants no matter where they live.”

“Metro Council’s passage of Breonna’s Law is a small bit of justice for Breonna’s mourning family and our angry, heartbroken city. It’s an important, but small step in the fight to eradicate racist police violence that has taken too many lives. Government officials on all levels must do more to rein in police power, address problems within their police departments, increase transparency, and end disparate treatment of Black people in all institutions of power. We will continue to fight for these desperately needed changes in Breonna’s memory. We are joined with all those that have taken to the streets tonight to say her name: Breonna Taylor.”

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