Georgia Legislative Black Caucus Chairman, Representative Al Williams
Statement on the Genarlow Wilson Case

I want to thank everyone for attending our press conference today on an issue that has shaken the very foundation of our judicial system. As Chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, the largest state caucus in the United States, it is our moral and political obligation to speak out against the travesty occurring before our very eyes.

Of course I am speaking about the Genarlow Wilson case.

Our position is quite simple. We acknowledge that Genarlow was guilty of violating the Child Protection Act of 1995. Unfortunately, those who oppose releasing Genarlow continue to argue on the basis of innocence or guilt. My concern, and those of the caucus, has always been the harsh sentencing mandated by the Legislature which denies the judicial system any discretion to determine sentencing on a case by case basis.

We wholeheartedly agree with Monroe County Superior Court Judge Thomas Wilson that “if this court, or any court, cannot recognize the injustice of what has occurred here, then our court system has lost sight of the goal our judicial system has always strived to accomplish… Justice being served in a fair and equal matter.”

For this reason, and to maintain the integrity of our judicial system, we strongly urge Attorney General Thurbert Baker to rescind his appeal against the decision rendered by Judge Wilson and allow Genarlow Wilson to reclaim his life.

To date, the Legislature has amended the law recognizing the severity of the punishment against young people who engage in consensual sex. As well, our court system has ruled that the penalty was constitutionally disproportionate and morally cruel. The court of public opinion and the media have also loudly opposed the outcome of this case. Matt Towery, the author of the legislation in question, is on record as saying “the Wilson case result was not our intent.” Marie Manigault, the jury foreperson for the Genarlow Wilson case indicated that the law was “bad,” based on the harshness of the punishment. Even Ms. Veda Cannon, mother of the young girl involved in this case has publicly commented against the sentence young Genarlow has received.

With all these voices shouting, why is no one with the power to resolve this judicial crisis listening? We in the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus are listening and will not allow our elected officials to hide behind the law. As public servants we have a responsibility to establish, enforce, and interpret the law in a manner that is just and beneficial to all Georgians. Allowing Genarlow Wilson to stay imprisoned on a law everyone considers unjust and severe, undermines the integrity of our judicial system. The ruling by Judge Wilson must stand so Genarlow Wilson can resume his life. And so we, as Georgians, can regain our faith that the rule of law we live under does indeed serve our best interests. We also endorse the efforts of various groups and individuals for all the work they have done.

Thank you.